OLDS — Olds College has instituted new COVID-19 rules for staff, students and visitors effective Jan. 10, now that the Omicron variant is sweeping through the province.
For example, all classes and labs will be provided online until at least Jan. 21. In addition, all Broncos athletic practices and games are suspended until at least Jan. 21.
However, some programs may still require students to attend in-person. The registrar’s office sent out emails to students detailing the way in which programs are being delivered.
The college campus remains open, including the learning commons, on-campus housing and dining facilities. However, the post says visitors and social gatherings are not permitted.
As per government COVID rules, masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces on campus.
In a post on its website, the college says its new rules regarding class delivery are in line with “the majority of post secondaries in Alberta and supported by the Government of Alberta.”
Any student, college employee or visitor on-campus must provide proof of vaccination via a provincial/territorial COVID-19 vaccine record with QR code.
Another option is to provide documentation of a medical exemption (PCR or rapid test), or provide proof of an approved negative privately-paid PCR or rapid test result.
From Jan. 10 until at least Jan. 21, in order to follow the negative test results option, a valid PCR or rapid test result must be submitted by the noon deadline every Monday and Thursday.
The college says tests results are valid if within 24 hours of the deadline.
Effective immediately, college employees who can work from home should do so, the post says.
That said, managers can allow employees to be on campus “if their physical presence is required for the continued maintenance and operation of campus facilities, or they require access to specific resources or technology to do their job,” the post says.
“We are asking all employees to limit in-person interactions with each other as much as possible, as such staff gatherings and in-person meetings are not permitted,” it adds.
Travel for Olds College professional development is suspended until further notice.
