Over the past weeks, the COVID-19 Resuming On-campus Operations Steering Committee and its subcommittees have been focused on identifying and assessing risks, and working to ensure that college-wide guidance is established for our reopening of campus. Here is an update on the Committee’s work.

Last week, the college announced that as part of the provincial government’s plan for the gradual and safe resumption of in-person instruction at post-secondary institutions, some of our facilities will reopen beginning July 6. To prepare for that, the Steering Committee is working with the Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness, Faculty of Applied Science & Technology and Education & Training Solutions to support the delivery of hands-on education in July and August to a small group of students in select programs. This includes protocols to ensure physical distancing during course delivery, enhanced daily cleaning and the appropriate use of screening and PPE.

A few weeks ago, a list of key operational principles was shared to help Faculties and departments as they develop and refine plans for the remainder of the Summer term and for Fall 2020. To ensure consistency in approach, a COVID-19 planning template for Faculties and departments has been developed. It is now being piloted by the areas most involved with our on-campus activity this summer. We want to learn from their experience with using the tool and we plan to provide the template to all areas the week of June 29. Other resources in development include training/orientation materials for students and employees returning to campus and guides for managers to help them determine requirements for employees to be on campus to complete their work.

Members of the Steering Committee have also been regularly meeting with the site Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees and the leadership of our two unions to provide updates and discuss the planning.

The health and safety of our community is a shared responsibility and our top priority. We will continue to keep you updated on the work of the Steering Committee and the college-wide approaches we will be taking to ensure everyone’s health and safety on campus.

Gina Antonacci and Angelo Presta
Co-Chairs
COVID-19 Resuming On-campus Operations Steering Committee