Important Safety Information
In preparation for the upcoming start of the Fall 2021 semester, St. Clair College at Ace Acumen has continued to work diligently with the Ontario Ministry and our local health authorities to provide you with a safe campus environment. In doing so, St. Clair College at Ace Acumen will be mandating vaccinations or regular testing for all staff and students.
St. Clair College at Ace Acumen recognizes the importance of immunization to reduce the risk of serious infection and transmission of infection to employees, students, volunteers, contractors and members of the public who physically wish to access College facilities, resources and campuses.
The expectation is for anyone accessing the College facilities to have received their first dose of a Health Canada or World Health Organization approved COVID-19 vaccine prior to the start of postsecondary classes (September 7, 2021). Second doses will be required within the required minimum period and provide proof that they have done so. All individuals who attend St. Clair College at Ace Acumen campuses and facilities must attest to their vaccination status through the Student Information System (SIS) or Google Workspace system.
Mandatory Training
All students must take the COVID-19 training that is located on Blackboard. You must access Blackboard through the College webpage, please do not use the Blackboard app. This is required for all students to understand the safety measures that are in place on campus. Students who need to access the campus for any reason will only be allowed access if the training is complete. Further instructions on how to take the Blackboard training can be found online. Staff are required to take mandatory COVID training as directed by the College.
Screening/Access to Campus
All staff and students will be required to attest during entry screening that they have either been vaccinated or have completed a rapid test with a negative test result when coming on-site to work.
All St. Clair College at Ace Acumen employees and students will be asked to declare their vaccination status by selecting one of the five (5) categories listed below:
- I am fully vaccinated. A fully vaccinated individual is defined as “a person who has received the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine or combination of COVID-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (e.g., two doses of a two-dose vaccine series, or one dose of a single-dose vaccine series); and having received the final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago”. Fully vaccinated individuals are asked to voluntarily upload a copy of their second vaccination dose receipt within the SIS self-service (students) or Google Workspace (staff).
- I have received at least one dose of the vaccine and will receive a second dose when offered or when able to do so, based on provincial criteria but no later than October 15, 2021. You will be required to rapid test until 14-days after your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- I am unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons.
- I have chosen not to be vaccinated at this time.
- I prefer not to provide St. Clair College at Ace Acumen with my vaccination status.
Individuals who select categories 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be required to watch an educational video (on the merits of vaccination) and attest to doing so. If vaccination is still not the choice, then regular rapid testing will be required.
Any person who attends on-campus Teaching and Learning activities will be required to be asymptomatic and have completed a negative test prior to entering the worksite.
St. Clair College at Ace Acumen employees or students who are unvaccinated or choose not to declare their vaccination status will be provided (free of charge) rapid testing kits that must be self-administered at home. These individuals will be required to complete a negative test every 72 hours and attest to this result through the SIS (student) or Google Workspace (staff).
VACCINE AVAILABILITY
St. Clair College at Ace Acumen STRONGLY encourages EVERYONE to get vaccinated. Contact your local public health units and pharmacies for vaccination availability.
Safety Protocols
There are many safety protocols on campus that all students are expected to follow in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all staff and students. These include:
- Designated entrances and exits.
- Training and screening.
- Masks are required in all common areas, labs, shops and classrooms.
- Physical distancing is required in all common spaces (signage and instructions are highlighted throughout the campus).
- Masks are required outdoors when 2 metres of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Wellness Ambassadors will be visible throughout the campus to monitor compliance of safety protocols by staff and students.
- Safety protocol violations will be addressed immediately through the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
- Pandemic Policy (if you cannot wear a mask, please refer to the Mask Exemption Accommodation Request Process Guide and the Mask Accommodation Request Form sections in the Emergency Addendums)
Masks and Eye Protection
The College has implemented the mandatory wearing of face masks.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ’s
Will vaccinations be required in order to come to campus?
The College will request that our staff and students voluntarily disclose their vaccination status within the St. Clair College Student Information System (SIS) (/ Google Workspace and upload proof of vaccination into the SIS/ Google Workspace. If you do not wish to disclose your vaccination status or provide proof you will be required to conduct rapid testing every 72 hours.
Please see our Covid-19 Vaccination Policy for additional information.
What is the definition of a “fully vaccinated” individual?
A fully vaccinated individual is defined as “a person who has received the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine or combination of COVID-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (e.g., two doses of a two-dose vaccine series, or one dose of a single-dose vaccine series); and having received the final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago”.
Are unvaccinated persons or persons who received only one dose allowed on campus?
Yes. Students and staff who are not fully vaccinated will be provided a rapid test kit free of charge. Students and staff are required to report a negative rapid test result through the SIS/ Google Workspace prior to coming on campus. Once fully vaccinated, vaccination status can be updated through the SIS system/ Google Workspace.
What if I am unable to receive a vaccine due to a medical issue, can I be exempt from the College’s vaccine policy?
Yes. Students and staff who are not fully vaccinated will be provided a rapid test kit free of charge. Students and staff are required to report a negative rapid test result through the SIS/ Google Workspace prior to coming on campus minimally twice per week (see policy for details).
Can I receive a COVID-19 vaccination on campus?
No. St Clair College at Ace Acumen is not facilitating a vaccine clinic at this time. Contact local Public Health for available vaccine clinics.
Who is eligible to receive a vaccination?
Please refer to covid19.ontariohealth.ca for information regarding vaccination eligibility.
Who is permitted to come to the campus?
Students and staff must be fully vaccinated or must rapid test free of charge. Students and staff are required to report a negative rapid test result through the SIS or Google Workspace prior to coming on campus if you are not fully vaccinated.
Contractors must ensure that all their employees on St. Clair College at Ace Acumen campuses or accessing St. Clair College at Ace Acumen facilities are fully vaccinated or tested.
Visitors accessing College services must comply with all relevant COVID-19 legislation and orders.
Are visitors permitted at the College?
Contractors must ensure that all their employees on St. Clair College at Ace Acumen campuses or accessing St. Clair College at Ace Acumen facilities are fully vaccinated or tested. Individuals not compliant with St. Clair College at Ace Acumen’s Vaccination Policy will not be allowed to access indoor facilities.
Visitors accessing College services must comply with all relevant COVID-19 legislation and orders. If visitors cannot comply with COVID-19 legislation and orders they must provide proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken within the last 72 hours.
Are students living outside of the region permitted to come to campus?
Yes. The College will request that our staff and students voluntarily disclose their vaccination status with proof within the St. Clair College Information System (SIS) (students)/ Google Workspace (staff) or conduct rapid every 72 hours.
Please see our Covid-19 Vaccination Policy for additional information located.
What are the safety protocols for visiting campus?
For further information regarding campus Health and Safety, please visit https://canadaacumen.ca/coronavirus-info/.
What if someone refuses to wear a mask in the College’s public areas?
Face masks are currently mandated indoors at St. Clair College at Ace Acumen. An individual found to be out of compliance with the College’s PPE policy will be asked to immediately leave the property, with no possibility of return for 24 hours. Access to campus will be reinstated after that period when the individual has also agreed to adhere to the College’s PPE protocols. Any subsequent infraction will result in disciplinary action.
Safety protocol violations will be addressed immediately through the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Please refer to https://canadaacumen.ca/coronavirus-info/ for further information.
Is the campus safe?
All St. Clair College at Ace Acumen campus locations strictly adhere to all Ministry of Health and local Public Health Unit guidelines. There are many safety protocols on campus that all students are expected to follow in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all staff and students. Theses include:
- Designated entrances and exits.
- Training and screening.
- Masks are required in all common areas, labs, shops and classrooms.
- Physical distancing is required in all common spaces (signage and instructions are on highlighted throughout the campus).
- Masks are required outdoors when 2 metres of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Wellness Ambassadors will be visible throughout the campus to monitor compliance of safety protocols by staff and students.
- Safety protocol violations will be addressed immediately through the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
- Pandemic Related Emergency Addendums (if you cannot wear a mask, please refer to the Mask Exemption Accommodation Request Process Guide and the Mask Accommodation Request Form sections in the Emergency Addendums)
Masks and Eye Protection
Due to the heightened cases in our community, the College has implemented the mandatory wearing of 3 ply Level 1 procedure masks and eye protection (safety glasses, goggles, or face shield) while on campus. Cloth masks or other face coverings (ie gators) are no longer permitted at this time. Regular personal protective equipment (PPE) is also still required in your labs and shops and will be posted in each. You must always comply with the mandatory mask, eye protection and other PPE requirements.
What other safety measures has the College taken?
St. Clair College at Ace Acumen has implemented all Ministry of Health and Public Health safety measures, including:
- A vaccine policy requiring all individuals intending to be on campus to be fully vaccinated no later than October 15, 2021.
- Providing complimentary face masks to those on campus and requiring face masks to be worn.
- Increasing the number of hand sanitizer stations located throughout campus and disinfectant wipes in classrooms and labs.
- Posting handwashing guidelines in washrooms,
- Promoting staying home when feeling ill.
- Providing PPE and critical cleaning products such as wipes, replacement hand sanitizer solution, masks, gloves, and soap.
- Providing detailed training documentation on the processes and protocols of returning to campus.
- Ensuring that any students who arrive from outside the country complete a 14-day off-campus quarantine period prior to being allowed on campus, if not fully vaccinated, per government requirements.
- Detailed signage across all campuses providing health protocols and information.
Are there active cases on campus?
St. Clair College at Acumen tracks and publishes any active cases on its website which is updated daily. This information can be found at COVID-19 Cases on Campus.
If a member of campus community tests positive, should I get tested?
All individuals that may have a potential risk will be contacted by Public Health and will be provided with medical direction.
How do I help prevent the spread of illness?
All individuals should continue to follow all Public Health and ministry protocols at all times to ensure the safety of all.
- Stay home when you are sick and avoid contact with other people until your symptoms are gone.
- We encourage all to get your influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, if you have not already.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Cough and sneeze into the bend of your arm, not into your hand.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes with your hands.
- Clean objects and surfaces that a lot of people touch, such as worksurfaces, doorknobs, phones and television remotes.
- Eat healthy foods and stay physically active to keep your immune system strong.
- Get plenty of rest or sleep.
- Do not share water bottles, straws, eating utensils, toothbrushes or anything else that has been in contact with saliva.
When should I seek care?
If you have flu-like or cold symptoms that persist, please take the following direction:
- If you are off campus, contact your healthcare provider.
- If you are on campus, please leave the campus immediately and notify your faculty by phone or email that you had to leave for health reasons.
- In the event of an emergency and off campus, contact 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
If I don’t want to be or am medically exempted from getting a vaccine, can I still come to campus?
All individuals who don’t want to be vaccinated or have a medical exemption must complete the rapid testing. Please see the College’s Vaccine Policy for further details.
I am feeling anxious and overwhelmed by all of the news media about the coronavirus. What can I do?
St. Clair College has partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association to provide Mental Health Counselling to students on all campuses. We provide coaching, counselling, psychoeducation, as well as internal and external referrals. In addition to on-campus resources, our students have access to online resources that are available 24/7/365. For more information visit canadaacumen.ca/mental-health-services/.
Where do I seek care and how?
If at any point you feel symptomatic, please seek advice from a medical professional.
For Health Care Providers, or Walk-in Clinics:
- If you have a fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, and have not recently travelled to one of the countries that have a travel health notice for COVID-19, seek medical care through your healthcare provider.
- The Government of Ontario has provided helpful suggestions for self-assessing whether you may have COVID-19 and other options for accessing health care.
- International Students: me has an app you can use to speak with a doctor. Please visit this web page for details.
For Emergency Medical Care:
- Visit the Trillium Health Partners Hospital (Mississauga),North York General Hospital, or your nearest Hospital in Toronto, if you have severe symptoms of respiratory illness such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath when doing very little.
- If you are seeking medical attention while at a local hospital and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, put on a mask as soon as you arrive to help protect others.
- If you are visiting the Emergency Department, advise health care providers of recent travel history immediately upon arrival.
For 24/7 Help by Phone:
- Receive medical advice through Telehealth by phoning 1-866-797-0000.
Where can I get the flu shot?
Vaccines will be available through the St. Clair College Health Centre starting August 30, 2021. Please call 519-972-2727 ext. 4484 for more information or to book an appointment.
The following links provide information on where and when COVID-19 vaccination clinics are available in your area:
- For the Toronto Public Health Unit:
COVID-19 Vaccines - For the Peel Region Public Health Unit:
Region of Peel – Get your Vaccine
What is a rapid test?
A rapid test is a non-invasive screening test that will indicate if you may be currently infected by the COVID-19 virus. Final confirmation of a Covid-19 infection is determined by a more accurate laboratory test performed through our local testing sites.
- Peel Region Covid -19 Assessment Centres
- Toronto COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- How to Perform a Rapid Test
Additional information about Rapid Tests can be found on the following sites:
- For Ontario Public Health:
COVID-19 test and testing location information
Do I have to pay for rapid testing?
Rapid testing kits will be free to all staff and students.
What do I do if I have a positive rapid test?
Employees and students who test positive on the rapid test must immediately notify the St. Clair College at Ace Acumen at covidtracker@canadaacumen.ca of this result, and then you proceed to arrange a confirmatory diagnostic PCR test at an Assessment Centre. You will need to self-isolate at home pending the result of the confirmatory test. Information for COVID-19 testing can be found using the following links:
- For Ontario Public Health:
COVID-19 test and testing location information - For Toronto Public Health
- For Peel Public Health
Will there be random checking for compliance with SCC’s vaccination policy?
Compliancy Reports will verify that the COVID-19 program is being completed and conducted as required. Failure to comply with the COVID-19 program or the College’s COVID-19 Vaccine Policy may result in discipline, up to and including, termination of employment or dismissal from the College.
To ensure appropriate follow-up and compliancy, departmental managers will receive and review Compliancy Reports for all reporting staff.
Student non-compliance will be referred to the Campus Directors for appropriate action.
Students who are required to complete a rapid test twice per week, who fail to record their test results in the SIS will not have access to the daily COVID screening questionnaire, and will not be granted access to campus.
Faculty who are required to complete a rapid test twice per week, who fail to record their test results in the Google Workspace will not be granted access to campus.
I cannot find my vaccination receipts, what do I do?
You can access your proof of COVID-19 vaccination on the Ontario government website at https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/.
Open Computer Labs
Appointments are required to access the computer labs. Capacity is limited. Please email info@canadaacumen.ca or info.mississauga@canadaacumen.ca to make an appointment.
COVID-19 VACCINATION INFORMATION
How Do the Vaccines Work?
Vaccines work by teaching your immune system how to produce antibodies that prevents you from becoming sick if you are exposed to the virus in the future. The vaccine provides your body with something that looks like the virus so that your immune system can learn to identify the virus and produce specific antibodies to fight the virus, without exposing you to the virus that causes COVID-19. All four of the vaccines are administered by injection as a needle in the upper arm.
How effective are the Vaccines?
All COVID-19 vaccines approved by Health Canada are safe and effective against COVID-19. The best way to prevent COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths in Canada is to increase population immunity. The more people who receive vaccines, the more we will be able to reduce or prevent community spread. All four approved vaccines are effective at preventing severe, symptomatic infection with COVID-19. Immunity may take up to 14 days to develop, and individuals vaccinated will still be required to follow public health measures. For more information please visit: https://www.wechu.org/cv/about-vaccines.
* If you received a first dose of an mRNA vaccine, you can safely receive either of the mRNA vaccines as your second dose. If you received a first dose of AstraZeneca, you can safely receive AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine as your second dose.
- The College recommends that you do your part and get vaccinated through your local health network:
- Peel Region
- North York
- Scarborough
- If you have questions, and wish to speak to someone to help, call either:
- Ontario’s Vaccine booking line: 1-833-943-3900
- Region of Peel COVID-19 Vaccination Line at 905-791-5202
- Scarborough Regional Vaccination Line:1-888-385-1910
- Toronto Public Health: 416-338-7600
Rapid Testing Information
At Home COVID-19 Test: Results Overview – Students
Your result is NEGATIVE:
- Report your results in SIS (students) https://campus.stclaircollege.ca/psp/ps/?cmd=login
- When you go on campus, you will also attest upon entry screening that you have completed a rapid test the previous Sunday and Wednesday before noon.
Your result is POSITIVE:
- You will be required to self-isolate, do not attend campus.
- Notify your faculty and advisor of your results and absence, and email covidtracker@canadaacumen.ca.
- Get tested at a COVID-19 Assessment Centre, lab or pharmacy with a PCR-test same day within 24 hours.
- Self-isolate and wait for PCR results.
Your result is INDETERMINATE:
- If the control line is not present on your cartridge after 15 minutes, you will need to test yourself again, using a new swab and cartridge.
Rapid Testing: How to Self Test
At Home COVID-19 Test: How to Complete
What you will need:
- Tube rack
- Test tube
- Blue cap
- Test cartridge
- Swab
- Liquid buffer
- Timer set to 15 minutes
Before you start:
- Gently blow your nose, then wash your hands.
- Pour the buffer fluid into the test tube up to the fill line.
- Place tube in rack.
Completing the test:
- Insert swab about 2cm into one nostril.
- Swirl the swab around 5-10 times.
- Repeat with the other nostril.
- Place the swab in the test tube.
- Swirl the swab in liquid 5 times.
- Brake the swab at the perforated line.
- Put the blue cap on tightly.
- Place the test cartridge on a flat surface.
- Remove the white cap.
- Squeeze 5 drops of the liquid into the well.
- Start your timer and wait 15 minutes before reading results.
Test Results:
- A line at the “C” tells you the test is working.
- A line only at the “C” means your test is negative and you are clear to go to work/school in the next 48 hours.
3. A line at both the “C” and the “T” means your test is positive and you require further testing at an assessment centre.
COVID-19 Testing: Frequently Asked Questions
Disclosure of Vaccination Status
Where do I disclose my vaccination status?
Please visit https://campus.stclaircollege.ca/psp/ps/?cmd=login disclose if you would like to update your vaccination status.
When do I have to disclose my vaccination status by?
The month of August will be used for initial disclosure of vaccination status. Although, if your vaccination status does change after initial disclosure please complete the disclosure form again https://campus.stclaircollege.ca/psp/ps/?cmd=login.
I would like to get vaccinated. What do I do?
If you would like to get vaccinated please contact your local public health:
- Toronto
- Peel Region
- North York
- Scarborough
- If you have questions, and wish to speak to someone to help, call either:
- Ontario’s Vaccine booking line: 1-833-943-3900
- Region of Peel COVID-19 Vaccination Line at 905-791-5202
- Scarborough Regional Vaccination Line:1-888-385-1910
- Toronto Public Health: 416-338-7600
Self Testing
Who is required to do self-testing?
Staff and students who are unvaccinated or choose not to declare their vaccination status are required to do self testing. Self-testing should be done when you don’t have symptoms. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not self-test and instead, should get tested at an Assessment Centre with a PCR-test.
Is self-testing mandatory?
For staff and students who are unvaccinated or have not declared their vaccination status, it is mandatory that they have completed a test before entering St. Clair College at Ace Acumen Campuses.
When do I have to start self-testing?
Testing will begin pending the availability of tests. You will be contacted if you are required to self-test.
How often do I need to test?
You need to show proof of a negative test before arriving at a St. Clair College at Ace Acumen campus. Staff and students are to conduct a rapid swab test twice per week– Sunday and Wednesday before noon, regardless of next class.
Will the screening questions change?
Yes, the COVID-19 screening questions upon entry to the college will be modified starting Tuesday, September 7.
How do I get my test kits?
Your first kit (containing 25 test kits) will be picked up at a designated location. When you have 5 tests left in your kit, you are required to pick up additional test kits.
How do I do a self-test?
You can find instructions on our instruction sheet or here https://youtu.be/tAZwrrmTVmw.
Do I have to report my results?
Yes. You will be expected to report your results at (https://campus.stclaircollege.ca/psp/ps/?cmd=login). When you go to school, you will also attest upon entry screening that you have completed a rapid test the previous Sunday and Wednesday before noon.
What to do if I test positive with a home testing kit?
If you test positive you must self-isolate, get tested at an Assessment Centre with a PCR test.
What should I do if I test negative but have COVID-19 symptoms?
The tests are not to be used by anyone with symptoms or who has a known exposure to someone with COVID-19. Symptomatic and exposed individuals should follow current guidelines to be tested at an Assessment Centre with a PCR-test.
If I have previously recovered from COVID-19 will I test positive with this kit?
This is an antigen test, not an antibody test. People who have previously recovered from COVID-19 will not test positive unless they have been infected again.
Can I share my tests with friends and family?
No. Tests are for the exclusive use of the staff member or student and are to be used only for routine asymptomatic testing.