Message from the President – October 09

Posted on Friday, October 9th, 2020

Dear Colleagues and Learners:

The Province of Ontario has imposed new restrictions effective Saturday, October 10 at 12:01 a.m. in Ottawa, Toronto and Peel resulting from the continuing spike in reported COVID-19 cases.

The new measures come on a record-setting day of new confirmed cases in the province. Algonquin College will continue its current state of academic operations at all campuses, with the exception of Ottawa Campus’ Restaurant International closing after this evening’s service (Friday, October 9).

The College is undertaking a review of the new regulations to determine if any other specific changes may be required. If the review indicates further changes to operations are necessary, we will communicate those with you in the coming days. The list of new restrictions announced today can be found here.

While a review of today’s announcement, the associated regulations and the ultimate impacts to the College is underway, the following areas will be closed for the next 28 days:

  1. Algonquin Commons Theatre
  2. Fitness Zone
  3. Restaurant International

What remains open, with limited take-away service includes:

  1. The Observatory
  2. 35th Street Market Café
  3. The Marketplace
  4. Starbucks

We are taking measures to close/reduce operations in these areas for the health and safety of our staff and students. More information on these restrictions and associated impacts will be communicated in the coming days.

Over the last few weeks, many of us have been watching with concern as the confirmed number of COVID-19 cases began to rise. It seemed only a matter of time before new measures, like those announced today, would be implemented.

As I stated in my communiqué earlier this week, the increased call for vigilance comes with good reason. Recent research conducted by Ottawa Public Health shows that one quarter of all September COVID-19 cases were the result of people socializing with those outside their household.

Today’s heightened restrictions come as we prepare for the Thanksgiving long weekend. While it is disappointing not to gather with our extended friends and families over the next few days, the risks are too great and flattening the rising curve of COVID-19 cases is imperative. We must do everything we can to protect our ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbours, and limit socializing to only our immediate households and virtual visits.

I want to express my thanks to all of you for the perseverance, kindness and professionalism you continue to display during these challenging times, and wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

 

Sincerely,

Claude Brulé

President, CEO

Algonquin College

 

 


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