Health and safety guidelines in residence

The following rules are in effect in student residences managed by uOttawa Housing and Residence Life (HRL) and apply to all residents and their guests while on residence property as defined in the residence contract applicable to all residences.  

HRL will follow all health and safety measures required by federal, provincial, and municipal government and public health authorities, as well as other emerging and leading practices. 

Employees of uOttawa HRL, guest speakers, and other third-party service providers are not governed by residence rules regarding mpox but must follow uOttawa and public health guidelines, which may differ from those that apply to residents. 

These rules are in place to help maintain the health and safety of you and all members of the residence community. It is important that you comply with these rules, and stay informed of any changes to them, to minimize the potential spread of mpox. Failure to follow these rules may result in actions to enforce residence standards, up to and including termination of your residence contract and removal from residence. 

Residence services, amenities, and rules may change, often on short notice, to respond as the situation changes. 

If you have been exposed to someone who is symptomatic or who has tested positive for mpox:

• You DO NOT need to self-isolate. 

• You MUST wear a mask and monitor for signs and symptoms for 21 days from the day of your last potential or confirmed exposure to the person who has a suspected or confirmed case of mpox. You can remove your mask briefly for health and safety reasons, such as to take a shower, brush your teeth, take medication, eat, drink, and sleep. Masks are available in dispensers in the lobby of your residence.

• You CAN participate in all regular activities (e.g., classes, work, etc.) so long as you take all necessary precautions, such as sanitizing or washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask.

• Avoid NON-ESSENTIAL visits to high-risk settings, such as long-term care homes or hospitals. 

• If you develop symptoms, see below.

• Visit the Ottawa Public Health website for more information about mpox.

If you have symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, or rash or sores, or if you test positive for mpox:

• Fill out the mpox reporting form
• You will be assigned to an isolation room with a self-contained bathroom, kitchen, and laundry facilities.
• Contact Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 to report your condition and obtain advice on isolation and medical care.
• You are NOT permitted guests while you are isolating.
• Wear a medical mask. 
• Cover rashes and sores as best as you can with a moist dressing (avoid products with cortisone), wear long-sleeve shirts and pants when you are unable to avoid close contact with other people. 
• Avoid touching any sores in your mouth or eyes.
• If you are a meal plan holder, we will deliver 3 meals to you once a day. If you are part of the Dietary Restrictions Program, please contact the dietitian as soon as you fill out the mpox reporting form.
• If you ARE NOT a meal plan holder, we will deliver 3 meals to you once a day at a daily cost of $30.
• You CANNOT participate in regular activities (e.g. classes, work, intramurals) while isolating.
• Please NOTIFY close contacts, your professors, and your employer that you are isolating.
• Visit the Ottawa Public Health website for more information about mpox.