COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus) Information

April 13

Prevalence testing April 14 & 15 Wednesday April 14:

• students and employees who are unable to travel outside Vermilion, or who have been otherwise advised by AHS to access testing locally
• students who live in residence at the Vermilion campus

• students in programs with current in-person classes on the Vermilion campus. This includes trades students.

• bring your health care card and ID
• enter through the Student Centre’s east door
• please wear a 3-ply face covering, socially distance as required and follow all other COVID-19 protocols

• call Health Link at 811
• visit www.ahs.ca

April 9

Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart shared an update on the Vermilion campus outbreak. Lakeland is working with Alberta Health Services as they investigate the situation. Read president Wainwright-Stewart's complete message.

April 7

Alberta Health updated their health measures on Tuesday (April 6) as the province moved back to Step 1 in their Path Forward roadmap. The following updated measures are in place for the Vermilion campus:

• The Vermilion campus library is closed. Access is available for students in need of services from the Commons, including accessibility and accommodated services, as well as IT support. One computer station will be available for printing services.
• The Vermilion campus Recreation Centre is closed until further notice.
• The Vermilion campus cafeteria dining area is closed. The cafeteria remains open for take out only. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. effective April 8.

April 6

Vermilion campus:

• There are more than 10 positive COVID-19 cases at the Vermilion campus, which Alberta Health Services classifies as an outbreak.
• Classes for agricultural sciences, environmental sciences and interior design technology have moved online until further notice.
• Alberta Health Services and Lakeland's Health Services department are working together to complete contact tracing and determine if further action needs to be taken. People in contact with those who tested positive for COVID-19 are being notified and given instructions.

Mitigating transmission:

• Travel between the Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses is not permitted until further notice.
• Anyone who can work from home is recommended to do so. Essential workers will be able to continue to safely work on campus.

April 1

• One employee who was last on campus on March 22 has tested positive. Saskatchewan Health Authority determined this person had no close contact with anyone on campus.

Vermilion campus:

• Five students have tested positive. Four of these students were on campus this week.
• Classes for the academic school involving these cases moved online today and will remain online until April 16. We will monitor the situation and determine if it's safe for people to return to campus for exams the week of April 19.
• As a precautionary measure, classes for another academic school also moved online for today (April 1) as we assess the situation.
• Alberta Health Services and Lakeland's Heath Services department are working together to complete contact tracing and determine if further action needs to be taken. People in contact with those who tested positive for COVID-19 are being notified and given instructions.

March  19

Campus return in Fall   With guidance from provincial health authorities and the Ministry of Advanced Education, Lakeland will ensure any required health and safety protocols are in place.

March 4

• Lakeland's libraries at both campuses are now open at 15 per cent capacity to students and staff.
• This capacity limit doesn't include staff who work in the library.
• Students may now study and do coursework in the library, as long as they follow protocols including wearing a face covering and staying 2 metres from one another at all times.

• Starting today (March 5) people may use the weight room in the Vermilion campus Recreation Centre.
• Workouts must be low intensity and face coverings are mandatory. Physical distancing of 3 metres is required.
• No drop ins are allowed.
• Users must pre-register for a time to work out.
• To abide with government measures related to high-intensity activities, there is currently no access to most cardio equipment and gymnasium.
• Effective March 15, treadmills will be only just for walking.
• Effective March 15, the pool will reopen for one-on-one training three days a week. Check the pool schedule page.
• Lloydminster campus gym will remain closed. Students do have access to the Servus Sports Centre facilities. Staff are evaluating when and how to open the weight room.
• Lakeland will continue to evaluate and adjust our protocols to comply with the latest government COVID-19 recommendations.

This section includes e-documents of:

• Lakeland's Re-entry Guide
• Student Orientation to Campus Re-entry Full e-document on Student FAQ tile.¹ Updated Dec 17
• Employee Orientation to Campus Re-entry Full e-document on Employee FAQ tile ¹ UpdatedDec 17
• Visitor Orientation to Campus Re-entry
• Visitor Access Safety Checklist (for staff)
• Public Access Guidelines to Lakeland Campuses​
• Classroom Safety Procedures
• Office Safety Procedures
• Health & Safety Risk Mitigation Planning
• Lloydminster Classroom Numbers
• Vermilion Classroom Numbers
• Lakeland College Department Contact listing - phone and email addresses
• COVID-19 Transportation Guidelines
• Equine Centre Guidelines
• COVID-19 Rapid Response Plan updated Dec 3
• Guidelines for International Students

• during all indoor classroom lectures and labs
• during outdoor labs when physical distancing of two metres isn't possible
• in common indoor campus spaces such as hallways, washrooms, The Commons, cafeterias and bookstores. Face coverings are required even though you are alone.
• in office spaces where physical distancing of two metres isn't possible
• when entering and exiting campus buildings, classrooms, cafeterias, labs and departments
• in any non-residential setting on Lakeland property where physical distancing of two metres isn't possible
• when operating or riding in a college or personal vehicle with others to participate in college activities [COVID-19 Transportation Guidelines]. This includes car-pooling to work.in common campus spaces such as building entrances, hallways, and washrooms

• Lakeland's Vermilion Recreation Centre has its own guidelines regarding face coverings to comply with Alberta Health Services recommendations for wearing a mask during intense physical activity.
• In Lloydminster, the SHA is asking those who feel comfortable to wear a face covering during indoor exercise (update Dec 7 2020).
• Students living in a spinwheel or townhouse at the Lloydminster campus or a townhouse at the Vermilion campus aren’t required to wear a face covering while in their on-campus home. However, students who live in the large residence buildings at the Vermilion campus must wear a face covering while in public spaces of the residence and keep 2 metres distance from others. Note: Residence capacity has been reduced, students are placed where possible with people in the same program, and no visitors are allowed. Additional protocols are in place based on the style of housing
• Children going to our campus child care centres don't need to wear a face covering but adults dropping them off are required to wear a face covering while walking them to the centre.

Note: Face shields are not a substitute for a face covering. You can learn more at cdc.gov/coronavirus 

Campus re-entry guide

• You'll do an online orientation to re-entry (see below for a copy). You'll complete the orientation. If you're a returning student, you may do it on D2L. If you're a new student and need to be on campus on registration day,  complete the PowerPoint and confirmation using the e-document below.
• You may also want to look at the re-entry resources on that tile.
• You must sign a waiver before your come on campus. If you aren't 18, then a parent or guardian will need to fill in the form.
• You'll be asked to fill in a daily assessment every day before you come on campus.Daily assessment tool
• Face coverings will be required
• See our classroom safety procedures
• Please be aware that provincial guidelines and recommendations do change.
• Updated Sept 16 - COVID-19 Transportation Guidelines for private vehicles, vans and buses.
• Equine Centre Guidelines for classes, rodeo practice and other activities​

Mental and financial health

I'm really worried about my financial situation. It doesn't look like there will be any summer jobs, or jobs period. Is there help? If you are from Alberta and Saskatchewan there are a number of programs that offer support. Both are only for Canadian citizens.

• Go to the My Alberta Supports page to learn more about 30 programs and 120 services for seniors, people with disabilities, job seekers, parents and families, homelessness, financial assistance, abuse, and family violence prevention. You may also call toll-free 1 877 644 9992. Call between 7:30 am and 8 pm, Monday to Friday.
• Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) has step-by-step online instructions.

It’s normal to feel stressed in a time of uncertainty. If you’ve noticed an increase in anxiety, be kind to yourself. Lakeland’s counselling and wellness team’s services are available to students. Support is available in-person, online and by phone(text or call) for students: 

• Chantel Walker, Lloydminster counsellor, at 780 214 2687 or email chantel.walker@lakelandcollege.ca
• Alyce Allaster-Hunsperfer, Vermilion counsellor, at 780 871 3954 or email alyce.allaster-hunsperger@lakelandcollege.ca
• Sarah Popil, wellness advisor, at  780 871 3013, or email sarah.popil@lakelandcollege.ca
• supports through your health plan Real Campus. This includes a 24-hour counsellor line 1 877 390 REAL(7325). Real Campus is also available as an app.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19

• are over the age of 70
• have underlying medical conditions

How will Lakeland provide timely updates related to COVID-19? Do I need to self-isolate if a family member has travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days?

Re-entry Questions

The slides from the Returning To Work session on July 22 are available below. A recording of the presentation will be available soon.

Bringing visitors to campus (added Sept 16)

Working Remotely & COVID-19 Questions

I am working remotely,any tips? For employees, Lakeland's Employee Assistance Program is available 24 hours a day

• call Homewood Health at 1 800 663 1142
• online support: homeweb.ca . If you're anxious, try i-Volve. Just register an account on the website.
• download the Homewood Health app

Preventing the virus from spreading

Influenza and other common viruses remain the most likely cause of a respiratory infection. To protect yourself and others:

• use good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing. See AHS hand washing instructions (pdf)


• cover coughs and sneezes
• avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hand. For example, after disposing a tissue, wash your hands. 
• 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

How to prepare?

If you want to prepare you and your household if you have to self-isolate, Alberta public health officials recommendations are:

• Talk with the people who need to be included in your plan.
• Meet with household members, other relatives, and friends to discuss what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community and what the needs of each person will be.
• Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications. This includes practical steps like ensuring you have sufficient medication and determining what supplies are needed, and if they can be delivered.
• Talk with your neighbors about emergency planning.
• Create a list of local organizations that you and your household can contact in the event you need access to information, health care services, support, and resources.
• Create an emergency contact list.

2. Practice good personal health habits and plan for home-based actions:

• Practice everyday preventive actions, like those listed in the prevention section.
• Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. Identify a separate bathroom for the sick person to use, if possible. Plan to clean these rooms, as needed, when someone is sick.

3. Be prepared if your child’s school or childcare facility is temporarily dismissed 4. Plan for potential changes at your workplace.

• Learn about your employer’s emergency operations plan.
• Ask about what sick-leave policies and telework options are available if needed.

 For now there won’t be access to most cardio equipment and gymnasium. Staff will re-evaluate after a week to determine if we can safely open other areas and comply with the new government regulations.

• All protocols that were in place before the last closure are required as well as the following:
• Face coverings are mandatory at all times when in our facility
• Workouts must be low intensity. Low intensity fitness includes activities not focussed on cardio that have a low depth and rate or respiration.
• Absolutely no spotting. Please ensure that the exercises and weights you’re using don’t require assistance from another patron.
• No gathering in groups. All patrons must always stay a minimum of 3 m away from each other per government regulations.
• The Lloydminster facility is still closed.

Online booking

Because our capacity is reduced, please book online.

• Drop ins aren’t permitted
• You can book up to 3 days in advance for the weight room
• Patrons are allowed one time slot per day.
• Please don’t visit the recreation centre if you feel unwell or have been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19.
• If you can’t make your booked spot, please call our staff at 780 853 8402 to cancel

General procedures for staff and facility users

We all play a role in keeping our collective community safe, so you can expect changes to how our spaces look.

Passes

• If you have a pass, it will reactivate the first day you return to the rec centre.

Entering the rec centre

• don't come to the recreation centre if you feel ill or have been in close contact with someone who is
• follow the directional signage and area floor markings
• arrive for your booking no more that 10 minutes before that time. This will minimize unnecessary gathering in the hallway
• new please scan your student ID or membership fob when you enter the building
• when you enter the facility, you’ll be asked to write down your name and phone number. This will be used for contact tracing and will only be retained for 14 days.
• arrive ready to work out or participate in the activity. Change rooms are closed.
• where possible, please pay with credit or debit

Weight Room Protocols (updated Dec 7)

• maintain proper physical distancing (3 metres).
• please arrive dressed for your workout (change rooms are closed).
• wash and sanitize your hands before and after your visit.
• if you have personal equipment like additional shoes or a gym bag, a tote will be available for you to store it in the weight room.
• clean all equipment after you use it
• circuit training and super sets aren't permitted. Please complete all sets/reps with one piece of equipment before moving to another.
• bring your own water bottle (communal water fountain is shut down). Water bottle fill stations will still be available
• some equipment may not be immediately available because it must be disinfected between uses.
• only lift what you can safely manage. Spotting isn't permitted..
• floor fans aren't allowed.

• Mon, Tues, Wed and Friday 6 am - 1 pm & 4 - 9 pm
• Thursday 8 am - 1 pm & 4 - 9 pm
• Saturday 12 - 5pm
• Closed Sunday

Recreation Facilities

• you must book your time in the weight room, cardio room and gym.
• you can book 60 minutes time slots 3 days in advance
• we discourage drop ins because there might not be space for you
• don't come to the centre if you're ill
• follow the directional signs
• don't arrive earlier than 10 minutes for your booking
• change rooms aren't available, so come dressed for your workout
• maintain physical distancing in the facility

Can I cancel my membership?

Students:

• Chantel Walker, Lloydminster counsellor, call or text 780 214 2687 or email chantel.walker@lakelandcollege.ca
• Alyce Allaster-Hunsperfer, Vermilion counsellor, call or text 780 871 3954 or email alyce.allaster-hunsperger@lakelandcollege.ca
• Sarah Popil, wellness advisor, call or text 780 871 3013, or email sarah.popil@lakelandcollege.ca
• supports through your health plan Real Campus. This includes a 24-hour counsellor line 1 877 390 REAL(7325). Real Campus is also available as an app.
• To develop personal and academic resilience, use this Healthy Campus Alberta workbook. It’s a 36-page interactive pdf that defines resilience, describes responses to stressors and outlines healthy strategies based on your experiences.​

Employees:

• call Homewood Health at 1 800 663 1142
• online support: https://homeweb.ca. Set up an account to access services.
• if you're feeling anxious, try i-Volve, an online tool on the Homewood Health website.
• download the Homewood Health app

About i-Volve  - is online cognitive behavioural therapy. It's designed for anyone struggling with anxiety and/or mild depression. You'll be guided through exercises that examine and test how you interpret and perceive external stimulation. These insights will help you change and adapt the ways you think, feel, and react during anxious scenarios and situations. Through i-Volve you'll be able to identify, challenge and overcome anxious thoughts, behaviours and emotions.

Online & other resources

• pay attention to your own needs and feelings
• engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing
• exercise regularly
• keep regular sleep routines
• eat healthy food.

• Keep things in perspective. Public health agencies and experts worldwide are working to ensure the availability of the best care to those affected, and the best strategies to limit the spread of the virus.
• Avoid watching, reading or listening to news that cause you to feel anxious or stressed.
• Seek information to take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones.
• Seek information updates at specific times during the day once or twice..
• Get the facts..
• Gather information at regular intervals, from WHO website and local health authorities platforms, in order to help you distinguish facts from rumors.
• For additional information regarding the Alberta Health Services support and response to the COVID-19 virus, please refer to the COVID-19 info for Albertans website.

If you have to self-isolate

• Stay connected and maintain your social networks.
• Even isolation, try as much as possible to keep your personal daily routines.
• If health authorities have recommended limiting your physical social contact to contain the outbreak, you can stay connected via e-mail, social media, video conference and telephone.