COVID-19 Update for Dec. 10: New public health restrictions and their impact on NAIT


Posted: Dec 10, 2020 8:17 AM

COVID-19 Update for Dec. 10: New public health restrictions and their impact on NAIT

Posted: Dec 10, 2020 8:17 AM

On Tuesday, Premier Jason Kenney announced a series of new, mandatory public health restrictions for Alberta. These restrictions are in response to a record-setting number of cases of COVID-19 and the pressure being placed on Alberta’s health system.

Impact of these measures on NAIT

There is no impact to student learning outcomes. Classes, shops, labs, applied research and other Industry Solutions activities will continue as currently scheduled. We continue to prioritize the health and safety of our community by implementing strong measures and practices.

The following restrictions impact NAIT, effective immediately:

  • No indoor or outdoor social gatherings. Students, staff and visitors must leave campus after classes, work or when completing business. Study groups are not permitted on campus.

The following restrictions also apply to NAIT, effective Dec. 13:

  • shop AT NAIT and the Retail Meat Store will be limited to 15% capacity.
  • Ernest’s will be closed to in-person dining. Curbside pick-up will continue to be offered.
  • Eating on campus. eat AT NAIT will continue to operate, however, social gathering restrictions still apply. Tables in our eating areas are limited to 1 person per table. No movement between tables is allowed.
  • Our library is required to close. 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 will remain open for students who require access to technology to complete projects and exams.
  • Indoor recreation facilities must close. 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.

Masks are required at NAIT

In addition, the province has announced that masks are now mandatory for all indoor public places and workplaces across Alberta, effective immediately. This aligns with NAIT’s existing mask procedures: everyone coming to campus is required to wear a mask or face covering.

The health, safety and well-being of the NAIT community remain our top priorities. We are doing everything we can to limit in-person activity on our campuses. If further adjustments are required at any time, we will let you know.

Enforcement

The province recently granted peace officers powers to enforce public health measures. Enforcement powers are in effect until Feb. 25, 2021. 

Under this order, NAIT’s peace officers can issue provincial tickets to individuals who violate public health orders on our campuses, including

You can read more about NAIT’s approach to enforcement in our Dec. 7 update.

Please do your part to slow the spread

Staff and students at NAIT have a role to play, on campus, at home and in the community in helping limit the spread of COVID-19. We ask all members of the NAIT community to do your part and follow the health and safety measures.

If you are sick or showing any core symptoms of COVID-19 that are not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition, or you are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, you must follow the provincial isolation and quarantine requirements. NAIT will support you through your absence. Please do not put others at risk by coming to campus.

What we need you to do

  • 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.
  • Complete a COVID-19 incident report if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and submit it to healthservices@nait.ca
  • Stay home until your symptoms resolve, even if you have tested negative for COVID-19.
  • Supports are arranged for learning and working while individuals are required to isolate at home.

Stay informed

You can find the latest information on NAIT’s response to COVID-19 at nait.ca/covid19. If you have any questions, email relaunch@nait.ca.

We know these are uncertain times and appreciate the impact the pandemic continues to have on our lives. Please know you are not alone, and we encourage you to reach out for any support you need.

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

Josh Bowen
Director, Relaunch Coordination Team

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