Summary of changes and news (updated January 22, 2021, 1:00 p.m.)

New uOttawa COVID-19 Daily Assessment tool

In response to the latest Government of Ontario’s regulations, uOttawa has launched a new self-assessment tool to use before coming on campus.

Ontario's regulations

The Government of Ontario declared a state of emergency in response to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario. The provincial state of emergency and the measures will come into effect on January 14 until February 11.

The declaration includes an extension of current restrictions on in-person learning, on-campus construction and research. Overall, these new directives will have minimal impact on our current activities. Most of our courses are being delivered via distance learning, most of our employees are already teleworking and our research activities can be pursued under the controlled and tight environment we have already put in place.

There is a "stay at home" order as well as new regulations for physical distancing and recreational facilities and new enforcement regulations.

As a reminder:

• gatherings outdoors are reduced to 5 people;
• masks must be worn outside if within 2m of another person and inside in common areas at all times;
• enforcement of public health measures will become more strict.

Please visit the Government of Ontario’s website for more details.

Quebec’s regulations

The Quebec Government has announced new measures aimed at fighting the spread of COVID 19, which come into effect on Saturday, January 9, 2021 up to February 8, 2021. These restrictions include a curfew from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. every day.

Only essential travel will be permitted, and police surveillance will be in place across the province. Please visit the Government of Quebec's website for more details.

Many uOttawa students, faculty and staff live in the Outaouais region and will, therefore, be directly affected by these measures.

Letter of authorization

Please contact your faculty or supervisor to discuss whether a letter of authorization to travel to and from campus is necessary for you. While they are not required in Ontario, in certain situations they may be helpful. With Quebec’s curfew, there is a higher likelihood that you may be intercepted by law enforcement and the letter will assist you with this interaction as it indicates that you are required to travel to and from campus.

Updates

• Students: the FAQ has been updated in regards to the exam monitoring software Respondus and how can you replace or get a student cart.

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