This morning, the provincial government recommended that all Ontarians consider wearing masks in indoor spaces as well as adding other layers of protection to fight the spread of COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza (flu) – all three of which are placing extraordinary pressure on our healthcare system. With this recent news, please be reminded that Durham College (DC) remains a mask-friendly college inclusive of all community members. Those who wish to wear a mask indoors for their wellness, and those around them, are encouraged to do so. Masks continue to be mandatory in the Oshawa campus Library, Dental Clinic and Campus Health and Wellness Centre, as well as the shared DC/Ontario Tech University Campus Corners space. We encourage our campus community members to remain vigilant in managing your health and well-being and appreciate your cooperation and diligence. Important reminders:

• Be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and flu shots when eligible. Public health authorities encourage vaccinations as strong protection against the effects of these viruses and an important way to protect public health.
• Self-monitor closely for COVID-19, RSV and influenza symptoms. If you are feeling unwell, do not come to campus. If an illness is related to COVID-19 symptoms, follow the steps outlined on our COVID-related illness reporting page.
• For an added layer of protection, wear a mask in shared indoor spaces.
• Practice hand hygiene and physical distancing where possible.

DC regularly consults with public health authorities and monitors provincial guidelines. Our health and safety decisions are contingent on current public health conditions and directions. Any changes to our direction will be communicated as needed.

Welcome to the fall semester at Durham College (DC)! With an exciting academic year ahead, we’re looking forward to seeing our college community on campus. For those accessing a DC building this semester, the following information will help make your visit seamless. Masks on campus We appreciate that everyone’s circumstances are unique, and some people 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 decisions. DC continues to consult with public health authorities to monitor the province’s guidelines, and our health and safety decisions are contingent on current public health conditions and directions. Illness reporting Please be reminded that if you are feeling unwell, remain at home. If an illness or exposure is related to COVID-19 symptoms or situations, contact casemanagement@durhamcollege.ca immediately and follow the protocols provided. Illnesses that impact student attendance should be reported to your faculty member. Orientation Week To kick off the fall semester, we've planned a variety of in-person academic and social events to end your first week feeling prepared for your studies, acquainted with peers and familiar with the Oshawa and Whitby campuses. Full Orientation Week details are available at www.durhamcollege.ca/orientation. Parking If you require a fall semester or annual parking pass at the Oshawa or Whitby campus, you must register and pay for your pass online or purchase daily rate tickets on-site. More information is available at www.durhamcollege.ca/parking. U-PASS The U-PASS program provides students with unlimited travel each semester on Durham Region Transit (DRT) and is paid for through ancillary fees for all eligible, full-time students. The U-PASS is offered in a digital format only via the PRESTO E-Tickets mobile app. For more information about registering for U-PASS, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/upass. GO-VAXX mobile clinics As a reminder, Metrolinx GO-VAXX mobile vaccination clinics will be visiting the Oshawa and Whitby campuses to deliver COVID-19 vaccines, including first, second and booster doses, as well as pediatric Pfizer vaccines for children ages five to 11. Clinic dates are: Oshawa campus:

• Tuesday, September 6 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Commencement Lot.

• Tuesday, September 13 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Founders Lot 2.

Whitby campus

• Monday, September 12 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the parking lot off Stellar Drive.

Walk-ins will be accepted, but priority will be given to scheduled appointments, which can be booked beginning at 8 a.m. the day before each clinic date through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.   Conlin Road construction and closures Students are reminded that full and partial road closures and lane restrictions may take place on and around Conlin Road, west of DC, as the Regional Municipality of Durham and the City of Oshawa continue to work on the feeder main, water main, sanitary and storm sewer construction and road reconstruction. This work is expected to be completed by December 2022. For updates, maps and detour routes, visit www.durham.ca/ConlinRoad. Stay connected As a reminder, DC’s social media feeds, the DC mobile app and COVID-19 webpage are great ways to stay informed with campus news. Wishing you a healthy, enjoyable fall semester!

Effective Monday, May 30,  Durham College (DC) is suspending masking requirements for entry to the Oshawa and Whitby campus buildings. 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. Public Health advises that mask-wearing and hand hygiene are effective against the spread of COVID-19 variants. As we've learned throughout the past two years, the virus spread and pandemic restrictions are ever-evolving. We regularly consult with public health authorities and monitor the province's guidelines, and our health and safety decisions are contingent on current public health conditions and directions. Should the situation in Ontario change, we may need to reinstate some decisions on short notice. Should that occur, we will communicate any changes as soon as possible. We encourage our campus community members to remain vigilant in managing your health and well-being and appreciate your ongoing cooperation and diligence. Important reminders:

• Remain up-to-date on boosters when eligible. Vaccination remains the best protection against the worst effects of COVID-19 and its variants and is the most important way to protect public health.
• Those who wish to continue to wear a mask are encouraged to do so.
• Continue to maintain physical distancing wherever possible.
• 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 follow the steps outlined on our COVID-related illness reporting page.
• DC’s response to COVID-19 can be found on our COVID-19 webpage.