GSQT – Not all schools apply the same measures to open classes after social distancing. Depending on the ability and actual situation of each school, the most appropriate measures should be applied.

Self-examination and health assessment

Before reaching the campus, everyone – students, faculty, staff, librarians, researchers, service providers, school logistics… must perform an electronic health check. . This is done simply through the use of online assessment tools with questionnaires that reflect the latest public health guidance.

Review your strategy regularly

While the epidemic has not been completely reversed, schools review their strategies regularly and open classes after social distancing as appropriate, and are ready for rapid change. to accommodate any changes to public health guidelines

Keep distance

Since the beginning of the epidemic season, the recommendation of public health authorities is to keep a distance of at least 2 meters from others and provinces have followed that advice. To date, some provinces have relaxed their regulations, reducing the mandatory distance between two people to 1 meter – even when in enclosed spaces.

Wear the mask

Most schools in Canada require students to wear a suitable mask, not necessarily a medical mask, in all common spaces including hallways, restrooms, elevators, classrooms, laboratories. , meeting rooms, common areas in dormitories/student residences… Only a few are exempt for health or disability reasons.

Hand washing, disinfection and hygiene procedures

Many schools equip hand sanitizer stations in many convenient places for students. Schools have also stepped up cleaning of common areas such as classrooms, libraries, restrooms and hallways. Employees also regularly wipe and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, handrails, and elevator buttons.

Wastewater monitoring

Several cities in Canada, including Ottawa, are already using this method to detect the virus – often before infected people realize they are sick. And now some schools have also piloted wastewater monitoring systems from large community groups with more than 100 people and may be expanded in the future. This process makes the outbreak prevention process more effective.

Upgrading classroom and building ventilation

Many schools have upgraded their heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. That includes monitoring and equipping some classrooms with local air purifiers with highly efficient particulate air filters. Meanwhile, the ventilation systems of the buildings will be regularly maintained to ensure the circulation and cleaning of the air. As an added measure, some universities release air from enclosed spaces before people enter.

Rapid testing and screening

When the vaccination rate has not yet reached the coverage to create herd immunity, some schools test the antigen method (Covid-19 rapid test) to screen infected cases. This measure was initially applied to employees, whose roles require frequent face-to-face interaction with the community.

Contact tracing via QR code

Electronic tracing applications to detect close contacts are also used by many schools. Posters with QR codes will be placed at school entrances. Students are encouraged by schools to scan QR codes and medical declarations to help with contact tracing in the event of a confirmed Covid-19 case.

Requires vaccination

As the number of vaccines available becomes more abundant, many schools have moved to require students to receive a full dose or at least 1 dose of the vaccine before attending classes at a post-secondary institution or entering school. in the school dormitory/housing. To encourage students to vaccinate, some schools even have a policy of giving gift cards, reducing tuition fees, etc. At the same time, schools support students to conveniently access vaccines by making appointments locally or at rooms. Vaccinations placed on campus to open classes after social distancing.