Memorandum – Rapid Antigen Testing

Posted on Thursday, September 9th, 2021

As detailed in the College’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Addendum (Policy HS16), alternate safety protocols are being administered for eligible College Community Members who have not achieved a full COVID-19 Vaccination status (required number of doses plus a 14- day wait period) and are required to attend on-campus or in-person activities.

Negative results from Rapid Antigen Tests are being relied upon to provide a high level of assurance that a College Community Member is not carrying the COVID-19 virus if the Member is not fully vaccinated.

To support this requirement, Algonquin College is beginning to offer Rapid Antigen Tests to eligible College Community Members starting Thursday, September 9th.

The tests are being offered at no cost to College Community Members who are required to access campus AND are either in the process of being vaccinated and not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have received approval for a bona fide exemption. The test being offered is the Panbio Rapid Antigen Test Nasopharyngeal swab.

Effective September 13th, the policy requirement of 2 negative rapid antigen tests from 2 different days during the previous seven (7) days will be applied.

This is an asymptomatic test only. Health Services cannot use this test on anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19. If you receive a positive result from a Rapid Antigen Test, it is considered a ‘preliminary positive’ and you will not be allowed on campus. You must then arrange for a follow-up PCR test within 24 hours by contacting your local Public Health Unit and/or booking an appointment at a local COVID-19 Assessment Centre. The PCR test is needed to confirm diagnosis.

Before coming to campus to access a test, please familiarize yourself with the College’s Vaccination Policy and follow the process for providing your proof of vaccination or exemption. You can access that information here.

Please contact your respective College campus to determine the availability of on-campus Rapid Antigen Testing.

Pembroke Campus details can be found here

Location: Room 127, 1st Floor of Pembroke Campus
Phone: 613-735-4700, Ext. 2748
Email: klawitl@algonquincollege.com

Website: https://www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke/health-services/

Perth Campus

Health Services, See Front Desk Reception at Perth Campus
Phone: 613.727.4723 ext. 7222
Email: HealthServices@algonquincollege.com

Ottawa Campus details can be found here

Health Services, Room C141 (1st floor, C Building)
Phone: 613.727.4723 ext. 7222
Email: HealthServices@algonquincollege.com

Note: Eligible College Community Members who must obtain testing at community pharmacies or alternate providers in order to gain access to a campus will be reimbursed for the cost of the RA test. Only the series of Abbott Panbio rapid tests are acceptable and must be accompanied by results validated by an authorized health care practitioner.

For College Community Members required to attend in-person activities at a College location and have not achieved full COVID-19 vaccination, the following guidance must be followed:

College Community Member has an approved medical exemption or other protected reason in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code:

 

  • Testing for students and employees required for the duration of Policy Addendum HS16 – Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination
  • Testing will be provided free of charge by Health Services or reimbursed by the College until circumstances change and such testing is no longer required.

 

College Community Members who only have one dose and are pursuing full vaccination or are in their 14-day wait period for full vaccination status after receiving a second dose:

 

  • Testing is required until full vaccination status is achieved
  • Testing will be provided free of charge by Health Services or reimbursed by College Administration

College Community Members who choose to remain unvaccinated as a matter of personal preference:

 

  • Testing for students and employees is required up to October 30, 2021
  • Testing will not be provided free through College Health Services and no reimbursement is available.
  • Testing must be obtained at community pharmacies or alternate providers
  • Testing is not available as a means to gain access to the College beyond October 30, 2021

Eligible College Community Members who must obtain testing at community pharmacies or alternate providers in order to gain access to a campus will be reimbursed for the cost of the Rapid Antigen Test. Only the series of Abbott Panbio rapid tests are acceptable and must be accompanied by results validated by an authorized health care practitioner.

Employee Reimbursements for Testing

Reimbursements for eligible employees requiring the Rapid Antigen Test will be made through the Workday Expense Claim Process upon submission of valid receipt. A detailed step-by-step guide for employees can be found here. Upon presentation of a valid receipt for a Rapid Antigen Test, Managers will approve these expense claims for their employees as required.

Student Reimbursements for Testing

Reimbursements for eligible students requiring the Rapid Antigen Test will be made through the College’s Finance Department. Students must submit by e-mail to studentCOVID19test@algonquincollege.com with the following information:

  • A valid test receipt displaying the student’s name, date and amount paid for the test (acceptable file formats include .jpg, .gif, .png, .pdf or other common formats)
  • Student number
  • Current mailing address

Upon receipt of this information, a refund for the cost of the test will be sent to the current mailing address provided within 2 weeks.

 

Duane McNair

Vice President, Finance and Administration

Laura Stanbra

Vice President, Student Services

 


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