IPC Update

Jan. 11, 2022 | Health, Safety & Environment Coordinator

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Dear Staff, Faculty and Students,

COVID-19 Omicron Variant

In recent weeks we have seen a huge surge in COVID-19 case numbers due to the transmissibility of the Omicron variant. In the coming weeks, we may have unprecedented numbers of absences due to illness. If you are not well, we encourage you to stay home away from others as much as possible and only come to campus when necessary for scheduled in-person sessions. 

Social distancing, continuous masking and hand hygiene are our best tools in everyday life to prevent spreading the virus. If you are eating/drinking or removing your mask for any reason, ensure your hands are clean before removing the mask AND stay >2 meters away from everyone else when you have your mask off. 

You may find yourself waiting longer for an email response.  You may see increased cancellations of appointments. We urge you to be patient with your peers and colleagues on campus as we all struggle to remain safe in the face of the Omicron variant. Together we can continue to remain safe while working, learning and providing care.

SoD Fit For Work Screening Questionnaire

Recently it has come to our attention that not everyone is using the SoD FFW Screening Questionnaire as it was intended to be used. We’ve had many people completing multiple forms for multiple sessions at the same time or not submitting them at all.  Please see the following reminders:

• Expectations of the IPC Team regarding the use of the SoD FFW Screening Questionnaire

• If you are NOT feeling well, DO NOT come to campus. Complete the SoD FFW Screening Questionnaire at home and stay home. Check your emails frequently as we will need to communicate with you.

• A new SoD FFW Screening Questionnaire must be completed BEFORE coming to campus for each in-person session - scheduled or not. 

• You must complete a SoD FFW Screening Questionnaire prior to every and any time you come to campus. We need to know when you were here and that you were healthy when you were here.

• If you have back to back sessions you must fill out a separate form before moving on to the next session. 

  • AM session - complete the SoD FFW Screening Questionnaire & submit it prior to coming to campus. You will be sent a copy of your completed form in your email to show to the screener.

  • PM session - if you were here for the AM session, wait until just after noon to complete the SoD FFW Screening Questionnaire. eg. If you are coming early to campus to do lab work but your scheduled session isn't starting until the afternoon, you must fill out an SoD FFW Screening Questionnaire prior to coming to campus, and then a second SoD FFW Screening Questionnaire just prior to your scheduled afternoon session

  • Evening session - You must fill out a new SoD FFW Screening Questionnaire just prior to the scheduled evening session as this is required even if you are only coming to practice or do lab work in Kipnes or KEC.

  • No scheduled in-person session, but you’ve been exposed or are ill - even if you are not scheduled to come to campus, we ask that you still complete a SoD FFW Screening Questionnaire so that the IPC Team can follow-up and make sure you have the supports you need to come back to campus safely.

COVID-19 Booster Vaccines

Alberta Health Services has recently changed their back to work guidance for Healthcare Workers to include COVID-19 boosters. You are considered a HCW if you work or learn in KEC. Those who have been boosted may have fewer restrictions as they return to work after having contracted COVID-19 or an influenza like illness. We strongly encourage those who are eligible for a booster vaccine, to get boosted as soon as possible. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines and to book an appointment visit the Alberta COVID-19 Vaccines site

Have IPC Questions, Concerns or Positive Comments? Email dentIPC@ualberta.ca.

Sincerely,
Dr. Khaled Altabtbaei, IPC Officer
Ronna Richardson-Lozano, IPC Coordinator