Algonquin ’s International Student Safe Travel, Arrival and Quarantine Guide

Algonquin’s first priority is the health and safety of our students. We are also obligated to follow the regulations and recommendations of various authorities, including the Government of , and the Government of and City of public health authorities.

The Government of Canada has put in place an emergency order under the Quarantine Act. It applies to all travellers arriving in Canada. Its purpose is to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Canada. Failure to comply with this order is an offence under the Quarantine Act.

When you arrive at the border, you will need to have an adequate plan to quarantine for two weeks. An adequate plan includes a plan to get from the airport to your self-isolation location with no stops, a location where you can safely self-isolate in accordance with Public Health guidelines, and plans for how you will access food and any other necessities required during your self-isolation. Failure to meet these requirements may result in being denied entry to Canada, or having to carry out quarantine in a government-approved facility.

Algonquin College’s readiness plan (self isolation program) has been approved and current students not already in Canada, who have a study permit approval, may now make plans to travel.

Students beginning their studies in January 2021, who have a valid study permit approval, may begin to travel to Canada starting December 1st (self-isolation plans starting before this date will not be approved by the College).

Whether you are using the Algonquin College Self-Isolation Program or making your own self-isolation arrangements, please be sure to review the information in this guide prior to your arrival. Pre-Arrival:

 Review the COVID-19 International Student Safe Travel, Arrival and Quarantine Guide.  Register for the Algonquin College New Student Self-Isolation Program or make your own self- isolation arrangements in accordance with Government of Canada and Ottawa Public Health guidelines. Public living areas should be avoided. As such, hostels and residences with shared living accommodations are not acceptable for quarantine or isolation.  Complete and submit the online Self-Isolation Registration Forms and bring a copy of the completed form (which you will receive via email upon completion) with you when you travel.  Review and understand the self-isolation guidelines as outlined by Government of Canada and Ottawa Public Health.  Purchase a supply of reusable or disposable non-medical masks and hand sanitizer to bring with you.  Download and complete the ArriveCan app (co-arriving family members should also do so). o Download ArriveCAN for iOS o Download ArriveCAN for Android Note: As of November 21, 2020, air travellers whose final destination is Canada will be required to submit their information electronically through the ArriveCAN app before they board their flight. This includes travel and contact information, quarantine plan, and COVID-19 symptom self-assessment. • Travellers must be ready to show their ArriveCAN receipt when seeking entry into Canada; a border services officer will verify that they have submitted their information digitally. • Travellers who do not submit the required information digitally before boarding their flight could be subject to enforcement action, which can range from verbal warnings to $1,000 fine.

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 Download the Algonquin College ICent App to quickly access important information for Algonquin international students. o Download the ICent App for iOS o Download the ICent App for Google Play  Complete the Pre-Arrival Checklist  Review the resources in the Algonquin College Self-Isolation Toolkit.  If you are ill do not attempt to travel to Canada.  Ensure that you are booked for travel through to Ottawa (for example, you cannot have a flight to Montreal and then take an Uber to Ottawa, you should book your travel all the way through to Ottawa). When Travelling:

 Passengers on all flights departing or arriving at Canadian airports will be required to demonstrate they have the necessary non-medical mask or face covering during the boarding process otherwise they will not be allowed to continue on their journey.  When travelling by other modes of transportation, you must wear non- medical masks or face coverings.  You should also bring, in your carry-on luggage, at least 2 masks, a travel-sized bottle of hand- sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.  While en-route to your destination, you should also: o Practice social distancing/physical distancing and keep at least 2 meters (6 feet) between yourself and others, whenever possible. o Wash your hands frequently o Use hand sanitizer when necessary, and hand washing is not possible o Sanitize your personal space and high-touch areas such as seat belts and tray tables o Touch as few surfaces as possible o Keep your cell phone charged, in case of travel delays/changes Canada’s legal restrictions for travelers returning to Canada are available here. Entering Canada:

When arriving at the port must have the documents outlined under ‘Pre-Arrival’ ready to provide to Canada Border Services. Students will also be required to undergo a screening by a border services or quarantine officer to assess travellers for symptoms. Should you have developed any symptoms while in transit you will be required to quarantine at your port of entry and may not travel onwards to Ottawa until after you have been clearance to do so.

Entering Canada through Toronto or Montreal:

If you are entering Canada through the Toronto Pearson International Airport or the Montreal Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport you are required to complete the Government of Canada’s ArriveCan form (as of June 17th, 2020).

Entering Canada through Vancouver:

If you are entering Canada through the Vancouver International Airport, in addition to the ArriveCan App, you will also need complete a BC self-isolation plan that can be submitted online before, or when you arrive, or can be submitted in a paper form when you arrive. It is recommended to complete and submit the form online before the trip. After travelers complete the form online, they will receive a

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confirmation number and they need to carry that number with them when they travel. It is also recommended that you print out the self-isolation plan form to carry it with you while traveling.

These are the guidelines as of June 17th. However, the guidelines could change, so before traveling to Vancouver International Airport make sure you check both the airport website and the provincial website for new mandatory travel questionnaires.

Entering Canada through Calgary:

If you are entering Canada through Calgary International Airport, you will need to complete a provincial isolation questionnaire, in addition to the Government of Canada requirements, to demonstrate you have appropriate plans and the necessary supports in place to isolate for 14 days. You will receive a provincial isolation questionnaire to fill out at a provincial checkpoint after clearing customs. You can also print it off in advance and bring it with you.

These are the guidelines as of June 17th. However, the guidelines could change, so before traveling to Calgary International Airport make sure you check both the airport website and the provincial website for new mandatory travel questionnaires.

Upon arrival in Ottawa:

 Wear a fresh mask and wash/sanitize your hands  Pick up baggage while maintaining physical distancing  Exit the baggage area and go to the location you have previously arranged to meet your driver. You should sit in the back-seat passenger side, keep the windows down, and practice physical distancing at all times.  Go directly to the place where you will isolate, do not stop anywhere, and stay in your place of isolation for 14 days from the date you arrived in Canada.  Note that the City of Ottawa has a local Temporary Mask By-law and the general recommendation that masks be worn at all times inside public spaces, as well as outside when physical distancing could be challenging to maintain. Additional information on the By-law and mask usage etc. can be found on Ottawa Public Health’s website. During Self-Isolation

 The International Education Centre (IEC) is required to contact you directly every day, one to two times per day, during your self-isolation period to confirm that you are self-isolating. In order to make contact with you, IEC will use the landline in the hotel room, or if you have made your own self-isolation arrangements, on the Canadian your mobile or landline phone number you have provided. If IEC is unable to contact you, or believes for any reason that you are not conforming to self-isolation requirements, the College is obligated to report your personal information and circumstances to IRCC.  You will be tested for COVID-19 on day 14 of your arrival in Ontario. SAC Services will drive you to the Testing Centre and the test will be free. Co-arriving family members are not required to get a test unless they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or are directed to be testing by a representative of Ottawa Public Health.  Monitor your health using the tools in the ArriveCan app (co-arriving family members are encouraged to do so as well).  You will be tested for COVID-19 on Day 14 of your arrival in Ontario. If you are in Ottawa, Arrival Services will drive you to the Testing Centre and the test will be free. If you self-isolate in Toronto or in another city in Ontario, you must coordinate your trip to a Test Centre. If you self-isolate outside of Ontario, you DO NOT require a COVID-19 test.  You agree to continue to self-isolate for the remainder of your two weeks (14 days) self-isolation period even if your tests confirms that you do not have COVID-19. If you do not have your results at the end of the 14 Page 3 of 5

days of self-isolation you must continue to self-isolate until you receive a negative test result or, should you receive a positive test result, as advised by Ottawa Public Health (generally 14 days from the date of testing or the onset of symptoms).  If you are in Ottawa, please book your appointment for COVID-19 testing by contacting Arrival Services at 613-355-6874 or by email at [email protected].  Communicate with the International Education Centre via [email protected]  Limit contact with other members of your household and have no contact with anyone outside your place of quarantine.  Stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom from others in your home, if possible.  Ensure the physical environment and high touch surfaces are regularly cleaned and disinfected.  Do not have visitors.  Do not leave your place of isolation unless it is to get medical attention. Note, for non- emergency situations students can access mobileDOCTOR through their guard.me insurance, remotely.  Do not use public transportation (e.g., buses, taxis).  Do not go to school, work or other public areas.  Do not go into the community, including the grocery store and pharmacy.  If you need groceries, medication or other essential items, arrange for orders to be delivered (refer to Algonquin College’s Self-isolation Toolkit for more information). Have items left at the door to minimize contact.  If you have to be in contact with others, practice physical distancing and keep at least 2 meters (6 feet) between yourself and the other person.  Stay in touch with friends and family virtually via text, phone, FaceTime etc.  Participate in Algonquin College’s virtual self-isolation and arrival and orientation programming.  If your classes have started, attend your classes through remote learning. If your program has a face-to-face component be sure to advise your program coordinator that you are in self- isolation and will begin attending classes once you have completed your 14 days and are symptom free.  Monitor your physical and mental health and reach out if you need assistance.

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms:  If you (or a co-arriving family member) develop symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., cough, fever, difficulty breathing), please use the Government of Ontario COVID-19 self-assessment tool to find out how to get further care.  Use the contact information in your arrival email to arrange for COVID-19 testing for yourself (or co-arriving family member).  Most people with mild symptoms will recover on their own at home.  If your symptoms are worsening to a point where you cannot manage at home, go to your nearest hospital emergency department and/or call 911.  If you need further non-urgent medical attention you and co-arriving family members, can access mobileDOCTOR 24 hours a day. Additional information is provided in your arrival email.  If you have questions about your guard.me health insurance contact [email protected].

Students are reminded that quarantine (self-isolation) is a requirement of the Quarantine Act and is not optional.

After Self-Isolation:

Continue physical distancing AFTER your self-isolation has ended – these recommendations apply to everyone:

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• Follow the protocols provided to all Algonquin College students, as guided by Ottawa Public Health. https://www.algonquincollege.com/coronavirus/covid-19-testing-parameters/  Keep at least 2 meters (6 feet) between yourself and other people. Wear a non-medical mask while in public spaces.  Limit group gatherings and be COVIDWise. Limit your social circle with whom you can interact without physical distancing. For information on creating social circle visit the Government of Ontario’s webpage on social circles.  Connect via phone, video chat, or social media instead of in person.  Avoid visiting anyone at higher risk, including individuals with medical conditions, over age 65 or immunocompromised, unless the visit is essential.  Keep windows down for essential community trips via taxi or rideshares and sit as far away from the driver as possible and wear a mask.  Ensure the physical environment and high touch surfaces are regularly cleaned and disinfected.  While outside, avoid spitting in public, avoid crowds and maintain a distance of two meters (six feet) from those around you. Make an effort to step-aside or pass others quickly and courteously on sidewalks. Passing someone on the sidewalk is not considered close contact or a significant risk for exposure to COVID-19.  Visit Ottawa Public Health for the most current information on municipal and provincial laws, regulations and guidelines as they relate to COVID-19.  Visit the Algonquin College webpage for information on safety and guidelines for visiting campus.

Should you be directed to be tested by Ottawa Public Health or should you begin experiencing symptoms and require testing after the end of your self-isolation it is recommended that international students visit one of the following testing locations in Ottawa, as provincial health coverage is not required in order to obtain your results:

Brewer Assessment Centre • Can be tested without an OHIP card – individual without an OHIP card will have to follow-up with the center itself for results. Moodie COVID-19 Care Clinic (Ottawa West) • Can be tested without an OHIP card - individual without an OHIP card will have to follow-up with the center itself for results. Heron COVID-19 Care Clinic (Ottawa East) • Can be tested without an OHIP card – Care clinic staff will call client with positive or negative test result.

At any time, if you have questions or need assistance, please contact [email protected].

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