COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus) Information

COVID-19 Keyano closures as of April 7, 2020

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. 

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. 

• Employees visit this webpage for important information and updates. 
• Students visit this webpage for important information and updates. 
• Employees and students, if you have any questions, fill out this form and we'll post the answers under a FAQ section. 

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.

News Updates

COVID-19 Response Scenarios

Housing Responses 

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.

What Keyano is Doing

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.

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.

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.