February 24, 2022
To all members of the Carleton community,
On February 17, the provincial government started to ease public health measures in Ontario. This announcement included increasing social gathering limits; increasing organized public event limits; removing capacity limits within restaurants and athletic facilities as well as indoor areas that choose to opt-in to proof of vaccination requirements. The province has also announced that if indicators continue to improve, Ontario will continue to progressively lift public health measures.
At this time, following discussions with public health and other universities in Ontario, Carleton is not planning significant changes to the measures we currently have in place. This message summarizes these protocols and outlines the safe and gradual easing of measures for international travel, research labs, events and meeting protocols.
Vaccination RequirementsAs confirmed by the Council of Ontario Universities, in order to minimize uncertainty and disruption to our students, staff, faculty and university communities, Ontario’s universities will maintain their COVID-19 vaccination policies until at least the end of the current term. As a result, the Carleton COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy will remain in place for everyone eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (ages 5 and up) for at least the remainder of the winter 2022 term. The Ontario university sector is reviewing plans for future terms and more information will be provided as it becomes available. We strongly recommend that all members of the Carleton community get their third dose booster of the COVID-19 vaccine when eligible.
MasksThe Government of Ontario has not changed the provincial mask requirements at this time. Masks continue to be required and worn on campus including in classrooms and labs, in line with public health requirements and Carleton’s Mask Policy. Members of the Carleton community can continue to wear a three-layer non-medical mask that completely and comfortably covers the nose, mouth and chin without gaps and does not allow air to escape from edges. Departments and units can order masks for faculty and staff from Procurement Services in eShop.
cuScreenIndividuals are required to continue completing the COVID-19 screening self-assessment in cuScreen each day they come to campus. Individuals must also check in to their final destination using QR location codes in cuScreen and follow the COVID-19 Symptom Reporting process.
cuScreen AmbassadorscuScreen Ambassadors will continue to be on campus to encourage everyone to follow public health guidelines and regulations, help with directions, check screening results and answer any questions about COVID-19 procedures you have.
Class SchedulesClasses will continue as per the winter 2022 schedule for the remainder of the term.
Tunnel AccessAccess to the tunnels remains restricted to authorized individuals only and those with approval for accessibility purposes. Please visit the COVID-19 website for information on how to request tunnel access. We anticipate that access to the tunnels will resume at the beginning of the summer 2022 term once new ventilation equipment is installed.
Phase 4 UnitsWe are continuing to implement our safe and gradual return to campus plans. Units in Phase 4 will return to campus as previously planned unless otherwise communicated. Questions regarding your unit’s return can be directed to your manager or supervisor.
International Travel – NewIn light of the recent Global Affairs Canada changes to international travel advisories, university-related (including research and fieldwork) incoming and outgoing international travel, may be permitted where it is preferable for work purposes and career development. Individuals travelling abroad should follow the Travel Risk Management Checklist as well as all government travel requirements including those at their destination and for return to Canada.
Research Labs Capacity Limits – NewFollowing a review of research lab usage, research labs can be considered instructional spaces. As a consequence, capacity in research labs will be increased to 50 per cent for instructional purposes. While there is no longer a requirement to maintain two metres of physical distancing in research labs when used as an instructional space, it is still recommended that individuals maintain physical distancing wherever possible. All individuals in the lab must continue to follow all COVID-19 protocols and safety measures.
Events Capacity Limits and Safe Meeting Protocols – NewWe will be gradually increasing the capacity limits for activities and events on campus in line with Provincial regulations. All events are required to follow health and safety measures including vaccination requirements, screening via cuScreen, wearing of masks and physical distancing where possible. Limited catering services will also resume. Requests to host events can be submitted through the Application for Campus Activities and Events form. Additionally, the safe meeting protocols have been updated.
We are continuing to monitor Ontario’s reopening plans and will adjust our plans as required by evolving regulations and public health advice. We are also continuing to work collaboratively with the Ontario university sector to develop a scenario plan for health and safety measures for the spring and fall terms and more information will be communicated as it becomes available.
These are challenging times, and we continue to adjust to changing circumstances in real-time. As always, we are grateful for our community’s flexibility and compassion in this context. Thank you for continuing to work together to facilitate a safe and successful return to campus.
Sincerely,
Suzanne BlanchardCOVID-19 LeadOn behalf of the COVID-19 Steering Committee
Thursday, February 24, 2022 in Coronavirus
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