Case or Outbreak of COVID-19 on U of A Campus

 Last updated: January 18, 2021 (Updates to Health Screening Guide)

The purpose of the Rapid Response Plan is to mitigate against a case or an outbreak of COVID-19 on any of the university’s campuses or among any of its activities. It works by activating a team of trained case managers (the U of A COVID-19 Triage Team), who work closely with members of our community that may have been exposed to COVID-19, any associated academic and administrative departments, and Alberta Health Services (AHS).

Team members communicate with affected individuals to gather information and offer assistance and guidance on managing their particular case; they work with departments on any necessary infection control actions; and, they work with AHS on contact tracing or any other requirements AHS may identify.

The Rapid Response Plan is activated when the university becomes aware that a member of the university community, based on specific symptoms or history, has been on campus in the past 14 days, is legally required to self-isolate, or has a confirmed case of COVID-19.

How the plan is activated

  1. A student, staff member or community participant uses the COVID-19 Self-Assessment for Albertans. If, as a result of completing the self assessment, the student/staff member/community participant receives the following message in response to their input: “You are legally required to immediately self-isolate. You are recommended to be tested for COVID-19,” they contact their instructor(s), supervisor and/or campus activity coordinator as soon as possible. 
  2. The instructor/supervisor/activity coordinator, in turn, contacts the Public Health Response Team directly by email at phrt.triage@ualberta.ca, providing only their own name and a call back phone number.
  3. A member of the U of A Triage Team then contacts the instructor/supervisor/activity coordinator and the individual to offer assistance and guidance on next steps, following AHS directions.
  4. The Triage Team member stays in contact with the affected individual and associated department and AHS as necessary until the case is resolved.

Procedures for staff and students who are ill

COVID-19 Procedure for Sick Employees

COVID-19 Procedure for Sick Students

Other ways to engage the plan

The Rapid Response Plan will be activated when AHS notifies the university of a confirmed case of COVID-19 among staff, students, contractors or visitors to campus. 

A note about privacy

In Alberta, privacy laws protect the locations of individual cases of COVID-19. Please respect the rights, health and safety of fellow community members, and follow U of A COVID-19 reporting protocols. Learn more about how and when you will be notified about COVID-19 occurrences on U of A campuses. 

Resources

Emergency in progress?

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THEN call University of Alberta Protective Services:

  • Edmonton campuses: 780-492-5050
  • Augustana: 780-608-2905
Resources