General FAQs Durham College health and safety decisions are contingent on current public health conditions and directions. If your question is not addressed in the below FAQ, please email dccares@durhamcollege.ca. General FAQS COVID-19 protocols Facilities Student FAQs Current Students International Students, Applicants and Agents Search: COVID-19 protocols Am I required to be vaccinated to come to campus? No. At this time, DC has suspended its vaccination policy requirements for entry to the Oshawa and Whitby campuses. Should the situation in Ontario change, we may need to reinstate our proof of vaccination requirements on short notice and would communicate any changes as soon as possible. We recommend full vaccination as the best form of protection against COVID-19 and its variants. Do I need to pre-screen before coming to campus? No. Pre-screening through the mobile app and checkpoints at entrances are no longer required. All those coming to campus are responsible to self-monitor closely for COVID-19 symptoms. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive, do not come to campus and refer to Durham Region Public Health for further direction. I’m not feeling well, what should I do? Please read the COVID-related reporting page. Where can I access information about COVID-19? The following links will act as valuable resources for you about COVID-19 Durham Region COVID-19 website: https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/novel-coronavirus-update.aspx Government of Ontario COVID-19 website: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/ Government of Canada COVID-19 website: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html Facilities How is Durham College (DC) upgrading ventilation equipment to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infection within college buildings? Since March 2020, DC has commenced upgrades, where applicable, to the current ventilation systems at the Whitby and Oshawa campuses. This includes: Upgrades to all DC air handling equipment, so they can use an air filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13, as per recommendations from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).These filters will capture virus particles to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. New centralized humidification systems were added to the college’s central air handlers to assist in mitigating the aerosolized concentration levels of contaminants (such as viruses) in the air. The installation of ASHRAE-recommended ultraviolet light (UV-C) systems in all central air handling units to support the elimination of microorganisms living on HVAC air ducts. The operational increase of fresh air make-up to the maximum possible level (dependent on outside temperature) and overnight building air flushes to lower aerosolized virus levels. Current Students Residences I live in residence and suspect I might have COVID-19 symptoms. What do I do? If you live in residence and suspect you have COVID-19 symptoms, please follow the guidelines outlined by Ontario Public Health. I have been notified by a medical professional to self-isolate. What do I do in residence? Students living in residence who have been told to self-isolate should stay in their rooms and notify the residence front desk at 905.728.8700 ext. 8000. Our staff will notify the manager on call who will make arrangements for your isolation. The residence staff will inform you fully of our process concerning our support for you. I suspect my roommate may have symptoms or be infected with COVID-19. What do I do? Please encourage your roommate to take the Ontario Public Health self-assessment tool and follow the necessary guidelines. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, please follow the Additional Precautions listed on the Ontario Public Health website. Will we receive regular housekeeping service? Monthly in-suite housekeeping services have resumed. Your housekeeping schedule can be found posted in the elevator lobbies of each residence floor. Additionally, our staff continue to focus on common spaces and high-traffic areas, increasing the frequency of sanitizing, and focusing on touch-points such as door handles, railings and elevator buttons. Are masks mandatory in the residence? We appreciate that everyone’s circumstances are unique, and some will continue to wear a mask for personal reasons. DC is a mask-friendly college, and those who choose to wear one are respected for their decision. WHAT IS THE GUEST POLICY AT THIS TIME? Residents will be able to sign in up to two guests at one time. Guests will need to sign in at the front desk. What kind of screening measures are in place? Students and visitors will no longer be required to submit screening forms, but are encouraged to monitor and self-screen for symptoms before entering the residence. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home. What should I do if I have more questions? Please contact the residence front desk at 905.728.8700 ext. 8000 or at info@dc-otresidence.ca. Academics What does online, hybrid or flexible course delivery mean? For the latest information and terminology, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/programdelivery. Health and Wellness WHAT MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH SUPPORTS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME RIGHT NOW? The Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC) offers a variety of confidential and comprehensive services. To ensure the health and safety of patients and employees, the CHWC has implemented infection prevention and control measures, which includes physical barriers and enhanced health and safety procedures. For CHWC hours and more information, please visit their webpage. To book an appointment call 905.721.3037. If after hours leave a message and front office staff will call you back the next business day. Our hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m. for cleaning. Please note: at this time, only those patients invited for an in-person appointment will be allowed in the clinic and is required to wear a mask or face covering. After hours supports available to students include: Student VIP: http://www.studentvip.ca/dcsi Good2Talk Helpline (24/7): 1.866.925.5454 Well Student Assistance Program: 1.877.554.6935 Ontario 211 Community and Social Services Help Line (24/7): dial 211 In the case of emergency, please dial 911. Durham College Student Association – DCSA, the independent student association representing all DC students, has additional services available. In addition to the information listed here, please go to their website or contact them directly for updates. Counselling available via online delivery. Email outreachdcsi@durhamcollege.cato book an appointment. Mental health supports available for students: Good2Talk Helpline (24/7): 1.866.925.5454 M. Well Student Assistance Program: 1.877.554.6935 Ontario 211 Community and Social Services Help Line (24/7): dial 211 Campus Health Centre Services including medical appointments and appointments with mental health nurses, wellness coaches and therapists are available via teleconferencing. To book an appointment, call 905.721.2000 ext. 3037. To speak with a nurse, please call ext. 2854. Please ensure your phone is enabled to receive calls from No Caller ID. Durham College Student Association– DCSA, the independent student association representing all DC students, has additional services available. In addition to the information listed here, please go to their website or contact them directly for updates. Counselling available via online delivery. Email outreachdcsi@durhamcollege.cato book an appointment. In the case of emergency, please dial 911. International Students, Applicants and Agents Current International Students What special measures is the federal government taking for international students? Keep checking this page for up-to-date information on special measures put in place by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to help international students, temporary and permanent residents, and applicants affected by COVID-19. Is there financial support available to international students who have lost their job as a result of COVID-19? Students who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 can apply to the International Student Emergency Bursary. This fund is intended to support students with proven financial need due to COVID-19. This emergency bursary is awarded on an individual basis after a careful review of a student’s expenses, income, employment and personal situation. The amount awarded will be based on a student’s individual assessed need. If you require emergency financial support and would like to apply, contact us to discuss your financial concerns. Include an outline of your financial need. You will be asked to complete a needs assessment application. Employees Personal Health What should I do if I am experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms? Please read the COVID-related reporting page. What should I do if I need to self-isolate? Please continue to follow the direction provided by Durham Region Health. What should I do if an employee or colleague discloses to me they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms? Please continue to follow the direction provided by Durham Region Health. DO I NEED TO PROVIDE A DOCTOR’S NOTE IF I AM ILL DUE TO COVID-19? The college has reinstated its standard sick note policy in which employees must provide a doctor’s note for short term sick leaves longer than 5 days. For leaves due to illness or injury longer than 10 days, the college has also reinstated its policy that requires physician’s clearance and disclosure of any required accommodations prior to returning to work. The exception to the above will remain in instances where an employee has been diagnosed with COVID19 or are self-isolating because they are believed to have COVID19. Or if the employee has requirements to care for a loved one who is ill with COVID19. In these situations, no doctors note will be required. Please speak with your supervisor or your HR Generalist if you have any specific questions. IF AN EMPLOYEE OR STUDENT FROM DC/ONTARIO TECH IS DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19, WILL DC INFORM ME? All members of Durham Region are advised to follow the COVID-19 reporting protocol identified by Durham Region Public Health. The Public Health department will communicate with you directly if there is a need for you to be tested or isolated. If DC is contacted by Public Health, we will fully cooperate with their investigation. What health supports are available to employees? EFAP is available to full-time employees and their eligible dependents. If you are a contract or part-time employee and are interested in EFAP supports, please contact Kelly.doyle@durhamcollege.ca. EFAP services can be accessed: 1.844.8809142 TTY: 1.877.338.0275 Workhealthlife.com download My EAP app Attendance How are absences due to illness recorded for days I’m scheduled to work from home? Absences due to illness should continue to be reported and recorded through the normal, established process within your department. Attendance keepers will continue to report attendance to HR. If an employee who is eligible for sick leave entitlements advises the College that they are ill or injured, the College will compensate that employee using the appropriate sick leave per the normal process. If an employee has been instructed to quarantine, are they required in this circumstance to take sick leave? This is determined on a case-by-case basis. Employees are required to contact casemanagement@durhamcollege.ca if they have received direction to quarantine from public health. Has Sun Life implemented any changes to my benefits coverage as a result of COVID-19? Sun Life is treating illness due to the Coronavirus as any other medical emergency. This means there is no exclusion to treating someone because this is an epidemic vs. another type of medical emergency. The out-of-country coverage will cover the employee in the event of a medical emergency, even if it is related to the Coronavirus. This applies as long as the employee is within the trip duration limit. For more information please review the College Employer Council update. The administrative exceptions included above will not apply. This is in-line with the Government of Canada’s efforts to prevent non-essential travel and repatriate Canadians traveling abroad. The following will not be available under the out-of-country travel benefit for employees on or after March 18, 2021: Coverage of any expenses during and after a period of quarantine (directed by a doctor or public health official), unless the plan member shows symptoms of or has tested positive for COVID-19-19 Employees who are currently abroad, but not in quarantine and cannot return home will continue to have access to out-of-country coverage up to the 60-day limit under the Plan. After this time, they will not have out-of-country coverage. If an employee or their dependent needs the immediate attention of a doctor for a medical emergency, they must contact Allianz for assistance: In the USA and Canada call: 1.800.511.4610 From anywhere else: 1.519.514.0351 Fax: 1.519.514.0374 Allianz is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information please review changes to out-of-country coverage due to COVID-19. What are some guidelines for ensuring I have an appropriate workstation set up at home? A home workspace should provide a comparable level of health, safety and security to college office space. For more information about ensuring a safe work space at home, visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website. Communications What if someone from the media contacts me about COVID-19? Please ensure media inquires are forwarded to DC’s Communications and Marketing team at mediarelations@durhamcollege.ca. If I have further questions about COVID-19 and the impact to my work for DC, who should I ask? Please speak with your supervisor. HR related questions can be directed to your Human Resources Generalist. Parking IS THERE A CHARGE FOR PARKING DURING COVID-19? Yes, paid parking has now resumed at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses. For more information, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/parking. WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT PARKING? For more information please contact parking@dc-ot.ca.
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