August 30, 2022
To all members of the Carleton community,
September is almost here and we will soon be back on campus for the Fall 2022 season. As COVID-19 is still present in the community, it is important that we continue to follow public health guidelines and take precautions to reduce our dangers. Community is a core value at Carleton, and as we begin the new academic year, we all have the opportunity to show the care and compassion our community is known for.
This article summarizes the COVID-19 measures that will apply for the autumn term 2022.
Masks are strongly recommended
In accordance with current public health guidelines, masking is strongly recommended as a way to protect yourself from COVID-19 – especially indoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained. In line with other health care facilities, Health Services and the Sports Medicine Clinic will continue to require masks. Masks are available to all faculty and staff and can be obtained from department administrators through the eShop. Tri-ply cloth masks are also included in our student orientation kits.
Individual preferences regarding mask use will vary. Everyone is empowered to make their own decisions to help reduce personal risk, and we ask everyone to be understanding and respectful of people’s personal choices. Outside of our healthcare facilities, individuals cannot require colleagues or students to wear masks in classrooms or offices, except in very specific situations, such as laboratories where masks were required before the pandemic. Please note that the university’s mandatory mask mandate may be reinstated at a future time if public health indicators and guidelines change.
Staying up-to-date with vaccination
Vaccination remains the best protection against serious illness, hospitalization, long-term impacts from COVID-19, and potential disruption to learning or work. As such, we strongly recommend that all members of the Carleton community receive a full course of vaccinations and stay up-to-date with their vaccinations, including receiving any additional doses as soon as they are eligible to do so.
Although proof of vaccination is not required to enter campus or participate in Carleton activities in person, it may become necessary to bring proof of vaccination requirements on short notice if the situation and public health advisories change. All Carleton students, faculty and staff continue to be required to verify their vaccination status and, if vaccinated, upload proof of vaccination and subsequent booster doses to cuScreen as soon as possible.
Please note that isolation requirements vary depending on your vaccination status, with unvaccinated individuals needing to be isolated longer. In collaboration with Ottawa Public Health, a COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Fenn Lounge, Residence Commons. Vaccination appointments are also readily available at community clinics and local pharmacies.
Staying at home if you are not well
Staying alert and not coming to campus when you are sick or have symptoms is important to contain any spread. If you feel unwell, protect your colleagues and classmates by staying home and following the online symptom reporting process.
Ventilation stations and hand sanitizers
Facilities Management and Planning continues to monitor the ventilation systems in all buildings and tunnels, which are equipped with high efficiency filters (MERV 13). Additionally, all major air handling systems perform pre- and post-occupancy ventilation air purges at least two hours before occupancy and two hours after occupancy. Hand sanitizer stations will continue to be available at building entrances.
Monkey pox
We are continuing to monitor monkeypox and are working with Ottawa Public Health. A monkeypox vaccination clinic will be held for eligible individuals on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Fenn Lounge, Residence Commons. More information on monkeypox, common signs and symptoms, prevention of spread and eligibility for who can receive the vaccine can be found on the Ottawa Public Health website.
The well-being of our community remains our highest priority and, as has been the case throughout the pandemic, we will continue to adjust our plans as necessary to ensure everyone’s health and safety. As always, we will follow public health guidelines and any applicable regulations.
Any questions you may have that are not answered by Carleton’s COVID-19 information website and its FAQ section should be forwarded to [email protected].
The University will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes. We ask that everyone stay vigilant and continue to show patience and compassion as we navigate our collective return to campus.
Wishing you all a safe and successful fall season,
Suzanne Blanchard
The COVID-19 bullet
On behalf of the COVID-19 Steering Committee
Tuesday, August 30, 2022 in Announcements, Coronavirus, CU Parents, News
Share: I tweetFacebook
