COVID-19 Update for Nov. 25: Impact of new enhanced public health measures


Posted: Nov 25, 2020 8:59 AM

COVID-19 Update for Nov. 25: Impact of new enhanced public health measures

Posted: Nov 25, 2020 8:59 AM   |  Updated: Nov 25, 2020 9:00 AM

On Nov. 24, the Government of Alberta announced enhanced public health measures for the province, including additional restrictions for the Edmonton area. These measures are in response to a record-setting number of cases of COVID-19 and the pressure being placed on Alberta’s health system.

The province will share information about these enhanced public health measures with the public via an emergency alert later this week.

Impact of these measures on NAIT

Classes, shops, labs, applied research and other Industry Solutions activities will continue as currently scheduled.

The following new measures do impact NAIT:

  • No indoor social gatherings in any setting. This means students, staff and visitors must leave campus after classes, work or when completing business.
     
  • Postponement of Athletics at NAIT from Nov. 24 to Jan. 11. Sporting activities at all levels will be closed, falling under new temporary restrictions for business. For the safety of our student athletes and staff, NAIT has decided to extend this postponement until Jan. 11.
     
  • shop at NAIT and the Retail Meat Store will be limited to 25% capacity.
     
  • The Computer Commons and Library were already operating at 25% capacity and will continue to do so.
     
  • Eating on campus. eat at NAIT and Ernest’s will continue to operate, however social gathering restrictions apply. A maximum of 6 people from the same immediate household can sit a table and no movement between tables is allowed.
     
  • Enforcement. The province plans to give peace officers powers to enforce public health restrictions. Details still need to be announced, but this may apply to NAIT Protective Services as our officers are level 1 peace officers.

Masks are required at NAIT

In addition, the province has announced that masks are now mandatory for indoor workplaces. 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, including having staff work from home wherever possible. If further adjustments are required at any time, we will let you know.

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, you must follow the provincial isolation and quarantine requirements. NAIT will support you through your absence. Please do not come 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.
  • 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/relaunch. 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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