Health & Wellness

Should I Stay Home?

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

September 07, 2021

Updated October 18, 2021

This year is different, there is no denying that. 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 make it through:

Take the Alberta Health Daily Checklist…. Daily

Yes, daily. Just as brushing your teeth, getting dressed, and grabbing something for breakfast are part of your morning routine, so too should be screening yourself for COVID-19 symptoms. It should be quick and easy to do…. Basically, 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 instructor(s) to let them know that you’ll be missing class, complete the online Alberta Daily Health Check, and go from there. But most importantly, don’t go anywhere - stay home. (Unless AHS indicates that you should get tested of course.) See the procedures for sick students to learn more.

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. Take the AHS Health Check 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 can even legally get 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 - Get to Class.

If you’re feeling okay, have no symptoms, successfully complete your daily health check, and especially if you are fully vaccinated - go to class.

If you have questions about the U of A’s COVID-19 safety measures, get in touch by contacting phrtinfo@ualberta. Students can also contact the Office of the Dean of Students to learn about health, wellness, and academic support services by emailing dosdean@ualberta.ca.