COVID-19 update for April 6: New public health restrictions and their impact to NAIT (UPDATED)


Posted: Apr 6, 2021 6:42 PM   |  Updated: Apr 26, 2021 8:20 AM

COVID-19 update for April 6: New public health restrictions and their impact to NAIT (UPDATED)

Posted: Apr 6, 2021 6:42 PM   |  Updated: Apr 26, 2021 8:20 AM

Today, the Government of Alberta announced that they are implementing additional public health measures in response to the rise of COVID-19 cases in Alberta, including a concerning increase in variant cases. The majority of these measures come into effect at 11:59 p.m. tonight, with others coming into effect Friday.

Impact of these measures on NAIT

NAIT campuses remain open. Classes, shops, labs, applied research and other Industry Solutions activities will continue as currently scheduled. The health, safety and well-being of the NAIT community remain our top priorities. 

The following new restrictions impact NAIT, effective 11:59 p.m. tonight:

  • Our library is closed. All in-person services will be provided at the 3rd floor library door and all virtual services remain available. The Computer Commons in W203 on Main Campus remains open for students who require access to technology to complete projects and exams.
  • shop AT NAIT is limited to 15% capacity. 

Effective on Friday, April 9 at 12 p.m.:

  • Ernest’s will close for in-person dining services. Curbside pick-up continues to be offered.
  • Eating on campus. eat AT NAIT continues to operate. However, our seating areas are closed. Students and staff are encouraged to take their food off-site or eat outdoors (outdoor social gathering restrictions apply). (UPDATED)

The following additional impacts to NAIT also remain in place until further notice:

  • Outdoor social gatherings are permitted, to a limit of 10 people. All participants must continue to follow public health guidelines, such as wearing a mask and keeping 2 metres apart. We continue to ask that students, staff and visitors leave campus after classes, work or when completing business to help keep our campuses safe. 
  • No indoor social gatherings. Students, staff and visitors must leave campus after classes, work or when completing business. Study groups are not permitted on campus.  
  • Indoor recreation facilities are closed. NAIT’s recreation facilities will remain closed. 
  • Mandatory working from home will continue for the majority of staff, unless they are required to be on campus. All staff coming to campus, for any reason, must continue to have permission from their supervisor. 

We continue to prioritize the health and safety of our community by implementing strong measures and practices, including requiring masks or face coverings on campus

If you are sick or you are a close contact of a positive case

If you are sick or showing any core symptoms of COVID-19 that are not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition, you are legally required to isolate as per provincial direction. 

Inform your instructor or supervisor of your absence and do not come to campus. Complete a COVID-19 incident report and submit it to healthservices@nait.ca. Staff can complete and submit a COVID-19 incident report through the myCority application which will send the report directly to Health Services.

If you have been told that you are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, you are legally required to quarantine. It may be NAIT, Alberta Health Services or the person with COVID-19 who identifies you as a close contact. Do not come to campus. Inform your instructor of your absence.

Supports for learning and working will be provided to staff and students who are required to isolate or quarantine. Please do not put others at risk by coming to campus.

Variant cases

Alberta is seeing a concerning rise in variant cases of concern. If you were or are informed that you are a close contact of an individual who tested positive for a variant of COVID-19, there are specific quarantine and testing directions to follow, including a requirement to get tested as soon as you are confirmed to be a close contact, and then 10 days after your last exposure.

What else you need to do before or during your time on campus

  • Check-in each day and at each location where you spend more than 15 minutes. This will allow us to contact people on our campuses who are considered close contacts of positive cases of COVID-19.
    • Download the NAIT Alert app for easy access to the check-in form or scan the check-in QR code that can be found on posters in common areas on our campuses.
  • Take the AHS COVID-19 Self-Assessment each day before you come to campus or if you become ill and follow instructions from Alberta Health Services. Self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19 if advised.

Stay informed 

You can find the latest information on NAIT’s response to COVID-19 at nait.ca/covid19.

These continue to be uncertain times. We encourage you to reach out for any support you need.

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep our community safe and our doors open. 

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