COVID-19 MITIGATION MEASURES FOR FALL 2021
August 27, 2021
Our priority is the health and safety of our staff and students, and it is a responsibility we take very seriously. While it is our goal to deliver in-person programming and have our full complement of staff on campus for the upcoming year, we recognize that there is an increasing number of COVID-19 cases and the emergence of the more virulent Delta variant in the province. Therefore, to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 on our campuses, we have made the following decision:
Effective Monday, August 30, all students, staff, and visitors will be required to wear masks while on campus.
Staff
Use of masks is required in all common areas, including washrooms, hallways, classrooms, meeting rooms, shared spaces, etc. Masks are NOT required for those in single occupancy offices unless there is another individual meeting with you (e.g., at your door, sitting in a chair in the office).
Students
Use of masks is required in all common areas, including washrooms, hallways, and classrooms (both instructors and students). This means students are required to wear a mask while sitting at their desks and they can only be removed to eat and/or drink. Students are asked to supply their own masks; however, we will make them available to students on the first day of class.
Visitors
Will be required to wear a mask on campus. If they do not have one available, the College will supply them with one.
Exceptions to this mask Policy will apply where an individual is unable to wear a mask for reasons connected to a protected ground within the meaning of human rights legislation.
Individuals who have approved exceptions may not be permitted to return to the College's premises while this policy is in effect and will be accommodated to the point of undue hardship as required by law. Each case will be reviewed as appropriate. Anyone claiming an inability to wear a mask on protected grounds should contact Amy Yeager, VP Administration via email at yeagera@carltontrailcollege.com or at 1.306.682.2623.
We will monitor this decision on an ongoing basis to ensure that we continue to keep our learning community safe.
This decision will be reviewed at the end of September at which point, depending on the tracking of COVID-19, we may consider reducing current measures or, alternatively, implementing a plan that allows individuals (staff and students) who are fully vaccinated (meaning 14 days from your second shot) the ability to not wear a mask while on campus, by showing proof of vaccination status. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated, or who do not wish to share their vaccination status, would be required to continue to wear a mask.
Vaccination
While the COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the College strongly recommends that everyone who is eligible gets both doses of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccination series. To help support the College community get vaccinated, we are working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to set up pop up vaccination clinics throughout the College region.
Other Measures:
Screening Students and staff should continue the practice of self-screening for symptoms consistent with COVID 19. With fall soon upon us, it is expected that we will see an increase of respiratory illness; any respiratory illness should be considered COVID-19. Stay home, or leave campus, if you are feeling unwell. In all cases, if you develop symptoms of COVID-19, it is recommended that you get tested.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and common cold and may include one or more of the following:
• Fever
• Cough
• Headache
• Muscle and/or joint aches and pains
• Sore throat
• Chills
• Nasal congestion
• Conjunctivitis
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Altered sense of smell or taste
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
Staff: Advise your supervisor if you are feeling unwell.
Students: Advise your instructor if you are feeling unwell.
Hand Hygiene and Coughing/Sneezing Etiquette
Follow proper hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Scrub for 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Cough/sneeze into the bend of your elbow and then wash your hands with soap and water.
Hand sanitizers will be available in each class, and throughout the College, in highly visibly locations to use encourage regular use.
Enhanced Cleaning
Enhanced cleaning and sanitization are critical to help mitigate the spread of COIVD-19.
• Facility staff will clean and sanitize all high touch surfaces at regular intervals throughout the day.
• Both students and staff will be responsible for disinfecting their work area and wiping down high-touch surfaces after use.
Kitchens
• Will remain open.
Use of Lockers
• Will be permitted. Avoid congregating around lockers.
College Vehicles
• Same rules apply as being on campus regarding masking.
• Staff have the choice to taking a separate College vehicle if they feel more comfortable doing so.
For more information, contact:
Shelley Romanyszyn-Cross, President & CEO
Carlton Trail College
Phone: 306.682.6852 or 1.800.667.2623
Email: shelleyr@carltontrailcollege.com
For the latest on all provincial guidelines and restrictions, visit saskatchewan.ca.
