COVID-19
If you’re planning to visit our Otterburne campus, please contact us first at info@prov.ca.
Ending Proof of Vaccination and Masking Requirements On-Campus
February 25, 2022
The Government of Manitoba recently announced that it will end all provincial Public Health orders requiring proof of vaccination or negative test results as of Tuesday, March 1st. The Province also indicated that masking requirements for indoor public spaces will be lifted on Tuesday, March 15th.
In light of this announcement, and in keeping with specific direction received from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills, and Immigration (addressed to Manitoba post-secondary institutions), Providence is making some changes to current COVID-19 protocols on campus as follows:
- Proof of Vaccination and Testing – Providence will remove its vaccination and testing mandate effective March 1, 2022.
- Masking – In addition, our masking policy will end on March 15, 2022. Providence continues to recommend mask-wearing, and is committed to being mindful of and respectful to any student or member of the community should they decide to continue to wear a mask as a health and safety precaution.
- Reduce the Risk and Prevent the Spread – Distancing requirements in class and on campus will remain in place. It’s important to note that foundational Public Health measures like frequent hand-washing, physical separation and staying home when sick are still in effect.
While different schools and universities are taking their own approaches to this new direction from government, our position is that our safest option is to follow the guidelines provided for us by the Public Health office as close to the letter as we can. Let us continue to extend grace and understanding to each other as we do our best to act wisely in these complicated times.
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“We appreciate the patience shown by each of you during this extended period of restriction as we have sought to work together to keep each other safe,” wrote President Anderson in a recent email to our Providence community. “We also understand that some will be uncomfortable with this action, as COVID-19 is obviously not completely finished with us yet. In the meantime, I know we will act respectfully toward one another, honouring each other’s needs in this transitional time.”
Questions? Contact COVID19@prov.ca
FAQs about COVID-19
Q: HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM THE VIRUS?
Practicing good hygiene is an important way to help protect yourself from getting a viral respiratory illness. Some suggestions are as follows:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue; then, dispose of the tissue
- Limit touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Avoid close contact (less than two meters) with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as coughing or sneezing
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, balanced diet and exercise
- Minimize prolonged, close contact with other individuals in public
- Avoid greetings that involve touching such as handshakes
- Disinfect frequently used surfaces
- Follow public health advice related to self-monitoring and self-isolation if you’ve travelled or been exposed to someone ill with the virus
- Consider avoiding travel, crowded places and events, especially if you are at higher risk
Q: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?
COVID-19 is similar to the common cold and symptoms can range from mild to severe as follows:
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- runny nose
- shortness of breath
- breathing difficulties
Older people and those living with chronic health conditions are more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome (etc.). Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus.
Q: WHAT IS SELF-SCREENING?
Prior to any visit to the Providence campus, all community members and guests must screen themselves by answering the following questions. (Further information on screening can be found here):
- Am I currently experiencing a new onset of any of the following symptoms: Fever/chills, cough, loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours, sore throat/hoarse voice, shortness of breath? (Note: Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing severe symptoms or difficulty breathing.)
- Am I currently experiencing a new onset of TWO OR MORE of the following symptoms: runny nose, muscle aches, fatigue, conjunctivitis (pink eye), headache, nausea or loss of appetite, skin rash of unknown origin?
- Have I been in close contact with someone that is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19?
- Have I traveled to any location outside of Manitoba in the last 14 days that requires a 14 day quarantine period upon return, or have Manitoba health officials recommended that I self-isolate or quarantine?
If the answer to ANY of the above questions is “yes,” you should immediately go home to self-isolate and you are NOT permitted to enter the Providence campus. If you have answered “yes” to questions one or two, you must complete the self-screening tool or call Health Links at 1-888-315-9257 to seek medical advice and information about COVID-19 testing. Local public health officials will advise you of your next steps based on your test results and will be in contact with Providence if necessary.
Campus Access
Anyone wishing to come to campus for specific, institutional business should email info@prov.ca or call 204-433-7488 to inquire before their arrival.
Providence employees are available by phone and email from 8:15 am – 4:30 pm.
Additional Resources
Health Links 1-888-315-9257
Coronavirus Information
- Manitoba COVID-19
- Government of Manitoba
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories
- World Health Organization
Fact Sheets