FAQ: Health and Safety

If you are in close enough contact with someone to ascertain that they displaying obvious symptoms of illness in a class they should be requested to go home, sick. If there are ongoing concerns related to the response, faculty should report the matter to their Chair. 

The College Policy HS 16 Workplace Recovery indicates that if you are sick – stay home.

Policies around student absence due to illness nave not changed due to the pandemic.  However, the College recognizes that students may face unique pressures – and unexpected complications in their personal lives – due to the ongoing pandemic. Faculty should strive for flexibility in balancing academic demands with students’ personal situations. This could involve accommodation on deadlines or crafting unique plans to make-up for missed material – depending on the individual circumstances. The College’s top priority is the safety of students and employees. A list of additional student supports/resources for students can also be found here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/

Policies around student absence due to illness nave not changed due to the pandemic.  However, the College recognizes that students may face unique pressures – and unexpected complications in their personal lives – due to the ongoing pandemic. Faculty should strive for flexibility in balancing academic demands with students’ personal situations. This could involve accommodation on deadlines or crafting unique plans to make-up for missed material – depending on the individual circumstances. The College’s top priority is the safety of students and employees. A list of additional student supports/resources for students can also be found here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/

Training can be found here: https://employeelearningcatalogue.algonquincollege.com/course/83/covid-19-health–safety-awareness-training-for-employees-returning-to-campus

Not unlike other institutions, we have measures prepared to support the suspension of the class, assist with contact tracing and ensure full disinfection of any affected spaces before resuming any activity. Of course, the College will also work directly with Ottawa Public Health, as needed, for any situation that might arise.

As part of standard contact tracing, anyone with known, close contact with a COVID-19 patient would be informed. Whether you are informed or not depends on the nature of the contact you have had with a confirmed positive case.

As part of standard contact tracing, anyone with known, close contact with a COVID-19 patient would be informed. Whether you are informed or not depends on the nature of the contact you have had with a confirmed positive case.

As part of standard contact tracing, anyone with known, close contact with a COVID-19 patient would be informed. Broad notification will only be undertaken in consultation with Ottawa Public Health. You can watch this page for updates.

Per HS 16 Mandatory Use of Masks Policy Addendum, students should be arriving on campus wearing a personal mask. If they arrive at a public entrance without one, they will be provided disposable mask by Security. This should minimize the likelihood that a student in class doesn’t have one. If a student does not have a mask in class or is unable to wear one due to a valid exemption, the faculty should advise the student of the mandatory use of masks, in accordance with the policy. Documentation of an inability to wear a mask is not required.  The by-law also allows for other types of face coverings such as a scarf, buff or other fabric that can be used to cover the mouth and nose.

If there are ongoing concerns related to a student’s response, faculty should report the matter to their Chair.  For immediate support in a classroom incident (like refusal to wear a mask), security can be called.

While it is recommended that staff who are concerned, clean their own personal work tools and space as they feel necessary, they are not being directed. Any department can order cleaning supplies for this purpose. Also, any employee is welcome to bring preferred household cleaning products to their office for this purpose.

No – classrooms are being cleaned regularly by Facilities Management.  While they are not being directed, any department can order cleaning supplies for this purpose. Also, any employee is welcome to bring preferred household cleaning products for this purpose.

All areas have been requested to limit on-campus staffing to that which is necessary to support academic and related operations. This limits the number of employees. Faculty access to buildings is aligned with the time they are required to be on campus to facilitate hands-on instruction.

Only faculty authorized to be on campus to deliver hands-on instruction are to be on campus in their respective work areas.

Instructions for proper mask handling and usage has been distributed and is available on-line to educate employees and students how to avoid contamination of masks. Regardless, if a mask is believed to be contaminated, a faculty member should advise their supervisor and a replacement can be provided. Alternatively, a faculty member could attend one of the designated public entrances and request a disposable mask from security. During any time that a faculty member is not wearing a mask, they should respect physical distancing. There is no need to cancel a class. 

There will be Campus Services amenities available for food purchasing and consumption. Where meals and breaks are taken is a matter of choice. However, it is imperative that physical distancing and proper hand hygiene and cough/sneeze etiquette be adhered to.

No – not for personal offices. Departments can order larger volumes of hand sanitizer for large group offices. There is also an adequate number of hand sanitizer available throughout the College for their use. Employees are welcome to use personal hand sanitizers in their offices.

Attendance is only required for on-campus learning activities.  Faculty are taking daily attendance in a manner of their choosing.  These attendance lists will be used to provide Ottawa Public Health with potential exposure data only in the event of a confirmed case.  Faculty need not provide the lists unless specifically requested.

Yes – although if there are alternatives to minimize this practice they should be applied. All persons should be practicing frequent hand-washing and not touching their faces, which is adequate for this concern.

Faculty is to advise a student who is not feeling well to go home. Further, advise the student to not return if they are sick and to pursue COVID-19 testing if they are further concerned regarding their symptoms. No – the class is not cancelled. Faculty are to advise the rest of the class that if there is further concern for their safety, they will be advised, based on contact notification practices for positive cases of COVID-19. 

The student should be reminded of the mandatory mask policy. If the student continues to not wear a mask – or has a valid reason for exemption to the policy – the faculty member should engage the student from a safe physical distance of 6ft. or greater. This can be done inside the office if space permits or outside the office if appropriate. Additionally, the matter should be reported to the Chair to ensure that corrective measures are taken with the student to ensure the mandatory use of a mask, unless due to a valid exemption. 

There is no need to amend the policy. A class may be suspended in the event of a report of a positive case of COVID-19, however, the adopted cleaning / disinfection procedures will be applied as quickly as possible. 

There is no single criteria for the number of students permitted in a particular classroom or lab space. It all depends on the size and structure of the space, the kinds of equipment located in the space, and types of learning activities taking place within the space. These factors along with the capacity of rooms based on physical distancing requirements determine the number of students in a classroom.

The general public does not have access to the campus. There has to be a valid purpose to authorize access to the campus. The reference to a limited number of people on campus at all times refers to the effect of the College position that only hands-on, instruction is being carried out. This limits the number of students. All areas have been requested to limit on-campus staffing to that which is necessary to support academic and related operations. This limits the number of employees. There is no arbitrary limit of persons for the campus that is being monitored or applied. Faculty access to buildings is aligned with the time they are required to be on campus to directly facilitate instruction,

Only faculty authorized to be on campus to deliver hands-on instruction are to be on campus in their respective work areas. Some few exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis, but only with approval of the manager/Chair.  Classrooms are being cleaned regularly by Facilities Management.

Advise their Chair.  If further accommodation is required, a discussion should be initiated with Human Resources.

Advise their Chair.  If further accommodation is required, a discussion should be initiated with Human Resources.

Faculty is to advise the sick student to go home.

Pre-COVID, mail would be delivered to the Departmental Offices, then distributed by the office staff.  Currently, there are no plans to deliver mail to the offices. All department staff are able to go to Central Shipping and Receiving to collect their mail.  Mail is still coming in and is sorted by department.  Staff can pick up their mail with proper ID.  Staff can as well drop off out-going mail and parcels at Central Shipping.

Go directly home, practice physical distancing and wear a mask. Take a self-assessment test and follow the guidelines of Ottawa Public Health for next steps.

It was identified that carpooling is often one of the biggest risk factors related to workplace outbreaks and sports related outbreaks. OPH recommends only carpooling between household and for essential reasons only (for example, going to work or school). If carpooling with non-household members is necessary Ottawa Public Health recommends the following:

· Please wear a mask prior to entering the shared vehicle and keep it on for the entire duration of the ride. 

· Try to maximize the spaces between occupants. For example, don’t sit beside the driver but instead sit in the back-seat on the passenger side to ensure distance is kept

· Keep windows open to assist with ventilation (weather and safety permitting)

· Ensure the air recirculation button is turned off. The button sometimes looks like this:

The other area where we are seeing increased elements of risk are breakrooms. Ensure that spacing has been established and is adhered to in coffee rooms, break rooms, lunchrooms, etc. Ensure hand sanitizer is easily accessible, and surfaces are disinfected before and after use. 

Algonquin College will suspend its mandatory masking policy for the majority of the College and academic programming, effective June 1, 2022.

You should report your concerns to your instructor. 

You should report your concerns to a College official or Security Services.

Please consult with your professor/instructor to work together on an accommodation plan. The College recognizes that students may face unique pressures – and unexpected complications in their personal lives – due to ongoing pandemic. Faculty will strive for flexibility to deal with student’s personal situations. A list of additional student supports/resources can be found here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/

You can learn more about COVID-19 symptoms, and what your next steps should be, here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/coronavirus/covid-19-testing-parameters/ 

The College has compiled as a summary reference for College community members for information surrounding COVID-19 testing and College procedures that need to be followed. You can find a summary of what to do if you are feeling unwell here.

Please promptly consult with your professor/instructor to work together on an accommodation plan. The College recognizes that students may face unique pressures – and unexpected complications in their personal lives – due to ongoing pandemic. Faculty will strive for flexibility to deal with student’s personal situations. A list of additional student supports/resources can be found here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/

Training can be found here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/safety-security-services/home/occupational-health-and-safety/health-safety-training-resources/student-health-safety-training/

Not unlike other institutions, we have measures prepared to support the suspension of the class, assist with contact tracing and ensure full disinfection of any affected spaces before resuming any activity. Of course, the College will also work directly with Ottawa Public Health, as needed, for any situation that might arise.

As part of standard contact tracing, anyone with known, close contact with a COVID-19 patient would be informed. Broad notification will only be undertaken in consultation with Ottawa Public Health.

There is no single criteria for the number of students permitted in a particular classroom or lab space. It all depends on the size and structure of the space, the kinds of equipment located in the space, and types of learning activities taking place within the space. These factors along with the capacity of rooms based on physical distancing requirements determine the number of students in a classroom.

Academic and support staff handling the delivery of programming are there to help ensure COVID-19 safety rules are being followed for their students. Each lab or teaching space has different rules depending on the kind of learning taking place in the space. For example, the outdoor space being used by the Forestry students on Pembroke Campus is very different from an indoor space being used by Massage Therapy students – so different rules are required based on equipment, learning activity and environment. It is important that the whole College community take responsibility for adhering to the safety practices to help ensure everyone’s safety. The College also launched a Campus Access guide and Return to Campus microsite for all returning students, recognizing the first step in following the necessary precautions is to  help ensure broad awareness.

Go directly home, practice physical distancing and wear a mask. Take a self-assessment test and follow the guidelines of Ottawa Public Health for next steps.

Inform your instructor, self-quarantine and follow Ottawa Public Health guidance in the recovery and self-isolation process. If you live in Residence, inform the Residence manager.

It was identified that carpooling is often one of the biggest risk factors related to workplace outbreaks and sports related outbreaks. OPH recommends only carpooling between household and for essential reasons only (for example, going to work or school). If carpooling with non-household members is necessary Ottawa Public Health recommends the following:

· Please wear a mask prior to entering the shared vehicle and keep it on for the entire duration of the ride. 

· Try to maximize the spaces between occupants. For example, don’t sit beside the driver but instead sit in the back-seat on the passenger side to ensure distance is kept

· Keep windows open to assist with ventilation (weather and safety permitting)

· Ensure the air recirculation button is turned off. The button sometimes looks like this:

The other area where we are seeing increased elements of risk are breakrooms. Ensure that spacing has been established and is adhered to in coffee rooms, break rooms, lunchrooms, etc. Ensure hand sanitizer is easily accessible, and surfaces are disinfected before and after use. 

All learners, employees, contractors and visitors will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination – unless exempted – in order to attend in-person activities at our campuses in Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth – as well as AC’s Corporate Training location at 700 Sussex Dr. This includes those learners living in our Residence on the Ottawa Campus.

Our vaccination requirement will only impact those who are required to attend in-person academic and support activities or College events. If you are studying remotely and not attending one of our campuses, you do not need to provide proof of vaccination.

Please note these important dates:

• As of now: Those choosing to be unvaccinated will not be permitted access to campus – unless they have been approved for an exemption (details on this process can be found here).
• December 27: For those requiring access to campus for the 2022 Winter Term, this is the last date you can receive your second shot, meet the 14-day waiting period, and submit your proof of full vaccination. (If you anticipate returning to campus for the 2022 Winter Term, please upload your vaccination status in advance.)
• January 10, 2022: First day of the winter term for the majority of full-time and part-time programs. (For Apprenticeships with an earlier start date, you must have received your second dose and undergone the 14-day waiting period beforehand).

Yes. Driven by new public health recommendations and the growing impact of COVID-19 variants of concern, Algonquin College has decided to implement a mandatory vaccination policy for the Fall 2021 Term-onwards. You can view the full policy here.

All learners, employees, contractors and visitors will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination – unless exempted – in order to attend in-person activities at our campuses in Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth. This includes those learners living in our Residence on the Ottawa Campus.

In making this change, Algonquin College joins a number of post-secondary institutions across Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and abroad.

• As of now: Those choosing to be unvaccinated will not be permitted access to campus – unless they have been approved for an exemption (details on this process can be found here).
• January 10, 2022: First day of the winter term for the majority of full-time and part-time programs. (For Apprenticeships with an earlier start date, you must have received your second dose and undergone the 14-day waiting period beforehand).

The other area where we are seeing increased elements of risk are breakrooms. Ensure that spacing has been established and is adhered to in coffee rooms, break rooms, lunchrooms, etc. Ensure hand sanitizer is easily accessible, and surfaces are disinfected before and after use. 

It was identified that carpooling is often one of the biggest risk factors related to workplace outbreaks and sports related outbreaks. OPH recommends only carpooling between household and for essential reasons only (for example, going to work or school). If carpooling with non-household members is necessary Ottawa Public Health recommends the following:

· Please wear a mask prior to entering the shared vehicle and keep it on for the entire duration of the ride. 

· Try to maximize the spaces between occupants. For example, don’t sit beside the driver but instead sit in the back-seat on the passenger side to ensure distance is kept

· Keep windows open to assist with ventilation (weather and safety permitting)

· Ensure the air recirculation button is turned off. The button sometimes looks like this:

A: The College will respond to all incidents on a case-by-case basis. Any decision on closing the campus in the future would be made in consultation with Public Health officials. COVID-19 cases have been documented at other post-secondary institutions in Ottawa and across Canada, and we could face additional isolated cases amidst our own population in the days, weeks and months ahead. The nature of the cases would determine any course of action.

A: We will continue to share information about any confirmed COVID-19 cases affecting our campuses. All additional cases will be announced at this link – please visit it any time for the latest update. Campus-Involved COVID-19 Cases | Coronavirus Information (algonquincollege.com)

The general public does not have access to the campus. There has to be a valid purpose to access to the campus. During the Fall 2020 term, only specific students will be permitted on our campuses — when necessary — as part of select learning activities

Not unlike other institutions, we have measures prepared to support the suspension of the class, assist with contact tracing and ensure full disinfection of any affected spaces before resuming any activity. Of course, the College will also work directly with Ottawa Public Health, as needed, for any situation that might arise.

Algonquin College will suspend its mandatory masking policy for the majority of the College and academic programming, effective June 1, 2022.

Masking will continue to be required for any program where a regulatory body requires a masking mandate..  Please check with your program coordinator to be sure.

Visit here for AC’s guide to physical distancing on elevators.

Visit here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/campusservices/all-faq/

Visit here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/upass/

Please download/visit AC’s guide to Coughing Etiquette.

Please see the following resources:

• Hand washing
• Hand sanitizing

See AC’s mask etiquette guide.

Physical distancing means keeping our distance from one another and limiting activities outside the home.

When outside your home, it means staying at least 2 metres (or 6 feet) away from other people whenever possible.

Learn more here.

See here for related guidelines on coughing etiquette and elevator safety.

The Ontario Government has launched a new Coronavirus Self-Assessment Tool: If you think you have 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine if you need to seek further care.

During our summer pilot programs and Fall 2020 term, only specific students and employees will be permitted to be on our campuses — when necessary — as part their work and learning activities. A limited amount of people will be allowed on campuses at any given time.

Members of the College community who are sick should not come to campus. It is best to stay at home and recover from being sick before coming to campus. 

According to Ottawa Public Health, self-isolation is required when you are sick with symptoms specifically of COVID-19 and you have been told by a health care provider or Public Health to separate yourself from others, including from the people you live with, to the greatest extent possible. The purpose of self-isolation is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others in your home and your community.

You must isolate yourself for at least 14 days if you have:

• returned from travel outside Canada
• been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are waiting to hear the results of a lab test for COVID-19
• symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild
• been in contact with a suspected, probable or confirmed case of COVID-19

• The Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ottawa is asking all people in Ottawa to practice social distancing, meaning:

· Limiting non-essential trips out of the home;

· Working to maintain a distance of 1-2 meters from other people as much as possible;

• Ottawa Public Health advises the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. In general, everyday preventive actions can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and share your recent travel history with your health care provider.
• If you have concerns about procedures to follow for isolation, how to safely visit a health care provider when you think you may have the virus, or any other care-related questions, you can call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744.