Managing safe returns to campus
Current Status — UPDATED February 11, 2021
To minimize the number of people on our campuses and prevent the spread of COVID-19, all work that can be conducted remotely must continue to be conducted remotely until at least August 31, 2021. The only exceptions are:
- critical services on campuses
- approved research activities that cannot be conducted remotely
- approved in-person courses and exams
- approved limited work exceptions on campus (e.g., access to equipment or inadequate work space at home to operate effectively)
One-time and occasional visits to campus can be permitted by supervisors and managers according to the above criteria. See the Approval Processes for Returning to Campus section of the Safety Measures General Directives for more information.
See the latest COVID-19 Information for the U of A Community »
Planning for return to campus
- Returning to campus - planning and logistics preparations
- Re-engaging employees
- Prepare employees to return to campus
- If an employee refuses to return to work
- What to expect during the return to campus
- Creating a positive arrival experience
- Providing support for employees
- Rethinking work
The Working from Campus section of the Safety Measures General Directives’ Approval Processes outlines the steps employees can take to see if they qualify to return to campus.
Critical on-campus services
During the COVID-19 pandemic, on-campus critical services are services that, if interrupted, would (1) endanger the life, personal safety or health of our community, or (2) irrevocably damage the environment or university property. On-campus essential services include activities such as infrastructure maintenance, animal care, hazard risk management, security, and health care. Talk to your HR partner if you are unsure if your employees’ work falls into this category.
Managing employees working on campus
Employee is concerned about getting COVID-19 by coming to work
Listen to and discuss their concerns with empathy. Share your solutions for safety and welcome their input. Review the health and safety measures the university and your department are taking.
Learn about your role in hazard identification and employee work refusal in the “If an employee refuses to return to work” section of the Engaging employees page.
Employee has medical condition that increases risk
- Discuss the employee’s concern with empathy. Employees are not required to disclose their condition.
- Encourage employees to discuss the concern with their physician.
- If the employee is working on campus, discuss alternatives to modify work to decrease exposure.
- If modified duties are not appropriate, consider assigning work/duties that can be done remotely.
- Discuss options with your HR Partner.
Employee feels ill
If your employee experiences COVID-19 symptoms, advise them to complete the COVID-19 self-assessment provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS). If testing confirms a COVID-19 diagnosis, they should follow AHS’ instructions. A doctor’s note is not required.
Review the COVID-19 Procedure for Sick Employees, information about a case or outbreak of COVID-19 on campus, and what to do when employees are sick or injured.
Employee tests positive for COVID-19 or may have been exposed
Review the COVID-19 Procedure for Sick Employees, and information about a case or outbreak of COVID-19 on campus.
Alberta Health Services will alert the appropriate people as quickly as possible if a confirmed COVID-19 case is identified.
The privacy and protection of an individual’s personal and health information continues to apply. Managers and supervisors must not share the identity of any staff member who may be impacted (e.g., isolated, being tested, confirmed diagnosis, etc.). An individual may share their personal and/or health information with colleagues, and managers and supervisors may be in a position where many staff are already aware of a situation/individual, however, managers/supervisors are required to maintain privacy.
Employee is directed to self-isolate, but is not ill
Explore options for working from home with full or modified duties. Consult your HR Partner for directions related to casual employees.
Employees returning from travel outside of Canada
Ask employees to self-isolate for 14 days. Explore options for working from home with full or modified duties.
Contact us
For COVID-related employment-related issues, University of Alberta staff can direct their questions to hrs.covid19@ualberta.ca.