Updates for the U of A community, week ending August 27
27 August 2021
This update was posted more than one month ago. Directions, policies, and safety measures may have changed during this time. To find the latest information, please consult the COVID-19 site or try searching the U of A website.
Posted: August 27, 3:20 p.m.
Declaring vaccination status and rapid testing
The University of Alberta has established a vaccination self-declaration process and a rapid testing program to support safety across our campuses this fall.
Between now and August 30, U of A students, faculty and staff will be requested via email to complete their online vaccination self-declaration. Those who are not fully vaccinated, and those who would prefer not to disclose their vaccination status, will need to regularly complete a rapid screening test at a U of A rapid testing station and receive a negative test result before they participate in on-campus activities. More information on rapid testing is available here.
Updated mask policy for U of A campuses
To simplify the university’s mask policy and provide clear guidance, the U of A has reinstated its pre-July 1 mask policy. This means that masks are required in all public indoor areas on U of A campuses, with few exceptions.
One exception of note: masks are optional for speakers addressing groups when comprehension may be an issue, such as instruction and speaking to an audience (at least two meters physical distance should be kept between the speaker and the audience/group).
This updated Mask Policy supersedes the August 17 announcement concerning masks.
Special Drop-in Vaccination Clinics
For those who may not have had a chance to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 yet, the U of A will be hosting special drop-in vaccination clinics during the first two weeks of classes.
Drop-in vaccination clinics days & locations:
- August 31 - Faith and Life Lounge (Augustana Campus)
- September 1 - Maple Leaf Room, Lister Centre (North Campus)
- September 2 - Alumni Room, Students’ Union Building (North Campus)
- September 7 - Alumni Room, Students’ Union Building (North Campus)
- September 8 - Garneau Lounge, HUB Mall (North Campus)
No appointments are necessary - just stop by and get your free COVID-19 shot. If you have an Alberta Health Care card, be sure to bring it. If you don’t have an Alberta Health Care number, you can still stop by to get your shot at these special drop-in clinics. Individuals vaccinated with non-Health Canada approved vaccinations AND who get an additional Health Canada approved mRNA shot (i.e. Moderna/Pfizer) will be considered fully vaccinated by the university. Getting fully vaccinated will help all of us start the new school year safely.
Students, Get Your Shot for Your Chance to Win
The University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) announced the Get Your Shot contest in partnership with the University of Alberta, the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA), and the Alumni Association. The contest runs from August 27 to September 10 and is open to all University of Alberta students 18 and older who have at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Updated Rapid Response Procedures
The U of A Triage Team has refreshed its procedures to support our on-campus response to cases of COVID-19. Highlights include:
- All U of A community members are expected to stay home if they have had any COVID-19 symptoms during the past ten days.
- Anyone who has experienced symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and not come to campus until their symptoms have resolved, they are feeling better, or they receive a negative COVID-19 test result from a PCR test booked through Alberta Health Services.
- If students receive a positive PCR COVID-19 test result from Alberta Health Services AND they have been on campus in the past 14 days they are to immediately contact the U of A Rapid Response Triage Team via email (phrt.triage@ualberta.ca), providing their name and a phone number where they can be reached.
- U of A employees who receive a positive PCR COVID-19 test result from Alberta Health Services AND they have been on campus in the past 14 days they are to immediately contact their supervisor, who will in turn contact the Triage Team for support.
Fall 2021 temporary workspace locations for online classes
With a mix of online and in-person classes for the Fall 2021 term, some students will need access to space that is appropriate for attending online classes while on campus. There are two options: drop-in space and bookable space. The majority of the temporary workspaces are drop-in only. Students who need to reserve a space ahead of time for a midterm or presentation can choose one of the bookable spaces. Since there are limited bookable spaces available, we recommend reserving these in advance. Learn more about the on-campus work spaces for students here.
Vaccination declaration information for campus visitors to come
More information for visitors regarding the declaration of vaccination status and rapid testing will be announced next week. Updates will be available on the COVID-19 website.
General inquiries: U of A Public Health Response Team, phrtinfo@ualberta.ca