COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus) Information

June 19

June 12

May 22 

• Lakeland College is actively planning for the fall term and exploring program delivery options while monitoring the COVID-19 situation. As Lakeland’s academic schools and senior leadership team evaluate each delivery option and prepare for the start of the 2020-21 academic year, they are doing so with guidance and direction from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Alberta Health Services. To ensure students, faculty and staff can continue to plan for the upcoming year, Lakeland will finalize its fall delivery plans by mid-June and will communicate directly with admitted and returning students. Read the complete news release about Lakeland's preparations for the fall term.

May 15

• Lakeland College students can apply for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) today (May 15). The CESB provides support to post-secondary students, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19.

• Go to the My Alberta Supports page to learn more about 30 programs and 120 services for seniors, people with disabilities, job seekers, parents and families, homelessness, financial assistance, abuse, and family violence prevention. You may also call toll-free 1 877 644 9992. Call between 7:30 am and 8 pm, Monday to Friday.
• Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) has step-by-step online instructions.

 

Are there any Lakeland resources to help with anxiety? The COVID-19 news is causing a lot of stress.

It’s normal to feel stressed in a time of uncertainty. If you’ve noticed an increase in anxiety, be kind to yourself. Lakeland’s counselling and wellness team’s services are available to students. Support is available in-person, online and by phone(text or call) for students: 

• Chantel Walker, Lloydminster counsellor, at 780 214 2687 or email chantel.walker@lakelandcollege.ca
• Alyce Allaster-Hunsperfer, Vermilion counsellor, at 780 871 3954 or email alyce.allaster-hunsperger@lakelandcollege.ca
• Sarah Popil, wellness advisor, at  780 871 3013, or email sarah.popil@lakelandcollege.ca
• supports through your health plan Real Campus. This includes a 24-hour counsellor line 1 877 390 REAL(7325). Real Campus is also available as an app.

​To develop personal and academic resilience, use this Healthy Campus Alberta workbook  It’s a 36-page interactive pdf that defines resilience, describes responses to stressors and outlines healthy strategies based on your experiences.

 

I'm finishing my program and have student loans. In the best of times, those loan payments can be a drain. Is there any relief?

The federal government has suspended loan repayments and interest until September 30, 2020. The Alberta and Saskatchewan governments have also suspended loan repayments for 6 months effective March 2020. You don't have to apply for either of these. It's automatic.

 

End of term questions

Can I stay in residence?
All in-person classes have been cancelled. We encourage students, excluding those with exceptional circumstances, to move home as soon as possible.

 

Residence fees will be fully refunded from your date of departure. Exceptions to this include:

• students who can demonstrate that they have no other alternatives for accommodations
• students who have lab requirements that are being met on-campus over the next few weeks
• international students who are remaining in the country until school resumes in the fall. 

Please practice social distancing, which means maintaining at least one to two metres between yourself and others. See the World Health Organization site on social distancing.  There's also a new social distancing fact sheet from the Alberta government. Lakeland College is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of students, faculty and staff.

 

I am energy student in the heavy oil operations technician or heavy oil power engineering (HOPE) program. Will I be able to write my ABSA exam?
All ABSA exams have been suspended until at least until May. When ABSA reopens, they will have multiple exam dates to accommodate students. Lakeland will offer a week-long review session before you write the final exam and then the ABSA exam.

I am in the HOPE program. When can I complete my lab time?
Due to an instructor shortage, labs have been suspended for HOPE students. ABSA is looking into accommodations for this lab time suspension and may allow students to keep all the hours accumulated to date while completing the rest in industry. Stay posted for more updates on this. Lakeland will offer labs to affected students at no cost at a later date.

 

I enrolled in a face-to-face program that’s now being offered online due to Alberta Health Services COVID-19 announcement on March 15. Can I be refunded for the program I'm currently taking?

Lakeland’s focus is to help you reach a successful outcome at the end of this academic year. While in-person classes have been suspended, we are moving courses online to support students in completing their courses and programs.

• We are actively working to ensure students in their final year of study will be able to complete their credential.
• We will work to support students who may require accommodations and other required supports.
• At this time, the refund policy and withdrawal dates still applies. A refund of co-op fees will be made available for any student who is unable to secure a co-op placement.

 ​

What Lakeland has done/is doing

How is Lakeland College helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

In-person classes have been cancelled effective March 15, 2020, and large events have been cancelled, as per the direction of Alberta Health Services.

 

Increased diligence for cleaning and sanitizing has been undertaken across the campuses to help mitigate the spread of the illness, in accordance with Alberta Health Services. High touch points are being sanitized and disinfected with increased frequency. We are working closely with public health officials and will follow their lead and direction.

 

Why are classes cancelled at Lakeland? 

In an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect public health, the Government of Alberta announced March 15 that effective immediately, students will no longer be attending classes in post-secondary institutions, including Lakeland College, until further notice. Lakeland's campuses will still remain open, but classes are cancelled. Current online programming will continue as is. Work will begin to transition other Lakeland programming from face-to-face delivery to alternate modes of instruction as appropriate.   

 

How will Lakeland provide timely updates related to COVID-19?

This website is the primary method of informing the community. If immediate action is required, other communications tools will also be used. 

 

Download the Lakeland Safe App and Lakeland App and ensure you enable notifications.

 

Why is Lakeland not closing?
The safety and well-being of our campus community and the health of our broader community is our top priority. Health and well-being of our community and our students’ academic success are both priorities. So, Lakeland is following the advice of Alberta Health Services.

 

In-person classes have been cancelled and large events have been cancelled, as per the direction of Alberta Health Services.

 

Administrative offices, campus services and libraries are open. Campus services include student residence, food services and campus security.

 

Why is the Rec Centre (at the Vermilion campus) closed?

As of March 15, 2020, the Town of Vermilion closed all recreational facilities.

 

Preventing the spread of COVID-19

What does social distancing entail?

Suggested guidelines vary between staying between 1 and 2 metres away from other people. Staying that far away lessens your changes of being exposed to COVID-19. See the World Heath Organization site, or the new Alberta Health social distancing fact sheet.

 

Do I need to self-isolate if a family member has travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days?

We are following AHS guidelines, which state you do not have to self isolate if a family member travelled outside of Canada. Please review the AHS website for the most recent updates on this practice including this self-isolation document.

 

If I have returned from travel outside of Canada in the last 14 days, what should I do?

Based on AHS recommendations, please self-isolate for the 14 days, from the date you returned to Canada. If you have already returned to work or study, please self-isolate for the remainder of that 14 days since returning to Canada.

 

You need to contact your instructor(s) as we will accommodate people to study from home if possible.

 

What if I am experiencing symptoms or diagnosed with COVID-19?

First and foremost, stay home and follow self-isolation protocols. We recommend you use the online self assessment tool. You'll be advised about next steps.

 

Youl need to contact your instructors as well as Health Services at healthservicesverm@lakelandcollege.ca. Appropriate accommodations will be made.

 

What is my responsibility to communicate with the college? 

All members of the college community are asked to do the following:

• If you or a family member are being tested for or diagnosed with COVID-19, please inform Lakeland College’s health services team (healthservicesverm@lakelandcollege.ca). 
• If you are at higher risk of severe illness, (i.e. chronic health conditions,) inform you chair/dean and take appropriate precautions to limit your exposure. 
• Inform health services if you have traveled through a travel advisory area.

What is the risk level for COVID-19 in Alberta?

Risk is determined by assessing how likely Albertans are to be exposed to the virus in the province. Visit the Government of Alberta’s website for the current COVID-19 risk level information

 

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

If you have symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing and have travelled outside Canada or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19:

• Stay home and use the online self assessment tool.
• If you are not seriously ill, do not go to a physician’s office, a health care facility or a lab unless instructed by Health Link 811.
• Call 911 if you are seriously ill and need immediate medical attention. Tell the operator that you may have COVID-19.

 

How do I get tested for COVID-19?

You don't need to be tested for COVID-19 if you haven't travelled outside Canada in the past 14 days, or haven't had contact with someone diagnosed as having COVID-19. Check the AHS online self-assessment page for more information.

 

I had COVID-19 symptoms and self-isolated for 14 days. Now what?

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has released guidelines about ending self-isolation. These guidelines are for anyone who had COVID-19 symptoms and was directed to stay at home and self-isolate. These are not for people who had a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis.

 

The decision to stop home isolation should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider and local health department.

 

There are 2 protocols based on whether or not you’ll receive a COVID-19 test. This is a local decision based on testing supplies, lab capacity and access to testing.

 

Time-since-illness and time-since recovery strategy to end isolation(no test), you can leave home after these three things have happened:

1. No fever for at least 72 hours. That means 3 full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fever and
2. Other symptoms have improved (your cough and/or shortness of breath) and
3. At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared

Test-based strategy – you’ll be tested to determine if you are still contagious and also meet other conditions:

1. Two consecutive negative tests, 24-hours apart and
2. No fever for at least 72 hours. That means 3 full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fever and
3. Other symptoms have improved (your cough and/or shortness of breath)

In all cases, follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and local health department.

 

• call Homewood Health at 1 800 663 1142
• online support: homeweb.ca . If you're anxious, try i-Volve. Just register an account on the website.
• download the Homewood Health app

• If you or a family member are being tested for or diagnosed with COVID-19, please inform your supervisor/chair and Lakeland College’s health services team (healthservicesverm@lakelandcollege.ca). 
• Inform your supervisor if you are at higher risk of severe illness, (i.e. chronic health conditions) and take appropriate precautions to limit your exposure. 
• Inform your supervisor and health services if you have traveled through a travel advisory area.

• Stay home.
• Do the online self assessment. You'll be advised about next steps.
• If you are not seriously ill, do not go to a physician’s office, a health care facility or a lab without consulting with Health Link 811 first.
• Call 911 if you are seriously ill and need immediate medical attention and tell the operator that you may have COVID-19.

1. No fever for at least 72 hours. That means 3 full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fever and
2. Other symptoms have improved (your cough and/or shortness of breath) and
3. At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared

1. Two consecutive negative tests, 24-hours apart and
2. No fever for at least 72 hours. That means 3 full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fever and
3. Other symptoms have improved (your cough and/or shortness of breath)

You need to know

• hands-on learning activities, including labs, field work, student-managed farm experiences and more will be offered in-person with physical distancing protocols in effect as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• all lectures will be available to students virtually, either via live streaming or a recording on the college’s learning management system.
• some lectures may also be offered in-person depending on the class size and AHS guidelines
• timetables and class schedules will be revised to avoid large numbers of students in hallways at any one time
• different program cohorts will be on campus on different days to limit the number of students physically on campus for in-person labs at any one time.
• almost all programs will require students to be on campus weekly, However, akeland is prepared to support those students who opt to complete their studies solely online.
  ​

• firefighter training (platoon 3) starts on July 27
• the blended firefighter training class starts practical training on Aug.17 
• most programs will begin on Aug. 31 with an online Orientation Day.
• the pre-employment programs start Sept. 21
• the first apprenticeship intake is  Oct. 13

• College Prep 101 is available to both new and returning students, as well as anyone interested in post-secondary studies.
• A series of webinars will be available starting June 23 to share more on the program plans for each school, as well as one student support services on July 8.

• Vermilion and Lloydminster residence will be open to students. Rooms will be limited: single bedrooms and  rooms with double occupancy bathrooms.
• specific measures will be introduced to protect the campus community, including:
• daily survey-based screening for symptoms
• physical distancing of two metres at all times
• no more than 50 people in a room with appropriate physical distancing
• barrier or partition installation where needed
• PPE worn where required
• additional hand sanitizing stations
• following new cleaning protocols.

Commons hours

• both campus libraries will now be open from 8:15 am to 8 pm weekdays.
• Saturday and Sunday hours in Vermilion are 10 am to 5 pm
• Saturday and Sunday hours in Lloydminster are 1 pm to 8 pm

Practice social distancing

• keep a minimum of 3 to 6 feet from other people
• cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Dispose of tissue and wash your hands.
• sanitize or wash your hands when you enter and leave the library as well as before and after using a computer keyboard.or other objects

Library supported online resources

• online catalogue
• e-books
• article databses
• online research guides
• Hoopla - free e-books and audio books

Contacts

• Tami Smith, accessibility advisor, at tami.smith@lakelandcollege.ca
• Kristine Bertoia. admin assistant, at kristine.bertoia@lakelandcollege.ca

• Dale Pearce, accessibility advisor, at dale.pearce@lakelandcollege.ca
• Darla Yonkman, admin assistant, at darla.yonkman@lakelandcollege.ca

For students

• exam date and time
• Your instructor’s name
• Course name and code
• If you know, the mode of exam delivery – D2L, Pearson, emailed, paper copy

For faculty & staff

Preventing the virus from spreading

• use good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing. See AHS hand washing instructions (pdf)


• cover coughs and sneezes
• avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hand. For example, after disposing a tissue, wash your hands. 
• stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
• contact your primary health provider or Health Link 811 if you have questions or concerns about your health

How to prepare?

• Talk with the people who need to be included in your plan.
• Meet with household members, other relatives, and friends to discuss what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community and what the needs of each person will be.
• Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications. This includes practical steps like ensuring you have sufficient medication and determining what supplies are needed, and if they can be delivered.
• Talk with your neighbors about emergency planning.
• Create a list of local organizations that you and your household can contact in the event you need access to information, health care services, support, and resources.
• Create an emergency contact list.

• Practice everyday preventive actions, like those listed in the prevention section.
• Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. Identify a separate bathroom for the sick person to use, if possible. Plan to clean these rooms, as needed, when someone is sick.

• Learn about your employer’s emergency operations plan.
• Ask about what sick-leave policies and telework options are available if needed.

Lakeland College encourages students and employees to seek help if stress and/or anxiety is too much.

Students:

• Chantel Walker, Lloydminster counsellor, call or text 780 214 2687 or email chantel.walker@lakelandcollege.ca
• Alyce Allaster-Hunsperfer, Vermilion counsellor, call or text 780 871 3954 or email alyce.allaster-hunsperger@lakelandcollege.ca
• Sarah Popil, wellness advisor, call or text 780 871 3013, or email sarah.popil@lakelandcollege.ca
• supports through your health plan Real Campus. This includes a 24-hour counsellor line 1 877 390 REAL(7325). Real Campus is also available as an app.
• To develop personal and academic resilience, use this Healthy Campus Alberta workbook. It’s a 36-page interactive pdf that defines resilience, describes responses to stressors and outlines healthy strategies based on your experiences.​

Employees:

• call Homewood Health at 1 800 663 1142
• online support: https://homeweb.ca. Set up an account to access services.
• if you're feeling anxious, try i-Volve, an online tool on the Homewood Health website.
• download the Homewood Health app

Online & other resources

• pay attention to your own needs and feelings
• engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing
• exercise regularly
• keep regular sleep routines
• eat healthy food.

• Keep things in perspective. Public health agencies and experts worldwide are working to ensure the availability of the best care to those affected, and the best strategies to limit the spread of the virus.
• Avoid watching, reading or listening to news that cause you to feel anxious or stressed.
• Seek information to take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones.
• Seek information updates at specific times during the day once or twice..
• Get the facts..
• Gather information at regular intervals, from WHO website and local health authorities platforms, in order to help you distinguish facts from rumors.
• For additional information regarding the Alberta Health Services support and response to the COVID-19 virus, please refer to the COVID-19 info for Albertans website.

• Stay connected and maintain your social networks.
• Even isolation, try as much as possible to keep your personal daily routines.
• If health authorities have recommended limiting your physical social contact to contain the outbreak, you can stay connected via e-mail, social media, video conference and telephone.

• Business (June 25)
• Interior design technology (June 29)
• Energy (June 30)

Recreation Facilities

• all parts of the Vermilion complex including swimming pool, gymnasium, weight room and all Be Fit for Life and other programs
• the Lloydminster gymnasium and weight room