Much has progressed since I last brought the community a university-wide update. The premier announced yesterday that some public health restrictions will be lifted faster than originally anticipated due to the slowing rate of infection and active participation of communities across Alberta in COVID-19 prevention strategies. At the U of A, research has gradually resumed and faculties and supporting units are preparing for some in-person classes to start again this fall. We will continue to build on these successes as we plan for the next phase of our relaunch and the 2020–21 academic year.
We understand that many U of A community members are eager to get back to their on-campus office, workspace or favourite study spot. Thank you for your continued patience. By cautiously and gradually returning activity to our campuses we are creating a safer and more sustainable immediate future for our students, our colleagues, and our greater community.
The U of A Will Move Into Its Own Phase 2 Soon, Likely July
The decrease in COVID-19 cases and rate of infection has allowed for stage two of the province-wide Alberta Relaunch Strategy to safely begin on June 12. PLEASE NOTE: This will NOT immediately or automatically change activities currently permitted on our campuses. We continue to follow updated public health measures as they are announced by the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Therefore, the U of A too, will soon move into its second phase of relaunch — likely starting in July.
U of A Relaunch Phase Two is expected to include:
- Opening some libraries gradually, with restricted occupancy
- Limited indoor recreation, fitness, and sports, including gyms and arenas, with health measures in place
- Permitting limited gatherings/events/meetings on campuses according to public health restrictions
Start dates for these U of A changes will vary and will include gradual restarting plans. They will be confirmed and posted on ualberta.ca/covid19 as soon as their supporting safety measures are in place. The priority remains the health and safety of our entire university community.
See how key campus services and community activities — like building access and travel restrictions — are expected to transition throughout all three PHASES of U of A Relaunch.
Restrictions that Continue for the U of A
Several significant provincial public health restrictions and recommendations and resulting U of A restrictions continue to be in effect throughout stage two, including:
- Spring / Summer 2020 classes delivered remotely
- Gradual reintroduction of on-campus research activities
- Physical distancing requirements remain
- Indoor and outdoor gathering limits have increased, but remain
- International and interprovincial university business travel remains suspended
- Remote work remains the norm for the majority of U of A employees
Our current Campus Status can always be found at uab.ca/COVID19.
Stay Connected, Access Resources
Planning our way forward continues in all areas of the university. NEW resources are available to support various groups within our community to prepare for possible returns, and additional resources are coming in the weeks ahead. I urge you to stay connected to your U of A support resources — your faculty, your supervisor, your manager, your team, your HR representative — to ensure you have the latest information and resources available for you. And, continue to check the U of A’s COVID-19 website on a regular basis to learn of any changes directly affecting our community.
Your ongoing active participation and support of the U of A’s COVID-19 response is greatly appreciated.
Andrew Sharman, MSc, CMILT
Vice-President (Facilities and Operations) and
Executive Lead COVID-19 Public Health Response Team
Please send questions, suggestions or feedback to phrtinfo@ualberta.ca.phrtinfo@ualberta.ca.