Due to the increase in the Omicron variant of COVID-19 cases in the NWT and in an effort to protect the health and safety of the Aurora College community, we will be extending online learning for most programs until February 4, 2022. In-person classes are now anticipated to resume on Monday, February 7.
There will be a limited number of exemptions for classes that require face-to-face learning, specifically, certain skills labs in Health, ENRTP and Trades programs. These classes will continue under restrictions laid out in our current exemption plans. If these exemptions apply to a course or courses you are taking, your instructor(s) will be in touch to provide further details.
Library Services will continue to provide contactless delivery of materials and services until February 4. Students and employees will be unable to physically access the libraries during this period.
Internet connectivity issues are ongoing across the NWT. The issues originate with the Territorial network and are being worked on and have resulted in several service interruptions. Please be prepared for further potential interruptions to the MS Team platform and other internet-dependent programs. This is not an Aurora College issue; there is nothing our IST team can do.
The restrictions, processes and rules we have in place make our learning environments very safe. However, as individuals, we must remain cautious, conduct our own risk assessments, and continue to engage in healthy practices such as cleaning personal spaces, good hand hygiene and respiratory practices, and the use of physical distancing where appropriate.
Public health experts have indicated that with the Omicron variant COVID-19 has hit a new level, that potentially everyone has been exposed or will be exposed in the near future and that we should govern our actions accordingly. However, taking simple proactive measures like the ones mentioned here will help keep the risks low. If you have concerns regarding your mental or physical health, please speak with your instructors about your situation.
If you have to access the campus to pick up bookstore or library items please be aware that the entire NWT remains under a mandatory masking mandate for indoor public spaces, which includes all Aurora College facilities. Masks must be worn at all times in all public areas where you may encounter others, including foyer and entrance areas. In compliance with Health Canada recommendations, Aurora College now requires the use of 3-layer non-medical masking as a minimum standard. This includes 3-layer blue disposable or cloth masks or the 5 layer N95 or KN95 masks available commercially. The use of neck warmers or less than three layer masks is now unacceptable at Aurora College facilities.
If you aren’t feeling well, or have any symptoms of COVID, please stay home. Similarly, if you live with an individual who is not feeling well, please stay home. If you’ve had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, we ask that you notify your instructor as soon as possible and follow the recommendations of the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer.
As always we will continue to update all members of the Aurora College community as soon as we are able when the situation changes or there is new information to share.
Thank you for your continuing patience; let’s stay safe and treat each other with kindness and compassion.