As we look ahead to our third week of the Fall term, I am writing to once again provide my thanks to all of you for contributing to a smooth start to a very different academic year. All indications are that the majority of measures, protocols and modifications that we’ve put in place are working as intended. We continue to monitor the status of the pandemic and our operations very closely, and adapt as needed to ensure that we’re providing a safe learning environment and workplace, and maintaining high-quality academic programs and services.
As the school year progresses, we are also starting to see positive cases emerge in schools and postsecondary institutions, which is not unexpected. While we have put extensive measures in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we know that the nature of this virus is such that there is a possibility for positive cases within our college community. I want to assure you that should there be a positive case on campus, we have a protocol in place to ensure that any risks related to a positive case are communicated in a timely and effective way.
Niagara Region Public Health will advise us if there has been a positive case on campus and there is a risk to others who have been on campus. We will work directly with public health to ensure that anyone at risk is informed directly by public health and provided with the appropriate guidance and next steps, and we will follow any further direction provided by public health to address risk. Where there has been a positive case on campus and others who have been on campus are at risk, we will also inform the college community as a whole. Please be assured that if there is a case and you have not heard directly from Niagara Region Public Health, you are not at risk.
As we see cases start to climb in Ontario, I also want to re-emphasize that we all share a responsibility to keep our college community safe. Whether on campus or in the community or our homes, we must be vigilant in wearing our masks in public spaces, maintaining physical distancing, and washing our hands. I know the start of term is typically a time to re-connect with friends and meet new people but please, follow the advice of experts regarding social gatherings.
Thank you once again for your ongoing hard work and commitment to ensuring the health and safety of our college community.
