Strongly Recommending Masks and Reducing Our Risks

November 23, 2022

To all members of the Carleton community,

While COVID trends remain stable on campus and in Ottawa, the region is seeing an increase in flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially affecting young children. On the advice and guidance of public health authorities, Carleton strongly recommends wearing a well-fitted mask, particularly in dense indoor public settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Masks are available to all faculty and staff and can be obtained from departmental administrators through eShop.

Small actions can make a big difference, and we can all take precautions to reduce our risks. Please see below a summary of the COVID-19 measures in place at Carleton for the remainder of the 2022/2023 academic year.

Stay Up to Date with Vaccination
Vaccination remains the best protection against serious illness, hospitalization, long-term impacts from COVID-19 and associated potential disruptions to learning or work. As such, we strongly recommend that all members of the Carleton community get a full course of vaccination and stay up to date with their vaccinations, including receiving any additional doses as soon as they are eligible to do so. In collaboration with Ontario Public Health’s GO-VAXX Team, COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held on Monday, November 28 and Tuesday, November 29, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Fenn Lounge, Residence Commons. Vaccination appointments are also available at community clinics and select local pharmacies.

Although proof of vaccination is not required to access campus or participate in Carleton activities, it may become necessary to bring back proof of vaccination requirements if the situation and public health advice changes. Students, faculty and staff are now able to upload proof of their fourth and subsequent COVID-19 booster doses in cuScreen.

Stay Home if Unwell and Report Symptoms
Remaining vigilant and not coming to campus when sick or with symptoms is critically important. If you are feeling unwell, protect your colleagues, classmates and the Carleton community by staying home. You are required to submit a COVID-19 Symptom Reporting Form through cuScreen. Environmental Health and Safety or Health and Wellness Services will be in touch following the report to assess your circumstances and advise you on appropriate isolation timelines.

Ventilation and Hand Sanitizer Stations
Facilities Management and Planning continues to monitor ventilation systems throughout all buildings and the tunnels, which have been fitted with high-efficiency (MERV 13) filters. Additionally, all main air handling systems are running pre- and post-occupancy flushes of ventilation air at least two hours before occupancy and two hours after occupancy. Hand sanitizing stations will continue to be available at building entrances and throughout campus.

Any questions you may have that are not answered by Carleton’s COVID-19 information website and its FAQ section should be forwarded to covidinfo@carleton.ca.

As always, I am grateful for the flexibility, compassion and respect for one another that we have demonstrated since the beginning of the pandemic. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will communicate any further changes as needed.

Wishing everyone a safe and successful conclusion to the fall term,

Suzanne Blanchard
COVID-19 Lead
On behalf of the COVID-19 Steering Committee

Wednesday, November 23, 2022 in Announcements, Coronavirus, CU Parents, Mobile announcements, News, Wellness
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