Stay safe in residence during reading week

This message was originally sent to residents by Campus Housing.

We’re sharing some extra information with you today in follow-up to the President’s email sent yesterday. Each resident is a part of your residence community and you play a role in keeping others safe.

The University is discouraging travel throughout fall term, including during fall and December breaks.

If you plan to visit family or friends over Reading Week, keep everyone safe. Protect yourself and the residence community by following all government regulations and public health guidelines. Follow these tips as well:

• Don’t attend or host parties 
  • We know that the Fall Reading Break is typically a time for you to reconnect with all of your friends from high school, but now is the not the time to attend house parties. If you choose to connect with any friends or family who are currently outside of your social bubble, please make sure you do so safely.
• Talk to your friends and family about keeping your bubble small 
  • Talk to your family before you go home to make sure they know that you need to keep your social bubble small: be considerate about who you interact with, as everyone you come into contact with over Reading Week will also be added to your roommate’s bubble. 
• Return to residence 
  • If you start to feel ill or have COVID-19 related symptoms while you are away, consider delaying your return to residence until it is safe to do so. Contact the local health authority to be tested. If you are delaying returning to residence due to symptoms or a pending COVID-19 test result, please let your area’s Residence Life Coordinator know so we can support you from afar.

If you have plans to leave Canada during fall term, you are required to quarantine for 14 days upon your return. Students living in residence are not allowed to quarantine in their residence rooms upon return from travel.  Residence spaces do not meet quarantine requirements and therefore puts others at risk.

When planning for upcoming holidays and the December break, consider the risks and requirements of any travel plans you make. If you do plan to travel internationally and need support with quarantine, the university is offering a subsidized package including accommodation, food and transportation to international students.  Please view the COVID-19 travel and quarantine checklist for more information.

We encourage you to stay in residence during reading week. Residence Life staff, front desks and facilities will be available throughout the week. The hours of operation for The Market at CMH will be:  
 
Saturday, Oct 10 – Monday Oct 12: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm  
Tuesday, Oct 11 – Friday, Oct 16: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm  
Saturday, Oct 17 – Sunday, Oct 18 – 9:00 am – 9:00 pm  
 
The impact of COVID-19 restrictions can be increasing difficult during times when we typically would be with loved ones. If you need support, we are here to help.