Advanced Education – COVID – 19 update, September 15, 2021
The Alberta’s government has declared a state of public health emergency. New temporary measures to reduce transmission and protect our health care system come into effect September 16 and 20. These public health actions are required due to rising cases and hospitalizations.
Information on the newly introduced measures, restrictions and the Restrictions Exemption Program are available here: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx
Masking will continue to be required in all indoor public spaces, and physical distancing will also now be required.
We wanted to provide clarity that for the purposes of the measures, post-secondary providers are considered businesses, and as of September 20, can access the Restrictions Exemption Program.
In the meantime, from September 16-19, masking and physical distancing is required and post-secondary operations will need to be modified where needed to accommodate that.
As of September 20, businesses that implement the restrictions exemption program using government proof of vaccination could immediately provide service to fully vaccinated patrons without any restrictions, such as wearing a mask or having to physically distance.
Businesses that implement the Restrictions Exemption Program can operate as usual if they only serve people ages 12 and over if they have:
- proof of vaccination
- single dose accepted between September 20 and October 25 if received 2 weeks before time of service
- double doses required after October 25
- documentation of a medical exemption
- proof of a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of service (tests from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories not allowed)
A post-secondary provider can determine whether to implement the Restrictions Exemption Program. There is no requirement to seek approval to do so from Alberta Advanced Education or Alberta Health.
If businesses choose not to implement the Restrictions Exemption Program, they are required to adhere to a variety of capacity and operating restrictions that apply to a wide range of activities, such as sport, recreation, performance, restaurants, bars, retail, entertainment and recreation facilities. Please see the website for more details on the specific restrictions for various activities. https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx
The announcement today also included a mandatory work from home order. This order applies unless an employer has determined a physical presence is required for operational effectiveness, such as the provision of in-person and on-campus activities and services.
We know that additional nuanced questions around certain activities and interpretations of the measures may come up in the coming days.
Always in service of members
Best regards