COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus) Information
Latest Update Rapid Test Locations Previous Updates
Latest Update
March 31, 2022 - Return to Campus Communications
As of March 1, the provincial “work from home mandate” was lifted and Keyano College employees started to return to on-campus work. The College has taken a transitional approach to return to our campus locations. All employees have until the beginning of the Spring semester (May 2) to transition back to on-campus work.
The primary work location for all College positions is in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB), specifically on-campus locations. Exceptions to the primary work location may be granted based on the employee’s employment contract or by authorization on a temporary basis.
Remote work arrangements will be reviewed on an individual basis and may be considered in response to the following:
- An employee requests a remote work arrangement for a specified period of time.
- The employee’s employment contract specifies a permanent work location that is not on campus.
Please be advised should you wish to continue a remote working arrangement you will need to discuss this request with your immediate supervisor and work in collaboration with Human Resources. In addition, this will be considered a short-term work agreement. Please review the remote work guidelines, and remote work agreement request form.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus and while restrictions are relaxing and lifting, the health and safety of our Students and Employees are always our top priority. We continue to encourage the use of hand sanitizer, masks, and social distancing. Thank you for your patience and cooperation and for respecting people’s masking choices.
Thanks for your understanding as we begin our transition back to pre-COVID operations.
IMPORTANT: These decisions are as of March 31. We are subject to provincial and municipal bylaws and guidelines and these decisions may change pending further direction from the Alberta Chief Medical Officer, Alberta Health Services, and other provincial guidelines.
Company | Address | Phone Number |
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Shoppers Drug Mart |
Thickwood: 121 Signal Road Timberlea: 112 Riverstone Ridge |
Thickwood: 780-743-4662 Timberlea: 780-743-3362 |
Medika North | 33-280 Taiganova Crescent | 780-715-4424 |
Hines Health Services | Suite 101A 805 Memorial Drive | 780-790-6909 |
Drivers Check | 8217 Franklin Avenue | 780-743-5351 |
Canada Research Labs | 2nd Floor 8706 Franklin Avenue | 780-790-1313 |
Previous Updates
February 28, 2022 - COVID-19 Update | ||||||||||||||||||||
On Tuesday, February 8, the Government of Alberta (GOA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) presented their “path to easing restrictions” plan and guidelines. Please visit the Alberta Health Services website for the full list of changes. As of March 1, the provincial “work from home mandate” will be lifted and Keyano College employees can return to on-campus work. The College will be taking a transitional approach to return to our campus locations. All employees which means employees will have until the beginning of the Spring semester (May 2) to transition back to on-campus work. The Protocol FAQs sheet is intended to answer any questions you may have. If you have additional questions not on the sheet, please send them to Suzie.johnson@keyano.ca In addition, as of March 1, Keyano College will not require a “proof of vaccination” QR code to enter the campuses. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus and while restrictions are relaxing and lifting, the health and safety of our Students and Employees are always our top priority. We continue to encourage the use of hand sanitizer, masks, and social distancing. Thank you for your patience and cooperation and for respecting people’s masking choices. As part of the College’s return to Campus initiative, we are in the process of reducing our contracted security team to pre-COVID staffing levels. Also effective March 1, we will no longer have five (5) guards and will reduce to a four (4) guard compliment. The College is working with our provider to ensure that we optimize our security coverage within our current contract. Thanks for your understanding as we begin our transition back to normal operations. IMPORTANT: These decisions are as of March 1. We are subject to provincial and municipal bylaws and guidelines and these decisions may change pending further direction from the Alberta Chief Medical Officer, Alberta Health Services, and other provincial guidelines. |
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February 18, 2022 - COVID-19 Update | ||||||||||||||||||||
On Tuesday, February 8, the Government of Alberta (GOA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) presented their “path to easing restrictions” plan and guidelines. Please visit the Alberta Health Services website for the full list of changes. After consultation with students, faculty, and deans, we have determined that a mixed delivery is warranted at this time. This only applies to the completion of the Winter semester. Delivery methods for the Spring and Fall semesters will be determined over the next few weeks as we continue to closely monitor this situation. We will make those decisions closer to the Spring and Fall semester start dates. Therefore, as of March 1, Keyano College will continue with several delivery modes to accommodate all learners.
It is our intention to continue to make informed decisions regarding the method of delivery that is best for the health and safety of our students and staff. Further communication regarding a plan for employees’ return to campus will be shared next week. IMPORTANT: These decisions are as of March 1. We are subject to provincial and municipal bylaws and guidelines and these decisions may change pending further direction from the Alberta Chief Medical Officer, Alberta Health Services, and other provincial guidelines. |
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February 9, 2022 - COVID-19 Update | ||||||||||||||||||||
Important Notice On Tuesday, February 8, the Government of Alberta (GOA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) presented their “path to easing restrictions” plan and guidelines. Please visit the Alberta Health Services website for the full list of changes. As for returning to on-campus learning and working, the Government of Alberta has not lifted restrictions regarding the “mandatory work-from-home” order. Alberta Health Services will be closely monitoring hospitalizations and if they continue to trend downward, more restrictions will be lifted as of March 1. Keyano College Executive and the COVID Senior Leadership Team are closely monitoring the AHS guidelines and are in consultation with Student and Faculty Associations, as well as CUPE, and other post-secondary institutions around the province. It is our intention to make informed decisions regarding the method of delivery that is best for the health and safety of our students and staff. We ask that you remain patient as this situation unfolds and we will have answers as soon as possible. |
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January 19, 2022 - COVID-19 Response Update | ||||||||||||||||||||
Please be advised, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, Keyano College will continue to offer programming in an online/blended delivery until further notice. We encourage all staff and faculty to check their Keyano email regularly and the College Coronavirus webpage for ongoing updates.
• Keyano classes will be continuing to use the blended model; meaning, the theory portion will be delivered online, and required labs, practical, shop, etc., will be delivered face-to-face.
If you are sick or show any symptoms, STAY HOME AND DO NOT COME ON CAMPUS! • Reminder: The Omicron variant is HIGHLY transmissible. If you are required to be on Campus, masks are required in all indoor spaces and must completely cover your mouth and nostrils at all times. That means in the College, in the halls, classrooms, common areas, and buildings. No exceptions. Social distancing is required in all common areas, and we encourage good hand hygiene. |
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December 29, 2021 - Omicron Variant Response Update | ||||||||||||||||||||
The health and safety of the College community are of utmost importance. In response to the increasing COVID-19 cases with the new Omicron variant, Keyano College will be pivoting to online/blended delivery for January 4, 2022. We encourage all students to check their Keyano email and the College Coronavirus webpage for any updates.
You are reminded that should we need to pivot to a fully online delivery model, we will notify you as soon as possible.
The Omicron variant is extremely transmissible and we need to remain vigilant. If you are sick or show any symptoms STAY HOME AND DO NOT COME ON CAMPUS!
All students who are required to be at any Keyano College campuses must comply with one of the following four options for the Winter Semester (commencing January 4, 2022): Option 1 – Provide proof of vaccination by showing a valid Alberta Health Services QR Code with photo identification. Option 2 – Obtain and show your Campus Access Pass. To obtain the Pass you will need to upload a valid proof of vaccination in a form satisfactory to the Office of the Registrar. Option 3 – Obtain a pre-approved Medical or Religious Exemption from the Office of Registrar prior to attending on any Keyano campuses (whereupon a Campus Access Pass will be provided- which may be subject to rapid testing requirements). Option 4 – Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result which was administered no earlier than 72 hours prior to attending (each and every time) on any Keyano campuses. Students are required to arrange for their own test at their expense. For testing locations click here.
Access to campus will be limited to assigned doors. Security will be stationed at those doors and will be checking to ensure your compliance with one of the 4 options listed above. Further details will be sent out closer to the Winter semester beginning including a map of campus. Signage will be posted on all doors indicating the doors that are accessible.
Please review the Student FAQs for more information or contact vaccineinfo@keyano.ca if you have additional questions. Please note: Security will be checking for compliance at all accessible entrances.
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December 23, 2021 - Blended Winter Semester Information for Students | ||||||||||||||||||||
The health and safety of the College community are of utmost importance. In response to the increasing COVID-19 cases with the new Omicron variant, Keyano College will be pivoting to online/blended delivery for January 4, 2022 until further notice. The COVID-19 Senior Leadership Response Team will meet on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, and we encourage all students to check their Keyano email and the College Coronavirus webpage for any updates.
You are reminded that should we need to pivot to an online delivery model, we will notify you as soon as possible. The onus will fall on faculty and students to follow all the AHS guidelines around masking, distancing, and hand hygiene. The Omicron variant is extremely transmissible and we need to remain vigilant. All students coming on to any Keyano College campuses must comply with one of the following four options for the Winter Semester (commencing January 4, 2022): Option 1 – Provide proof of vaccination by showing a valid Alberta Health Services QR Code with photo identification. Option 2 – Obtain and show your Campus Access Pass. To obtain the Pass you will need to upload a valid proof of vaccination in a form satisfactory to the Office of the Registrar. Option 3 – Obtain a pre-approved Medical or Religious Exemption from the Office of Registrar prior to attending on any Keyano campuses (whereupon a Campus Access Pass will be provided- which may be subject to rapid testing requirements). Option 4 – Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result which was administered no earlier than 72 hours prior to attending (each and every time) on any Keyano campuses. Students are required to arrange for their own test at their expense. For testing locations click here.
Please review the Student FAQs for more information or contact vaccineinfo@keyano.ca if you have additional questions.
Please note: Security will be checking for compliance at all accessible entrances.
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Blended Winter Semester Information for Staff and Faculty | ||||||||||||||||||||
The health and safety of the College community are of utmost importance.
In response to the increasing COVID-19 cases with the new Omicron variant, Keyano College will be pivoting to online/blended delivery for January 4, 2022 until further notice. The COVID-19 Senior Leadership Response Team will meet on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, and we encourage all staff and faculty to check their Keyano email and the College Coronavirus webpage for any updates.
You are reminded that should we need to pivot to an online delivery model, we will notify you as soon as possible. The onus will fall on faculty and students to follow all the AHS guidelines around masking, distancing, and hand hygiene. The Omicron variant is extremely transmissible and we need to remain vigilant.
Please contact vaccineinfo@keyano.ca if you have additional questions.
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November 25, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
The health and safety of our staff, students, and college community is of utmost importance. Please note the following guidelines regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and rapid testing: All students coming to Keyano campuses are required to be fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption by November 30. Fully vaccinated means two weeks after your second dose. Additional information is available from Alberta Health Services. Please review the following updates and reminders: • If you have not been fully vaccinated, you must show proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid test every 72 hours. This will be accepted until the end of the Fall semester. • Students in programs which were delivered in (1) a full online or (2) HyFlex where a student studies exclusively online, are exempt from the vaccine mandate requirement. • Students must be able to provide their Campus Access Pass at all times to enter all Keyano College buildings. To obtain a Campus Access Pass, students must show proof of being fully vaccinated or an approved medical or religious exemption. Your Campus Access Pass can be picked up at the Registrar’s Office. Click here to upload proof of vaccination or exemption. • Students who did not receive their second dose of vaccine by November 16 or those without an approved exemption may access campus with a privately paid for proof of a negative rapid test within 72 hours of accessing campus. Campus access with proof of a negative rapid test will be extended until the end of the Fall semester. For list of locations click here. • Keyano College will not be providing on-campus rapid testing or reimbursing students for rapid testing. • Fully vaccinated, approved exemption, or a negative rapid test result are the only options for in-person learning. • Students will be required to show proof of vaccination, approved exemption, or a negative test result to write exams. Security will be checking at all exam locations. IMPORTANT: Please come at least 30 minutes in advance of your scheduled exam time and expect line ups to enter. Exam times will not be adjusted and will start and end at the scheduled times. Reminder: Masks are required in all indoor spaces. That means in the College, in the halls, in the classrooms, in common areas, in the buildings. No exceptions. Social distancing is required in all common areas. Security will be checking for compliance at all entrances. Exams can be stressful and COVID-19 protocols add another layer to the stress. Please be reminded that all students have access to Wellness Services and the Academic Success Centre for support. *Non-credit students please follow the process in place through the School of Continuing Education. **Updated Student FAQs are available click here. ***Keyano College policies and procedures are subject to change with limited notice as Alberta Health Services’ guidelines require and new information is provided. |
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October 28, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
The health and safety of our staff, students, and college community is of utmost importance. All protocols that have been in place since our last notice on October 18, regarding masks and social distancing are still in effect; however, until further notice, the following additional protocols will be in place effective November 1, 2021:
Please understand – All students still need to be fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption. We are simply extending the deadline from October 31, 2021 to November 30, 2021. Security will be checking for compliance at all entrances. *Non-credit students please follow the process in place through the School of Continuing Education. |
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September 17, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Student Services and the Office of the Registrar remain committed to providing quality service to students, while maintaining the health and safety of everyone. Effective Monday, September 20, 2021, services will be delivered as follows:
Note: the student commons will remain accessible to students. However, all health protocols must be observed at all times. |
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September 16, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Last evening, the Government of Alberta declared a state of public health emergency. New public health measures have been announced. Keyano College leadership is reviewing the measures and will share an update as soon as possible. To view these new measures, click here. | ||||||||||||||||||||
September 4, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
As of September 4, 2021: Mandatory mask requirements
• Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces. For more details on these latest updates, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/masks.aspx#jumplinks-0 |
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May 26, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Government announced on May 26th, a 3-stage roadmap that outlines how health measure restrictions will be lifted in the coming months based on vaccination rates and hospitalization numbers.
For the post-secondary sector, in-person learning will resume in stage 2, which will occur two weeks after 60% of Albertans who are 12 years old or older have received at least one vaccination dose and our hospitalization number in the province is below 500 and declining. This is expected to come into effect mid-June if trends of vaccinations and hospitalizations continue in the right direction. Until we have reached stage 2 in the re-opening roadmap, the post-secondary sector is still expected to offer online/remote learning wherever possible as per Health Orders 19-2021 and 20-2021. In-person activity on campus is still to be the exception not the norm, therefore we ask that you only continue in-person activities that are essential. All in-person activities happening on campuses MUST continue to follow all applicable health guidance including physical distancing, mask wearing, personal hygiene and cleaning protocols, etc. For more details on Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan and the 3-stage roadmap, please visit this site: https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx |
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May 4, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
In accordance with the May 4, 2021 release from Government of Alberta, new mandatory health restrictions will be put in place to help stop the spike of COVID-19 and protect the health care system. Effective immediately, there are enhanced restrictions for high case areas. These new restrictions will be on outdoor social gatherings, schools, retail, restaurants, places of worship, personal and wellness services, outdoor sports and fitness, funerals, and post-secondary institutions. Must move all theory based learning to on-line delivery effective immediately. Currently, Keyano has theory based program components delivered virtually. Labs, shops, and practicums are permitted to continue in person when required for a student’s academic completion. Practicums may be affected where an employer restriction applies. For more information visit Alberta Health Services webpage and we encourage you to read the provincial new release or watch the news conference. The health and safety of our students and employees remains our foremost concern and the College wants all employees and student to adhere to the following guidelines.
It is imperative that you follow these guidelines to help stop the spread and protect yourselves and those around you.
New Health Measures for Post-Secondary
Good Afternoon
Thank you again for your patience. The latest Health Orders 19-2021 and 20-2021 have been released. Order 19 applies to all regions that are above the threshold of 50 active cases per 100,000 people and 30 or more active cases. Order 20 applies to all regions that are below this threshold. Please note that the restrictions for post-secondary institutions are the same in regions that are above and below this threshold.
Order 19 prohibits students from attending post-secondary institutions except for under conditions found in Part 13.4. (In Order 20, see part 11.4) We still stress that we would like to see in-person activity being the exception not the norm, therefore we ask that you only continue in-person activities that are essential. All in-person activities happening on campuses MUST continue to follow all applicable health guidance including physical distancing, mask wearing, personal hygiene and cleaning protocols, etc.
Part 13 of Order 19-2021 (Part 11 in Order 20) outlines that that a student can attend a PSI if the student makes prior arrangements with the PSI officials in advance of attending the PSI for any purpose, and PSI officials support the attendance. In other words, if a PSI deems that a student needs to be on campus for any reason they can give the student permission to be on campus. The PSI does have obligations to ensure all safety precautions are taken (see 13.4 in Order 19 for the full wording – or 11.4 in Order 20), and the student is required to follow PSI instructions around COVID-19 precautions.
Health orders specific to post-secondary education apply to Advanced Education’s stakeholders, including private/independent post-secondary institution, private career colleges, private institutions with international designation, First Nation Colleges, and Community Adult Learning Programs. We are working with Health to better define post-secondary institutions to reduce confusion in the future. I would also like to remind you of the Vaccination Information Session Scheduled for tomorrow, May 11th at 2:00pm to 3:00pm. If you haven’t already, please register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9uNN0TLxTCerOZ3-D32cQw Thank you. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact Advanced Education at AE.CampusAlberta@gov.ab.ca. We will continue to keep you informed of any additional information relevant to your campuses as it becomes available.
Good afternoon,
Thank you for your patience. As you know, on May 4, it was announced that post-secondary institutions would be required to move to online studies immediately. We are aware that many of our post-secondary providers deliver programs and courses that can only be done in-person. We also know our institutions have strong plans in place to support alternate class delivery and protect the health of their campus communities.
Although we are waiting for final confirmation from Alberta Health, we are pleased to communicate the following activities will likely be allowed to continue under the new public health measures:
Once we have definitive confirmation that these events can proceed, either through Chief Medical Officer of Health Order or through exemption, we will notify you immediately. In the meantime, we ask for your continued patience.
During this time, we would ask that post-secondary providers thoroughly examine what learning activities and experiences absolutely need to occur in person, and which can be delayed or placed online. We would like to see in-person activity being the exception not the norm, therefore we ask that you only continue in-person activities that are essential. All in-person activities happening on campuses MUST be specifically permitted by CMOH Order or an exemption to those orders, and MUST continue to follow all applicable health guidance including physical distancing, mask wearing, personal hygiene and cleaning protocols, etc.
Further guidance details for specific in-person learning activities are still being determined. These include, but are not limited to:
We know this situation is frustrating, but we must do everything we can to continue to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and their families. Taking action today will protect lives, and help support a return to campus learning this fall.
Thank you
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April 25, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
In a Special Meeting on Sunday April 25, RMWB Council passed a motion to declare a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) to support the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. We must continue to do our part to curb the rise of COVID-19 positive cases. Please observe all AHS COVID-19 restrictions. The health and safety of our students and employees remains our foremost concern and the College wants all employees and student to adhere to the following guidelines.
We are taking this opportunity to remind our students and employees to be diligent about the day-to-day measures we can do to help prevent the spread.
It is imperative that you follow these guidelines to help stop the spread and protect yourselves and those around you. |
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April 7, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
The latest Government of Alberta COVID-19 measures that came into effect at 11:59 p.m. April 6 are affecting areas of Keyano College. Here are the latest operations impacted: Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre: The Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre (SSWC) is temporarily closing. The closure will also affect one-on-one training as this service will not be offered. All memberships will remain on hold, and no payments will be taken during the closure. Any questions can be directed to Guest Services. During the SSWC closure, personal training will be offered one-on-one virtually. To sign up, contact Taylor Cote. Keyano College Library: Keyano College Library, study spaces, book stacks, and computer labs will be closed until further notice. Scan-on-Demand, arrangements for collection pickup, Book-a-Librarian, and all other virtual reference services remain available Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. You can visit the Keyano Library COVID-19 Information page for the latest information. Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre: The Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre studio rentals are being adjusted based on AHS guidelines. Adult dance classes and all other programs are cancelled. Kids dance (10 or less) and music classes (one on one) are still proceeding with appropriate measures and guidelines. The April Theatre bookings have been cancelled or postponed. One-on-one music instruction will proceed with measures in place. The Oilsands Rotary Music Festival is cancelled. Keyano Theatre has partnered with Theatre; Just Because to co-present the play Purge in July. In-person auditions and the rehearsal schedule starting at the end of April are being re-addressed to virtual means. The Theatre is working with its spring clients to discuss contingency planning. It is also continuing dialogue with the Multi-Cultural Association to address their recurring Financial Literacy course and determine if a change needs to take place. Keyano College Continuing Education: Rental space in Keyano College Continuing Education is based on the Guidance for Post-secondary Institutions (PSI). Representatives from Continuing Education will contact any booking affected by these new guidelines. For further information on these updated restrictions, please visit the Alberta Health page.
Provincial Update Details in Full
On April 7, 2021, new provincial measures came into effect. Read all of the details here:
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News Updates |
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Provincial Government News | ||||||||||||||||||||
COVID-19 Possible Response Scenarios | ||||||||||||||||||||
COVID-19 Response Scenarios
Housing Responses
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What Keyano is Doing | ||||||||||||||||||||
Enhanced cleaning procedures Enhanced cleaning procedures are being undertaken throughout the college, and a new disinfecting cleaning solution is being used. Information on the cleaning solution is available here: Safety Data Sheet For a demonstration of the equipment please view this YouTube video. What is COVID-19Coronavirus can cause respiratory illness in people, ranging from mild common colds to severe illnesses. Symptoms are similar to influenza and include fever, cough, extreme tiredness, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, COVID-19 can cause more severe symptoms. Studies suggest that the virus generally only lasts a few hours on a surface, though it may be possible for it to last several days under ideal conditions. While there is person-to-person spread, current evidence indicates the virus is not airborne through long distances or times. What Keyano is DoingKeyano College has formed an internal response team to prepare for operational contingencies. Additional prevention measures are being taken, including enhanced cleaning procedures for all offices and common areas within the College. On March 15, the College followed the direction of Alberta Health Services and cancelled all face-to-face classes. Four days later, blended delivery of courses began. The College transitioned each course, where feasible, by building pathways for learning using virtual tools. College administrators report the transition has proceeded well. The College has also launched the SchoolMessenger system to directly and effectively communicate with employees, students, and lease holders. |
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AHS Advice | ||||||||||||||||||||
PreventionTo protect yourself and others, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer is asking Albertans to:
AHS AdviceIf you have COVID-19 symptoms and have travelled outside Canada or were exposed to someone who has the virus, stay home and call Health Link 811 for instructions. Do not go to a health care facility without consulting 811 first. For up-to-date information on the situation within Alberta, visit the Government of Alberta's or Alberta Health Services websites. |