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Laurentian announces return-to-school safety measures

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More cleaning. Staggered move-in dates. Reduced occupancy.

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These are some of the steps Laurentian University said it’s taking to make sure students are safe when they return to school later this month.

The moves are necessary as Sudbury, Ontario, Canada and much of the world deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“Laurentian Residence has always been a safe place to live. We are confident that the safety measures we are preparing for our fall intake will significantly reduce the risk to students, staff, faculty, and contractors entering the buildings this fall,” Joseph McGibbon, manager of Residence Life at Laurentian University, said in a release.

The decision to allow for a significant number of scholars to return involved the close cooperation of many departments, Laurentian said. The Return to Campus Committee, which is made up of more than 50 campus leaders representing students, staff and faculty, worked closely with Residence Life to make it happen.

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“Health and safety remains our first priority,” the school said, “and we continue to work closely with the public health authorities … We recognize many students will prefer to be on campus this fall and Laurentian University has implemented plans to provide the best possible accommodations.”

So far, the Sudbury area has recorded 90 COVID-19 cases, with two deaths.

In the interest of limiting risk, Laurentian said it has taken the following measures:

Reduced occupancy: All residents will be housed in single rooms, with no more than two people sharing a bathroom. Residences will operate at 35 per cent capacity to ensure physical distancing and the safety of residents.

Staggered move-in dates and times: Extended move-in dates to allow physical distancing. Move-in will begin on Monday, Aug. 31, and run until Tuesday, Sept. 8. A maximum of four residents will be permitted to move in per hour in each building. Move-in appointments will only be permitted from 8 a.m. to  8 p.m. when additional cleaning staff members are on site.

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Increased cleaning: University cleaning staff will increase cleaning in public areas, particularly “high-touch areas” like doorknobs. This will continue throughout the academic year to ensure that Laurentian protects residents on an ongoing basis.

Support for international students arriving from outside Canada: Laurentian Residence is offering all international students a safe place to stay during their mandatory 14-day quarantine period. They will receive food deliveries, along with support from staff and health services on campus.

Activities: Residence Life staff will provide resident support and build community connections through virtual and in-person activities. Campus life is guided by the Okaganan Charter, which emphasizes the promotion of healthy communal living on campus. Allowable gatherings will have to meet Ontario Public Health guidelines. Staff organizing these activities will be provided with personal protective equipment, sanitizer, and disinfectant.

Contingency plans: Laurentian Residence has worked closely with Public Health Sudbury & Districts to prepare for many eventualities. Laurentian currently has both an outbreak and a quarantine plan, as well as the flexibility needed to meet the health unit’s guidelines.

sud.editorial@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @SudburyStar

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