Covid-19 Information and Updates

As you are all undoubtedly aware, the provincial government has lifted COVID 19 restrictions.

On February 14th, the public health order requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test for access into the majority of public places was no longer required. This did not directly impact North West College because this information was not required for access to campus facilities.

Effective March 1st, the public health order requiring a mandatory 5-day isolation period for individuals who test positive for COVID 19 will no longer be in effect. North West College still encourages individuals to continue this practice. The option to learn virtually and work remotely will continue to be available for those choosing to self-isolate. Those that chose to self-isolate will be required to provide communication of their decision. It will either be by students to instructors or staff to supervisors at the College.

Also effective March 1st, the public health order mandating the use of masks in all indoor public spaces will no longer be in place. This decision by the Province will impact day-to-day operations at the College, which has resulted in the following change to campus activities.

Effective March 1st North West College will be adopting a “MASK-FRIENDLY” approach.

This means that all staff, students, and visitors to our campus facilities will not be required to wear a mask. Rather, it will now be an individual’s choice as to whether or not they wear a mask.  It is important to note that programming also occurs in the facilities or communities of others and that we, as guests, must all be aware of and follow their direction regarding COVID 19 protocols.

We recognize that in some situations and spaces physical distancing cannot be maintained and we recommend masking especially in close contact areas. I ask that you respect one another by doing what you can to ensure the health and wellbeing of the North West College community. It is imperative that we respect one another. An individual may have an underlying medical condition or a family member that needs to be protected. For these reasons, and many others, I expect that you respect the wishes of others during your interactions. Together let’s create an environment that respects the choices of others.

I expect that some may feel anxious about this change and we, as a leadership team recognize that COVID 19 has not gone away. As a result, North West College will be continuing to engage in other actions that prevent the spread of the virus. These include:

•  Stay home if you are sick,
•  Enhanced cleaning,
•  Additional signage,
•  Hand sanitizer stations,
•  Social distancing,
•  Providing rapid testing kits,
•  Encouraging masks,
•  Improved ventilation filtration,
•  If you test positive for COVID 19 follow provincial direction for isolation, &
•  Monitor and advise of COVID 19 positive cases when voluntarily disclosed.

The current situation regarding COVID 19 is continuing to evolve and these measures may need to be reviewed and adjusted in the coming weeks-months. As a College we are committed to providing timely and clear communication should these change.

Despite public health orders being removed – please be reminded that being fully vaccinated is the single most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID 19 and protect against serious illness. We have all worked together to prevent the spread of COVID 19 to ensure our health, and the health of those around us. Let’s keep this momentum by getting vaccinated and boosted, if you haven’t already, and actively continue practices that prevent the spread of the virus.