Should I Stay Home?

What to do, especially if you're feeling unwell during the Fall 2021 semester.

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Updated October 18, 2021

This fall semester is different from all others, and that might have you wondering: should I be doing something different when I feel unwell this year? Here are a few quick and easy tips to help you decide what to do:

Take the Alberta Health Daily Checklist…Daily

Just as brushing your teeth, getting dressed, and pouring coffee or tea are part of your morning routine, so too should be screening yourself for COVID-19 symptoms. If you feel unwell at all, just stay home. If you’re feeling fine and don’t have any symptoms, carry on.

If You Have a Sore Throat - Stay Home. 

If You Have a Headache - Stay Home.

If You Have a Dry Cough - Stay Home.

If You Feel Off - Stay Home.

There’s a fairly simple pattern here: if you feel unwell, even if it’s only mildly - stay home

Contact your supervisor to let them know that you won't be able to come into work, complete the online Alberta Daily Health Check, and follow the instructions provided.. But most importantly, don’t go anywhere - stay home. (Unless it's to get a COVID-19 test.) See the procedures for sick employees to learn more. Supervisors should follow these procedures if an employee is sick. See the COVID-19 leave and pay guidelines or contact your HR Service Partner if you have questions about when to apply illness leave.

If You Felt Fine, But Now You Don’t - Go Home.

If you felt okay when you started your day but began to feel unwell at all while on campus, pack up your stuff and head home. Review the AHS Health Daily Checklist again. 

Reminder...

  • Starting November 1, the U of A will require everyone on our campuses to be fully vaccinated. Rapid testing will no longer be an alternative for those without an approved U of A vaccination requirement exemption.
  • On October 1, the U of A implemented a new system called CampusReady for students and employees to help simplify access and any required proof checks on our properties and five campuses. You are required to upload proof of vaccination or exemption and have a CampusReady pass before coming to campus or properties/facilities.
  • Albertans are legally required to isolate for 10 days if they have a positive AHS administered test or have any core COVID-19 symptoms that are not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition.
  • If you have symptoms, take the online assessment to arrange testing.
Learn more about isolation and quarantine requirements in Alberta.

Get Fully Vaccinated.

Getting fully vaccinated is the easiest way to protect yourself and others. The vaccines are proven to be scientifically safe. They are free - no cost at all to you. You are entitled to paid time off from your job to get them. Getting vaccinated is also much easier and quicker than undergoing regular testing. You can even get vaccinated right on North Campus.

Feelin’ Fine - Go to Work.

If you’re feeling okay, have no symptoms, successfully complete your daily health check, and especially if you are fully vaccinated, it is fine to proceed working on campus.


If you have questions about the U of A’s COVID-19 safety measures, get in touch by contacting phrtinfo@ualberta