COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus) Information

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Keyano College is closely monitoring COVID-19 and is following the advice of Alberta Health Services and other reliable agencies as the situation evolves. Please note, this webpage will be updated regularly as part of the effort to keep you informed with the most accurate and up-to-date information, but due to rapidly changing situations, events sometime outpace us. 

The Coronavirus situation is changing quickly which can result in misinformation being shared. Below are a number of resources from AHS, Government of Alberta, and other trusted sources to help you stayed informed.

Information/Updates for Students

March 20, 2020 - Update: Important student notice

Please note: Students and staff who need to retrieve belongings, will have access to the main campus on Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Important: After Tuesday, March 24, staff (other than executive, facilities, and some IT) will require approval from their VP or an Executive Committee member for access. All will need to sign in and out with Security at Entrance F in the Main Clearwater Campus. Facilities will begin the process of shutting down buildings after Tuesday. 

Students requiring access to computers for course completion will be accommodated through Housing.

We apologize for any inconvenience. As always, our top priority is the health and safety of our staff and students, as well as community. We encourage all to continue to practice social distancing and proper personal hygiene (proper and regular hand washing) at all times.

For the most up to date information on Keyano’s response to the pandemic, visit Keyano.ca/coronavirus. For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, please visit the Government of Canada and Alberta Health websites.

Please also opt in to our messaging system, SchoolMessenger, for urgent and important messages. 
March 19, 2020 - Convocation Cancelled

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present unprecedented challenges for all Albertans and for our Keyano community.

Given the rapidly evolving situation, Keyano College will cancel the 2020 Convocation ceremonies planned for this spring. Graduating students will receive their parchments through Canada Post.

We realize this is disappointing for many. Please note, although convocation ceremonies are cancelled, we are taking measures to ensure, where possible, studies can be completed online and successful students can graduate.   

  • Nursing and Practical Nursing students will be contacted directly from the Nursing Faculty regarding the status of the Pinning Ceremony.  

Keyano News Updates

March 27 - Keyano College successfully transitioning courses to virtual delivery

March 15 Update - all post secondary classes cancelled

Event cancellation notice

Statement -- Coronavirus update

Notice - Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre Operational Changes

Provincial Government Updates

March 27 - Updated provincial government rules and restrictions regarding to COVID-19

March 27 - Businesses currently permitted to provide services at locations accessible to the public

March 20 - New guidelines to direct how students will learn while in-school classes are cancelled

March 18 - Protecting Alberta’s families and economy

March 17 - New measures to limit COVID-19 in Alberta

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-19 

Coronavirus 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.

The risk of exposure in Alberta is classified as low at this time by Alberta Health Services. 

What Keyano is Doing

As of March 11, there are been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Keyano 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.

The College has also launched the SchoolMessenger system to directly and effectively communicate with employees, students, and lease holders.

Prevention

To protect yourself and others, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer is asking Albertans to:

  • use good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing
  • cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sneeze or cough into your elbow 
  • dispose of tissues properly
  • avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • clean frequently touched surfaces regularly
  • stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
  • contact your primary health provider or Health Link 811 if you have questions or concerns about your health

AHS Advice 

If 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.

GoA COVID-19 Information AHS COVID-19 Information

If you have any questions, please email our Digital Communications Coordinator.