Updates for the U of A community, week ending December 3

Posted: December 3, 2021 at 1:15 p.m.

Stay home when unwell

As we continue to navigate a time of shared health consequences, it is important that we care for each other by caring for ourselves. To continue to ensure the health of our community, we are encouraging all individuals who may be feeling unwell to stay home until they are well. This applies to students, employees and instructors. 

Read the whole message from Provost and Vice-president, Academic, Steven Dew »

CampusReady and exams

With final exams coming up, it's important that all students are aware of the COVID-19 protocols for in-person exams, such as wearing a mask and providing your CampusReady pass. Read all exam guidelines »

If you are feeling unwell, don’t panic. Learn what to do if you get sick before or during an exam »

The dos and don'ts of social gatherings

With the holiday season approaching, we must continue to gather and celebrate safely. We should maintain healthy habits for the safety and wellbeing of our entire community—no one wants to bring COVID-19 home for the holidays. If you're thinking about planning a social gathering this holiday season, review the Events, Meetings and Gatherings directive and check out this article on The Quad for more tips.

Third doses of vaccines — check when you’re eligible

On December 1, the Province of Alberta announced that it will begin to administer COVID-19 booster vaccines to all adults in phases starting next week. Third doses will be available beginning Dec. 6 for those over the age of 60. Additional age groups will be announced as quickly as possible. Vaccine effectiveness against infection may decline over time. Third doses can boost immunity to improve protection and limit spread. Stay up to date about COVID-19 booster shots, including eligibility and timing, by visiting the Government of Alberta’s website. 

Booster vaccinations are not required to be uploaded into the U of A’s CampusReady system at this time. Instead, please continue to follow all applicable provincial and U of A proof of vaccination requirements. 

Travel update: Canadian entry requirements 

The Government of Canada has announced that all travellers to Canada, except those arriving from the U.S., will be required to complete a COVID-19 test on arrival and to isolate until a negative test result is received. After January 15, only fully vaccinated students will be allowed to enter Canada. Students traveling to Canada are reminded to register with the Off-Campus Isolation and Travel Registry (OCITR) to ensure they have an acceptable quarantine plan while awaiting test results and that can be fully implemented if required. The OCITR remains a required component of the U of A’s federally approved plan for facilitating international students' entry to Canada. Students traveling to Canada are reminded to regularly consult the university’s Travel to Canada information for up-to-date information on entry, travel and quarantine requirements.

The U of A Public Health Response Team is monitoring travel and other impacts of the omicron variant; however, there are no further impacts to U of A safety measures and campus health & safety requirements at this time. 

Double check your Winter 2022 courses in BearTracks

Make sure you're in the right place at the right time before the winter semester begins. Check BearTracks to confirm how and where your classes will be delivered in Winter 2022. Please note that a small number (less than 1%) of Winter 2022 classes have recently shifted from in-person to online delivery. If this has affected you, your instructor has likely already provided additional information about the delivery method. Overall, the majority of Winter 2022 courses (about 90%) are in-person, and the U of A is offering about 10% of its Winter 2022 courses online.

Please note that the next regular COVID-19 update is scheduled for December 17 and will include the Winter 2022 Health & Safety Start of Term Guides. 

General inquiries: U of A Public Health Response Team, phrtinfo@ualberta.ca