Enrolment capping and increased wastewater testing join list of new measures to be taken
The University of Guelph has released new details concerning its plan to have an in-person fall 2021 semester.
On June 3, the university posted a news release and an infographic outlining information related to vaccination, safe spaces, personal safety, health monitoring, and frameworks and guidelines.
The U of G states that all information provided and actions planned are under the guidance of Public Health and directives from the province.
The university has been operating a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in its University Centre for the past few months. The clinic will continue to operate into the fall, where it will offer vaccinations to students, faculty, staff, and international students. The university has also launched a #GryphonsGetVaccinated campaign, to “provide accurate info, dispel myths and help our community feel confident in getting vaccinated,” according to the release.
In addition to existing building safety measures such as signage promoting physical distancing, cleaning of high-touch surfaces, and the availability of hand sanitizer, spaces on campus will see increased measures by fall such as maximized outside air flow in ventilation systems, air flow testing in classrooms, and the capping of enrolment for in-person course sections at 250 students.
Personal safety measures previously introduced, including wearing masks, completing the university’s COVID-19 safety training course, getting tested at the university’s Campus COVID-19 Assessment and Testing Clinic, working remotely when possible, and visiting the Gryphon Family Portal for mental health resources, continue to be encouraged. New for the fall will be a COVID-19 call centre, available to those who have tested positive and/or want more information on COVID-19.
To monitor the health of the school community, COVID-19 testing has been done on campus residences’ wastewater since October 2020 and will continue into the fall, expanding to include all residences, seven days a week. Existing measures include filling out the university’s daily screening form before coming to campus, completing a self-declaration form to return to campus after a COVID-19 infection or period of isolation, and the university’s positive case and outbreak protocol, all of which will continue into the school year. A working group is currently considering implementing rapid testing this fall for students, faculty, and staff after the U of G took part in a rapid testing pilot program last winter.
Lastly, according to the infographic: “Research, academic and employee frameworks along with [the U of G’s] operational plans will help ensure the university’s key functions can be performed safely within provincial and public health rules.”
To stay up-to-date on fall 2021 information, visit uoguelph.ca/fall-2021.
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