Updates for the U of A community, week ending September 10
10 September 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: September 10, 2:10 p.m.
Notice: COVID-19 in our campus community
A recent off-campus community outbreak has impacted our university community. At this time, we want to reassure the U of A community that, in addition to our comprehensive Safety Measures General Directives, we have an effective COVID-19 Rapid Response Plan to help mitigate COVID-19 risks on our campuses; and, we want to highlight a few key actions you can take to help stop and prevent the spread.
Learn more by reading the Sept. 9 notice »
Slowing the transition to on-campus work
To help protect in-person teaching, learning, and research as well as student service activities, the university is slowing our phased transition to on-campus work. This means that anyone currently working remotely will continue to, and that where operations can be maintained, supervisors can ask their on-campus employees to shift to remote work. This will help de-densify common spaces and traffic around our campuses, creating more space for students, instructors, front-line support & facilities staff, and researchers.
Tips for working remotely are available on the Human Resources, Health, Safety & Environment website. If you have any questions, reach out to your supervisor and/or HR contact.
What to do if you're feeling unwell: Stay home!
Students, staff and faculty should complete the Alberta Health Daily Checklist each morning before heading to campus. If you feel unwell, protect yourself and your community by staying home. If you start to feel unwell when you are on campus, return home immediately.
In Alberta, you are legally required to isolate for a minimum of 10 days if you tested positive with an AHS administered PCR test or have any core COVID-19 symptoms that are not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition. For more information, see the U of A COVID-19 Procedures for Sick Employees and Students.
If you feel unwell, take care of yourself and others by staying home and focusing on getting better.
Mask up: Mandatory masking on campus
Since the start of the semester, the university has required that all faculty, staff, students and visitors to all U of A campuses wear non-medical face masks (masks) in all university indoor common-use spaces, including classrooms, labs, common areas in residences, libraries and meeting rooms. As of September 4, masks are also now mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces in Alberta.
Thank you for doing your part to help protect each other by wearing your mask and securing it over your nose and under your chin.
Attending online classes from campus: Workspace Options
With a mix of online and in-person classes this term, some students will need access to space that is appropriate for attending online classes while on campus. Whether you need a “collaborative zone” (i.e. space approved for group conversations) or somewhere private, you can learn more about the drop-in and bookable space options available online here. Hundreds of new spaces have been added for you to choose from. If you’re looking for a more private bookable option, reserve a spot early as spaces are limited.
General inquiries: U of A Public Health Response Team, phrtinfo@ualberta.ca