OTTERBURNE, MB – September 25, 2020 – Due to the regional ‘restricted’ code orange recently given by Manitoba Public Health for Winnipeg and surrounding areas, and in keeping with its own COVID-19 protocols and policies, Providence has made the decision, effective Monday, September 28th to limit on-campus learning for commuting students.
“As per our COVID-19 policies, and in an effort to keep our community safe, all employees and students who regularly commute to campus from the Winnipeg Health Region are encouraged to work and study from home,” wrote Vice President of External Relations, Samantha Groenendijk, in an email to students, staff and faculty.
The campus is closed only to commuters from the code orange regions identified by Manitoba Public Health #RestartMB. For a complete listing of the communities affected, read more on our www.prov.ca/COVID19 webpage.
The Otterburne campus, however, is still open to students living in residences, and commuters from outside the restricted areas.
Groenendijk urged all of the affected Providence students and employees to speak to their professors and supervisors for further instructions. “We’ve been told that these restrictions will remain in place for a minimum of four weeks (the length of two incubation periods of the virus). Further direction or additional restrictions may be put in place by public health at any time.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Providence University College and Theological Seminary has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff our priority. That is why we’ve decided, for the next four weeks, to take all necessary precautions. Students will have access to class lectures online and can complete all their coursework through remote delivery. This approach offers students the best chance of academic success as we continue to safely navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the global pandemic.
“For the safety of our community and the community around us, Providence will continue to take all of the necessary steps to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 on-campus, and we will build on what we have learned since the first emergence of COVID-19 in Manitoba this past Spring,” says, Provost & VP Academic, Cameron McKenzie.
McKenzie said that the Providence community will proceed together with the flexibility needed to manage the risks of the pandemic, ensuring that when there is an opportunity to adjust plans (as circumstances permit), our campus can reopen to everyone once again.
“Our first responsibility is a safe environment for students, faculty and staff while still offering a rich and robust academic experience. I am confident that we can move forward and come through this fall semester successfully.”
Check for updates and more information on our website at www.prov.ca/COVID19.
