COVID Measures for PSIs – Convocation and Athletics
Hello Faculty,
As per my commitment to you to share what I know and when I know it about updates from the GOA ,
See below the communication from them I received last night.
Good Evening
We have received information from Alberta Health regarding convocations and athletics.
First convocation. The Chief Medical Officer of Health has signed an exemption that will allow PSIs to continue with convocation without certain restrictions as long as proof of vaccination is in place for all attendees. All attendees including students, faculty staff, and invited guests, speakers are all able to attend with a proof of vaccination presented prior to entering the building. Attendees must still wear face masks, except when they are at a podium making a speech or verbal presentation. Musical performances can occur, with masking restrictions. Indoor dining may occur with persons seated or gathering at a table with members of their cohort. For full details please see the exemption order.
As for athletics, varsity-level practices and competitions are interpreted as semi-professional physical activity under CMOH Order 44-2021, so it is a permitted indoor group activity. Measure to note for these activities include:
- There must be 2m of physical distancing between all individuals before and after the activity (e.g., in the locker/change room, hallways, washroom, etc).
- For solo sports (e.g., weight-lifting), practicing is allowed indoors with 3m between all individuals (except coaches/instructors who are allowed to come within 3m for the purposes of instruction).
- All individuals participating must wear face masks before and after the physical activity. Coaches/trainers/instructors must wear face masks at all times.
- PSIs can host varsity level competition and practices (e.g., semi-professional sport) and are encouraged to ensure that their proof of vaccination policies are aligned with each other when competing.
- For further details about adult physical activity please refer to Part 11 of the CMOH Order 44-2021.
Please note that there is now a specific section for Post-Secondary Institutions on the public health actions website. Under the Masks, schools and elections you will find the description of the current health measures for the post-secondary sector that can easily be shared with students, staff, faulty and the public.
If you have further questions, please reply to this email. Thank you.
Classification: Protected A
Please note the link I highlighted and would encourage all faculty to review the website
Best regards
Blair