COVID-19MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1.1: RE-OPENING STAGE HIGHLIGHTS- ALBERTA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

PART 1.2: KEY PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES- ALBERTA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

PART 2: SAMU BUILDING AND MACEWAN UNIVERSITY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5

2.1 WHAT CAMPUS LOOKS LIKE------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5 2.2 MACEWAN UNIVERSITY SOFT/HARD OPEN ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5 2.3 SAMU BUILDING ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 2.4 BUILDING USAGE DURING COVID-19 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7

PART 3: HEALTH AND SAFETY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

3.1 GENERAL GUIDELINES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7 3.2 MONITORING SYMPTOMS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 3.3 DISPLAYING SYMPTOMS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 3.4 RESPONDING TO ILLNESS OR EXPOSURE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 3.5 INFORMATION ON ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

PART 4: PREVENTION METHODS AND NEW SAMU PROCESSES------------------------------------------------------------------- 10

4.1 ENTERING WORK --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 4.2 CLEANING AND DISINFECTING OF PERSONAL WORKSPACES ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 4.2.1 CLEANING REPORTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 4.2.2 DESK CLEANING CADDIES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 4.3 CLEANING AND USE OF PUBLIC WORKSPACES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 4.3.1 BOARDROOMS, MEETING ROOMS AND COLLAB SPACES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12 4.3.2 COPIER/MAIL ROOM AND LUNCH AREA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12 4.4 CONTROL MEASURES TO REDUCE RISK ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 4.4.1 SUBSTITUTIONS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 4.4.2 HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 4.5 PPE IN THE OFFICE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 4.6 DAILY PERSONAL CONTACT REPORT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

PART 5: VISITORS, GUESTS AND VOLUNTEERS AT SAMU --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

5.1 ENTERING SAMU- PROPER PPE CHECK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 5.2 VISITOR AND GUEST SIGN-IN/SIGN-OUT AND SELF-ASSESSMENT ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 5.3 VOLUNTEER SELF-ASSESSMENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 16 5.4 VOLUNTEER SIGN-IN/OUT AND WEEKLY ATTENDANCE REPORTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 5.5 VOLUNTEERS- CLEANING AND DISINFECTING OF SPACES --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 5.6 ZERO TOLERANCE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 5.7 RESTRICTED SPACES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

PART 6: ALL ABOUT MASKS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 17

6.1 GUIDANCE FOR WEARING OF NON-MEDICAL MASKS FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC ------------------------------------------------------ 17

PART 7: RESOURCES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

Re-Opening COVID Manual 2

Introduction

In mid-March, the provincial government declared a state of public health emergency under

the Public Health Act to limit the spread of COVID-19. Post-secondary institutions, at the order

of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, on March 16, 2020, were required to suspend all in-

person instruction and shortly thereafter on March 23, 2020, the MacEwan campus closed.

As the Province moves to activate its Relaunch Strategy, the Students’ Association of

MacEwan University (SAMU) and MacEwan University will continue its commitment to

providing a safe and healthy work environment for all staff and students.

Manual Assumptions

• SAMU places the health and wellbeing of students and staff above all other

considerations.

• All plans for campus re-entry must align with guidelines outlined by the Chief Medical

Officer of Health; therefore, plans are fluid and subject to change dependent on the

restrictions defined by the Government of Alberta.

• All staff are responsible for ensuring the continuity of their operations and identifying

additional processes required for maintaining critical functions.

Purpose

The purpose of this Re-Opening Manual is to provide SAMU staff with a series of steps and

protocols to evaluate, reduce or minimize the risk to the safety and health of employees and

students. Please be aware that each work environment has its own unique set of circumstances

which will require site specific considerations. This manual will also introduce new processes to

our day-to-day operations that have been implemented for the safety of staff, students,

volunteers and visitors. These new standard operating processes assist SAMU in maintaining

proper record keeping and upholding the Chief Medical Officer of Health Orders (CMOH).

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PART 1.1: RE-OPENING STAGE HIGHLIGHTS- Alberta Stage 1

May 14

Stage 2

June 12

Stage 3

(timing to be determined based

on health indicators with gradual

implementation)

Retail businesses like clothing,

furniture and book stores

All farmers’ market

vendors Hairstyling

and barber shops

Cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars

reopened for table service at 50%

capacity

Some scheduled, non-urgent

surgeries resumed Museums and art

galleries

Daycares and out-of-school

care, with occupancy limits

Day camps, including summer

school, with occupancy limits

Post-secondary institutions continued

course delivery, with flexibility for in-

person delivery

Places of worship and funeral

services, with sector-specific

guidance

Dog parks and playgrounds, unless

restricted by municipal authorities

In Calgary and Brooks, stage 1

relaunch was gradual over 18 days

due to higher COVID-19 case

numbers in these communities

Libraries, with restriction

Places of worship

Additional scheduled surgeries

Wellness services such as

massage, acupuncture and

reflexology

Personal services (esthetics,

cosmetics skin and body treatments,

manicures, pedicures, waxing, facial

treatment artificial tanning)

Movie theatres and theatres, with

restrictions

Community halls, with limits on

attendance based on activity

Team-based sports, with restrictions

Indoor and outdoor recreation,

fitness and sports, with

measures in place

Indoor fitness centres, pools and

arenas, with measures in place

Arcades and video lottery terminals

(VLTs) in restaurants and lounges

Provincial campgrounds at full capacity

Timing of this stage is to be

determined and will involve:

More businesses and services

reopening with restrictions

Permitting larger gatherings (number of

people to be determined)

Public attendance at businesses,

facilities and events that have close

physical contact was not permitted,

including: arts and culture festivals,

major sporting events, and concerts

Movie theatres, pools, recreation

centres, arenas, spas, gyms and

nightclubs remained closed

In-school classes for kindergarten to

Grade 12 students remained prohibited

Nightclubs, amusement parks, and

hookah lounges (permitted for food

and drink only) will remain closed

Arts and culture festivals,

concerts and major sporting

events will continue to not be

permitted.

Arts and culture festivals, concerts and

major sporting events will be permitted with

enhanced protection controls in place

Nightclubs will reopen with enhanced

protection controls in place

Physical distancing restrictions will be

maintained Resuming industry

conferences with restrictions

Non-essential travel was not

recommended

Non-essential out-of-province

travel is not recommended

Non-essential travel no longer discouraged

Remote working was advised where

possible

Remote working is optional for most

workers; workplaces must follow

public health measures

To be determined

Enhanced infection prevention and control measures will be in place in all phases.

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PART 1.2: KEY PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES- Alberta

Public health measure

Pre-Stage 1 Stage 1

May 14

Stage 2

June 12

Stage 3

Physical distancing Maintain

distance of

2m

Maintain

distance of

2m

Maintain

distance of

2m

Maintain

distance of

2m

Gatherings Max. 15

(indoor/out

door)

Max. 15 (indoor)

Max. 50 (outdoor)

Max. 50:

Indoor social

gatherings

Max. 100:

Outdoor events and

indoor

seated/audience

events

No cap: Worship

gatherings;

restaurant, cafes,

lounges and bars;

casinos; bingo

halls as long as

physical

distancing is

maintained

Size of permitted

gatherings will

increase

Public masks Encourage

wearing a mask

where unable to

physically

distance

Encourage wearing

a mask where

unable to physically

distance

Encourage wearing

a mask where

unable to physically

distance

Unnecessary

At-risk Albertans

(outside facility)

Remain home

unless medically

necessary

Stay at home as

much as possible

Resume normal

activities and

interactions, with

caution

Resume

normal

activities

and

interactions

At-risk

Albertans

(facility-

based)

Visitor, staff, and

operational

restrictions

Visitor, staff, and

operational

restrictions

Visitor, staff, and

operational

restrictions

Restrictions lifted

Isolation and

quarantine

14 days for cases,

close contacts,

and people

entering Alberta

from outside

Canada

10 days if

symptomatic but

don’t fit above

categories

14 days for cases,

close contacts,

and people

entering Alberta

from outside

Canada

10 days if

symptomatic but

don’t fit above

categories

14 days for cases,

close contacts,

and people

entering Alberta

from outside

Canada

10 days if

symptomatic but

don’t fit above

categories

Restrictions lifted

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PART 2: SAMU BUILDING AND MACEWAN UNIVERSITY

2.1 What Campus Looks Like

MacEwan University has chosen to return a small number of students to campus for face-to-face

learning. All faculties have been instructed to plan for the below guidelines and scenarios should the

situation change rapidly.

MacEwan University:

The following scenarios align with the Office of the Provost academic re-entry for Fall 2020. A

department’s re-entry plan should be able to adapt to each potential scenario outlined below.

• Online classes only.

• Hybrid classes. (Current model)

• Face-to-Face courses have been identified by each Faculty.

• Modified operations commence with limited employees and students on campus.

• Face-to-Face classes. Normal operations resume.

For Fall 2020, MacEwan University will remain low capacity and on shortened building hours.

Updates on campus operations can be found here. MacEwan will be opening Tim Hortons, Starbucks

and the Campus Convenience store in September. The M Store will re-open once renovations and

construction are complete. They may also continue curb-side pick-up through Towers in September.

Sport and Wellness is currently looking at re-opening. They will move to a by appointment only

system as other gyms have. These can be booked in one-hour increments. All the equipment is

currently being spread out to accommodate social distancing and equipment is being moved into the

old clinic to be able to serve more students at once.

The fitness classes that need minimal equipment will be returning but will be held outdoors (weather

permitting) for the fall semester.

2.2 MacEwan University Soft/Hard Open

MacEwan will begin integrating staff and faculty back on campus slowly over July and August. This

will mainly be staff in USC and the Robbins. Approximately 1/3 of the staff will be coming back to

campus with the remainder working from home

The soft re-open will only be for staff but the buildings will be accessible to the public. On July 27,

2020, all buildings will re-open, but this information WILL NOT be available to the general public and

is not to be advertised in any way.

Building hours from July 27, 2020 to beginning of fall semester:

• Monday to Friday | 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

• Weekends | Closed

Building hours during fall semester:

• Monday-Friday | 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

• Weekends | 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

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Hard open of the MacEwan buildings will take place for fall semester. The hard open will be the

enactment of the pandemic level of cleaning and announcing to the public that the buildings have

been opened. This could occur the last week of August but no later than September 8, 2020.

To enter campus while it is closed to the public, please follow these instructions;

Employees can request entry to campus buildings during business hours by going to the building’s

designated access door and calling Security at 780-497-5554. Employees should also notify Security

when they leave the building. Access to university buildings on weekends is limited to essential

personnel.

• Building 5: West side manual door (access from 106 street turnaround parking)

• Building 6: East side manual door (access from 106 street turnaround parking)

• Building 8: East side manual door (access from 108 street turnaround parking)

• Robbins Health Learning Centre: South-east doors (corner of 109 street and 104 avenue)

• Allard Hall: North door (facing Residence) Alberta College Campus (North door)

2.3 SAMU Building

When staff return to work you will see a few changes around the building. Over the last few weeks all

furniture has been moved and spread apart to accommodate social distancing of six feet (two

metres). In areas with high traffic or where the proper amount of distancing cannot take place,

barriers and/or signage have been installed.

You will see plexi barriers at the SAMU front desk, Student Groups front desk and between a few

desks in the open workspaces. The signage has been installed on all large pieces of furniture that

cannot be properly separated and determines where people can and cannot sit. As well, washrooms

have also been adjusted for social distancing with some sinks and stalls temporarily out of order.

Walk throughs to determine building flow have been completed. You will notice decals on the floors

which will tell you whether it is a one way, two way or clockwise flow through. Please complete your

own walk through of the building to become familiar with the directional signage and proper ways to

walk through the building.

Below are other changes made to the SAMU building.

Student Lounge: All microwaves and been removed indefinitely

Vendors Alley: Tall cafeteria seating has been separated and spread around to the

event nook

Bathrooms: Every second stall and middle sinks have been closed indefinitely

SG Meeting Rooms: Maximum capacity of two persons

SG Innovation Hub: Maximum capacity of four persons

SG Multi-Media Room: Closed Indefinitely

Part Time Staff Office: Desk assignments have been changed to better physically distance staff

Back Hallways: ‘Emergency Exit Only’ signs on the floor. This is being done to attempt to

lower the amount of traffic as the hallways are not six feet wide

Elevator: Preferred: one person in the elevator at a time. Maximum: Two people if

both persons consent and are wearing masks

Staff Kitchen:

All small appliances and the microwave have been removed indefinitely.

The fridge and dishwasher will be unplugged and cannot be used.

Re-Opening COVID Manual 7

- All dishes and silverware cannot be used.

We understand that this will be highly inconvenient to staff to not have use of the kitchen. After great

consideration and consultation with MacEwan Re-Entry Strategic Team (MRST), we will be adhering

to the same rules around closing all common kitchen space.

Please be aware that no small appliances can be kept or used at your desks. Staff bringing

lunches/food to work will need to store it at their desk.

2.4 Building Usage During COVID-19

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL SAMU STAFF, EXECUTIVES AND STUDENTS’ COUNCIL

The SAMU building will remain open for all students to use, however the ‘purpose’ of the building has

shifted to become a large study area for students. As we return to work and school, everyone needs

to be aware of the changes that have been made throughout the building.

Cleaning of public and high touch areas have been increased to a ‘pandemic’ level, and we all need

to understand our movements through the building. Everywhere we go, everything we touch and

everyone we encounter increases risk.

Facilities will be cleaning and disinfecting the following areas:

● Public and common use areas (corridors, lobbies, washrooms, stairs and elevators) twice daily.

● Individual and open office areas will be cleaned and disinfected weekly.

● High-touch points (includes; door handles and levers, light switches, toilet handles, faucets and

taps, elevator buttons and railings), twice daily.

We are putting into practice many new processes to lessen the risk to staff’s health and safety and

require everyone’s assistance. Please lessen your contact points (people/places) while in the

building. If you are not required in a specific area, please avoid going there. If you can call or

message someone instead of going into their personal workspace, please do.

PART 3: HEALTH AND SAFETY

3.1 General Guidelines

General guidelines to follow for Health and Safety of staff and students:

Physical Distancing

• Ensure physical distancing within the work area.

• Promote physical distancing within open areas.

• Follow directional signage throughout the building.

Wash your hands

• Wash your hands often with soap and water thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.

• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Re-Opening COVID Manual 8

Cover your coughs and sneezes

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.

• Throw used tissues in the garbage and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for

at least 20 seconds.

• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

3.2 Monitoring Symptoms

Staff will be required to monitor themselves for symptoms. On our website, you will find a ‘Symptom

Self-Assessment Form’. This form, and all over COVID-related forms, can be found at

https://samu.ca/covidforms/ and MUST be completed BEFORE coming in to work every day. These

completed forms will be kept and uploaded to a COVID-19 folder in staff’s BambooHR accounts.

These forms and others (described in Prevention section) will be kept for a minimum of six weeks to

have accurate reporting should an outbreak occur at SAMU.

3.3 Displaying Symptoms

If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 that are not due to a pre-existing condition, you

MUST report it to your direct supervisor immediately, and you are legally required to isolate for 10

days.

If these symptoms begin while you are at work, immediately inform your direct supervisor. You will be

required to wash and sanitize your hands and put on a new disposable mask. You will be required to

leave open workspaces immediately and your supervisor will discuss how to transport you home

safely and without using public transportation. We will also be informing and reporting to MacEwan

HSE of any individual exhibiting symptoms. Your workspace will be cleaned and disinfected as soon

as you leave the premises.

MacEwan University is developing a reporting tool (electronic form) to enable the University to

respond appropriately when a person has been on campus that has experienced COVID-19 like

symptoms, has been confirmed as a positive case or they are self-isolating as per the Chief Medical

Officer’s orders.

3.4 Responding to Illness or Exposure

The Office of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) will monitor COVID-19 reports daily and follow up

with students, staff, and faculty if additional information is required.

If two or more students, staff, and/or faculty present with symptoms and have been linked through a

common location, HSE will contact Alberta Health Services (AHS) at 811 and report the cases.

AHS will liaise with the HSE director and SAMU staff for further requests of information (attendance

records) and next steps to be taken by the University and SAMU.

3.5 Information on Isolation and Quarantine

One of the first critical steps to preventing further transmission of disease is the

implementation of quarantine and isolation procedures. It is important to understand the

difference and the mandatory requirements for each.

Re-Opening COVID Manual 9

When someone is exposed to a contagious disease, they may not always show symptoms or

get sick. If they have been exposed, it may take anywhere from 10 to 14 days to exhibit any

symptoms, if any. Some people exposed to a contagious disease may be asymptomatic-

showing no symptoms at all but still able to infect others. Quarantine and isolation refer to

separating and restricting people from contact with all others to prevent transmission.

CMOH Order 05-2020 (see Order for full details and exemptions) states the situations where

Albertans are legally obligated to quarantine or isolate. Please be aware that CMOH Order 28-

2020 supersedes and amends Order 05-2020, where language has been changed and is

updated and reflected below.

Albertans are legally required to be in quarantine for 14 days either:

• Immediately upon entering Alberta from travel outside of Canada, or

• If they have been in close contact of a person who tested positive for COVID-19.

Albertans are legally required to be in isolation for 10 days, or until symptoms resolve, whichever

takes longer, if they:

• Are diagnosed with COVID-19.

• Develop a cough, fever, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, runny nose, or sore throat

not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition or had a known exposure to COVID-

19.

Persons in isolation are not required to remain in isolation if they test negative for COVID-19 and

have no known exposure to COVID-19. However, they must not return to work until symptoms have

resolved. Returning while still ill may result in others being infected with their illness (e.g. cold or

flu) and forcing those persons to isolate.

CMOH Order 05-2020 includes the following restrictions and requirements for quarantine:

• Remaining at home

• Not attending work, school, social events or any other public gatherings

• Not taking public transportation

• Watching for relevant symptoms

Quarantine Isolation

Required when people are not sick, but have

been exposed

Required when people are sick, to keep them

from infecting others

The quarantine period for COVID-19 is 14 days

This is because it can take up to 14 days for an

individual to develop symptoms

The isolation period for COVID-19 is 10

days or until symptoms resolve,

whichever is longer

Re-Opening COVID Manual 10

PART 4: PREVENTION METHODS AND NEW SAMU PROCESSES

4.1 Entering Work

Coming into work will look a little different than before. As previously mentioned, every employee

MUST complete the self-assessment form at https://samu.ca/covidforms/ BEFORE entering the

campus. If you have answered yes to any questions on the form, you must contact your direct

supervisor.

It is highly recommended to put your mask on prior to entering any MacEwan building. As you arrive

in the SAMU building, your mask must always be worn in public spaces. All staff will be given 5

double layer, reusable/washable cloth masks with the SAMU logo on them.

Upon entering the workspace, you will be asked to sanitize your hands at one of the many new

sanitizer stations located throughout the building. At which point, we ask you to go directly to your

workspace to clean and disinfect it.

Schedules

All full-time staff have been placed into one of two schedules (A and B) that will alternate each week.

These schedules were made based on job position of at work frequency (high, medium, low) and

aligned with other staff that you would normally collaborate with. The office hours will remain 8:30

a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, but we will be staggering staff into work between the hours of 8

a.m. to 10 a.m. Full-time staff will be required to work with their supervisors on their start time. All

staff are still required to work your seven-hour shift daily. Lunch breaks can also be from thirty

minutes to one hour in length if you would like to shorten your day slightly.

Out of Office Emails

Out of Office emails will continue to be distributed every morning.

NEW: At the top of the email, it will state whether we are on Week A or Week B’s schedule.

Please email saadmin@macewan.ca and CC your supervisor if you are sick/ill. Your BambooHR file

MUST be updated on your next shift back to work.

Requesting vacation time will still be made through BambooHR and approved by your supervisor. If

you are going on vacation, please email saadmin@macewan.ca as you normally would have. Please

also update your Out of Office email so it is reflected on your Microsoft Teams status.

4.2 Cleaning and Disinfecting of Personal Workspaces

Cleaning and disinfecting are already a part of SAMU’s standard practices and SAMU will continue to

follow the industry specific cleaning and disinfecting standards. For COVID-19, SAMU has increased

the frequency of cleaning of high-touch public areas.

Although cleaning of public areas has increased, SAMU staff are now required to clean and disinfect

their workspaces. Upon entering work, you are required to clean and disinfect your workstation. Once

this is complete, you must immediately wash or sanitize your hands. This process must be completed

prior to leaving work as well.

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Areas to clean include;

• Phones, laptops, chargers, remote controls, keyboards, desktops, debit machines, surface

counters and reception desks.

Also, any furniture in your workspace;

• Cabinets, drawers, chair armrests and any other touched surfaces.

Cleaning refers to the removal of visible dust or dirt. Cleaning does not kill germs but is highly

effective at removing them from a surface. Disinfecting refers to using a chemical to kill germs on a

surface. Disinfecting is only effective after surfaces have been cleaned.

Use a “wipe-twice” method to clean and disinfect. Wipe surfaces with a cleaning agent to clean off

dirt or dust and wipe again with a disinfectant.

Regular household cleaning and disinfecting products are effective against COVID-19 when used

according to the directions on the label. Make sure to follow instructions on the product label to

disinfect effectively.

Health Canada has approved several hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers for use against

COVID-19. SAMU has acquired these approved hard surface cleaners through MacEwan’s Facilities

Department.

Alternatively, in the case where cleaners and disinfectants are not available, use a bleach-water

solution with 20 ml (4 teaspoons) of unscented, household bleach to 1000 ml (4 cups) water.

Ensure the surface remains wet with the bleach water solution for 1 minute. Note that the bleach

solution may discolour fabrics.

4.2.1 Cleaning Reports

With the additional mandatory requirements of staff for cleaning of personal workspace, a new

SAMU Operating Process has been implemented. Two new cleaning forms must be completed every

day you are in the SAMU office. One form is to be filled out after you complete your Entry Workspace

Cleaning and one form after you complete your Exit Workplace Cleaning.

These forms are located at https://samu.ca/covidforms/. As stated previously, these are new

mandatory Operating Processes and must be completed each day a staff member is working on site.

It is recommended that you bookmark the link on your phone or computer for easy access.

These forms will be stored and used for reporting should a positive case of COVID-19 occur at SAMU.

There will be zero tolerance for non-compliance with new cleaning measures in personal and shared

staff spaces.

4.2.2 Desk Cleaning Caddies

Each staff member will have a desk cleaning caddy located in their workspace. This caddy is labelled

with your name and should ONLY be used by you. One per staff member ensures we are reducing

risk and high-frequency touch points.

If at any time you are running low on a product in your caddy, please contact your direct supervisor

and they will replenish it for you. Only directors and the general manager are to replenish items for

staff. We are required to have these items on site and well stocked and need to keep an accurate

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inventory count. These items have a much longer ordering time than before as they are in very high

demand.

Your desk cleaning caddies will include;

• Paper towel

• Cleaning product

• Disinfecting wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• 5 cloth masks (these do not need to be replenished)

• 2 disposable masks

• 2 pairs of gloves

• Office key extender

• Metal no-touch door opener/button pusher

• Face mask ear saver band

• Wipe-twice cleaning instructions

• Re-Opening SAMU: COVID-19 Manual (also available online at https://samu.ca/covidforms/)

4.3 Cleaning and Use of Public Workspaces

All staff work rooms, meeting rooms and public spaces in SAMU will be outfitted with cleaning

caddies. These are to be used after use of the space.

4.3.1 Boardrooms, Meeting Rooms and Collab Spaces

There is a new Operating Process when using public staff spaces. All boardrooms, meeting rooms

and collab spaces must be cleaned and disinfected between use. Every meeting taking place in any

of these spaces must have a designated “lead” of the meeting. Whether it is a formal or informal

meeting, there must be someone designated as the lead for each use of these rooms. That

individual is responsible for cleaning all surfaces that have been touched.

This includes;

• TV’s and remotes

• Telephone

• Chairs

• Tables

• Door handles

Once the meeting has concluded and the space has been properly disinfected, the meeting ‘lead’ is

required to sign off on the mandatory cleaning log sheet provided in each room.

4.3.2 Copier/Mail Room and Lunch Area

After each use of the printer or plotter, please wipe down the machine with the disinfecting wipes

located in the room. Any person sitting at the lunchroom table is required to clean and disinfect their

chair and table after use by using the products in the cleaning caddy. If the supply is running low,

please advise a director or the general manager and it will be replenished immediately. Staff are also

required to disinfect or wash their hands after cleaning/disinfecting the area.

4.4 Control Measures to Reduce Risk

SAMU has completed hazard assessments to identify existing and potential hazards related to

COVID-19. The hierarchy of hazard control is a framework that helps to manage risk related to the

exposure to hazards and helps us determine how to protect staff, students, guests and volunteers.

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The control methods at the top are more effective and protective than those at the bottom; when

determining how to apply the hierarchy of controls to our spaces and operations, SAMU should begin

at the top in order to ensure greatest effectiveness.

4.4.1 Substitutions

Even with regular screening, SAMU and MacEwan may not entirely remove the risk of exposing

attendees to COVID-19, however, locations and operations can be replaced with lower risk

alternatives. Staff, students and guests should consider where possible:

Implementing contact-free modes of interaction. This might include:

• Online services

• Virtual meetings and celebrations

• Hybrid meetings of virtual attendees and in person

4.4.2 Hierarchy of Controls

When hazards related to COVID-19 cannot be eliminated or substituted, the following hierarchy of

controls have been put into place in the SAMU building for students and staff safety.

First Choice: Engineering Controls

Using physical barriers and physical controls;

• Placing barriers or partitions between staff where needed

• Removing seats and tables from the public spaces, lunchroom and meeting rooms

• Re-arranging workspaces

• Closing every second washroom stall and sink

• Placing additional garbage bins with removable linings throughout the building

Second Choice: Administrative Controls

There are three main categories within administrative controls. This is where SAMU has implemented

processes for the spaces and people in the building. These measures are;

Physical Distancing:

• Reducing the number of staff onsite at one time by implementing a rotating schedule

• Directing traffic flow throughout the building. This has been done with signage, stanchions

and floor decals

• Dedicated entry and exit points

• Developing appropriate attendee ratios, where applicable

• Removing all communal items that cannot be easily cleaned

• Implementing processes to minimize the handling of objects between multiple people and

ensure frequent cleaning and disinfecting of these objects.

Cleaning and Disinfecting:

This has been accomplished through additional Operating Processes to our day-to-day operations.

This includes the Entry and Exit Cleaning of personal space, as well personal desk cleaning caddies,

public space cleaning caddies and adjusting our external cleaners’ schedules to a higher frequency.

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Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette:

SAMU has sanitizer stations and signage specifically identifying proper hand washing, sanitizing and

respiratory etiquette. These can be found in section 3.1 of this manual.

Third Choice: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE controls are the last level of defense and should be used with other controls. PPE is dependent

on the type of activity and risk of exposure to COVID-19. PPE is necessary when physical distancing

of 2 meters or physical barriers cannot be maintained by administrative and engineering controls.

Examples of PPE being used at SAMU include gloves, eye protection (goggles or face shields), and

face masks.

SAMU has completed hazard assessments of all areas in the building and has determined that PPE

is required in certain areas. PPE was purchased based on the hazard assessments and what was

deemed necessary for certain activities and operations.

• When a mask is deemed necessary follow guidance to wearing masks properly (Section 6.1)

• Respirators (e.g. N95 masks) are only required when the work might cause large droplets

containing COVID-19 to be aerosolized into tiny airborne particles. This is not common

outside of health care settings. Most respirators must be sized and fit to the wearer to

ensure appropriate protection.

• PPE should be stored, used and maintained as per the manufacturer’s instruction for use, so

it can perform its intended function to protect staff, students and volunteers.

• PPE worn by guests, visitors and volunteers (if SAMU issued it to them), is considered single

use and should be discarded in a lined garbage bag

• PPE, such as eye protection, may be reused by the same user, only if the manufacturer

allows it and has provided clear cleaning and disinfecting instructions.

• In such an instance, the PPE would be assigned a user’s name and stored separately from

other PPE, after cleaning and disinfecting.

4.5 PPE in the Office

After completing hazard assessments throughout the building there are a few areas where additional

PPE is required.

These areas are;

• SAMU front desk- plexi barrier/face shield

• Student Groups front desk- plexi barrier/face shield

• Student Benefits desk- plexi barrier/face shield

• U-Pass distribution (TBD)- N-95 masks and gloves

• Open office area- plexi barrier

Due to the lack of physical distance in many areas of the building and for the safety of other staff,

students and volunteers’ it has been determined that staff are required to wear a mask when they

are away from their personal workspace.

Staff can remove their masks while in their office or at their desks.

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SAMU is giving staff 5 reusable/washable masks. This provides staff with one work weeks’ worth of

masks. The reusable/washable masks MUST be washed after one day of use. These masks CANNOT

be worn on numerous days without being laundered in between. These masks are double layered

cloth. If you prefer to wear your own mask, they must be double layer, have a proper nose bridge

piece and properly seal around your face. Loose, unfitted masks will NOT be permitted.

If staff require more PPE or have found that the hazard assessment may not be correct in PPE

supplies, please advise your direct supervisor immediately. If the PPE required is already onsite, it

will be issued to you immediately. If not, your direct supervisor will place an order with MacEwan

HSE. It is recommended that all staff complete walk-throughs of areas they use upon re-entering the

building as the wait times for PPE orders can be weeks depending on availability.

4.6 Daily Personal Contact Report

At the end of every shift, staff are required to fill out the Daily Contact Report. This report will ask you

who you have been in close contact with throughout the day. A checklist of all staff is available on

this form and a space to write names of any non-SAMU staff is located at the bottom.

This new Operating Process is very important to the efficiency of our new reporting structure. This

form will enable us to conduct contact tracing of potentially exposed persons very quickly and

efficiently. This form can be found at https://samu.ca/covidforms/ and MUST be filled out prior to

leaving work every day. There is zero tolerance to this form not being completed before staff leave.

PART 5: VISITORS, GUESTS AND VOLUNTEERS AT SAMU

5.1 Entering SAMU- Proper PPE Check

SAMU will require all visitors, guests and volunteers to sanitize their hands upon entering our staff

areas. In all office and meeting room areas, they must also wear a mask. Any non-SAMU persons

entering our operational spaces will be provided a disposable mask. We will have these stored at the

front desks and operational spaces.

5.2 Visitor and Guest Sign-In/Sign-Out and Self-Assessment

Any visitor or guest coming into SAMU for any business or personal reason, MUST complete a self-

assessment form. These will be printed and provided at the front desks. These self-assessments will

also have a personal information section located at the bottom. To follow the Chief Medical Officers

Health Orders, this is the information we require from every visitor or guest;

• Full Name

• Email Address

• Phone Number

• Current Address

• Locations Accessed

• Person you are here to see

This process is in place for individuals who will be meeting with staff or onsite for a longer period (ex.

meetings with staff, SG meetings etc.). Individuals who are briefly entering SAMU spaces (ex. asking

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a question at the front desk) are not required to fill out the sign-in/assessment form BUT are

required to sanitize their hands upon entering the space.

5.3 Volunteer Self-Assessment

ALL volunteers at SAMU are required to complete a self-assessment form each time before coming

to campus. This form can be found at https://samu.ca/get-involved/volunteer/ . Any volunteers

exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (not related to a pre-existing condition) are required to stay home and

isolate.

The volunteer is then required to contact the staff member overseeing them to inform them of their

absence.

Exceptions to volunteer disciplinary action will be made around missing shifts and length of time

needed to cancel a shift. Volunteers will not be disciplined for following health and safety processes

being incorporated for COVID-19 reasons. If, however, a volunteer continues to miss their shifts, a

conversation between the staff, volunteer and Volunteer Manager is required to understand their

commitment level to the VIP Program.

5.4 Volunteer Sign-In/Out and Weekly Attendance Reports

Volunteers at SAMU will be required to sign-in and out of all shifts. If your volunteers do not use the

Volunteer Hub system, you are required to keep a detailed log of all volunteer shifts. This log will

need to be submitted to your director on a weekly basis.

5.5 Volunteers- Cleaning and Disinfecting of Spaces

If volunteers are in SAMU meeting rooms/boardrooms, they must abide by the same cleaning

requirements for all staff. Any volunteers in operational spaces will require a logistical plan in place

per activity/event/program/service. Managers are required to have detailed cleaning processes in

place for volunteers and submitted to your direct supervisor prior to any volunteers being permitted

onsite.

5.6 Zero Tolerance

Any guest, visitor or volunteer found not abiding by the processes and guidelines in place for the

health and safety of staff and students, will be required to leave the premises immediately.

5.7 Restricted Spaces

No visitor, guest or volunteer is permitted in staff work areas or offices. All visitors, guests and

volunteers will be asked to meet in communal meeting rooms and boardrooms. This ensures that we

are lowering exposure risks to all SAMU staff.

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PART 6: ALL ABOUT MASKS

6.1 Guidance for Wearing of Non-Medical Masks for the General Public

Masks, including cloth masks or non-medical face masks, are another way to reduce the risk of

spreading COVID-19 in areas where physical distancing (2 metres distance between individuals)

may be challenging or not possible.

Why use a mask

Masks are another tool that complement – not replace other measures that have

proven to be effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19 between people

Wearing a mask in public settings has not been proven to protect the person wearing it,

however, it can be an additional measure you can take to protect others around you by

preventing your respiratory droplets from contaminating people, surfaces and/or objects

If you use a mask incorrectly, you could accidentally spread infection, despite your

good intentions. Therefore, it is critical you use and dispose of a mask properly

Wearing a mask should be used in combination with other measures such as:

• stay home when you’re sick - immediately isolate if you have COVID-19 symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat

• practice physical distancing

• download and use the ABTraceTogether mobile contact tracing app while out in public

• wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow

• avoid touching your face with unwashed hands

When to use a mask

Areas where it may be difficult to maintain the 2 metre distance from other people not in

your household (for prolonged period of times e.g. 15 minutes or longer). For example:

• work

• public transit

• grocery stores

• retail stores

When a mask should

not be worn • When it is dirty, ripped/torn or damaged in any way

• For children under 2 years of age

How to wear a mask

with ear loops or ties • Before putting on the mask, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or

alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol.

• Ensure your hair is away from your face.

• A non-medical facemask can be safely worn by someone with facial hair

• Check the mask for damage; if damaged, discard.

• Open mask fully to cover from nose to below the chin.

• Place over nose and mouth and secure to your head with ties or ears with ear loops

(depending on the style of mask).

• If the mask has a nose bar, pinch around your nose to reduce gaps between your face and

the mask.

• Adjust if needed to make sure your nose and mouth are fully covered.

• Avoid touching the mask while wearing it; if you need to adjust your mask, clean

your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water before and after

you touch it.

• Keep your nose, mouth and chin covered at all times, until you are ready to remove the

mask.

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How to remove a

mask with ear loops

or ties

- Remove your mask if it becomes wet, torn, dirty or the ear loops/ties become

damaged.

- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based

hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol before you remove the mask.

- Do not touch the front of the mask. Remove using the ties or ear loops.

- Dispose of your mask in a lined garbage bin and wash your hands with soap and

water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of

60% alcohol.

What not to do with

your mask • Do not touch your face under the mask

• Do not use a ripped, visibly soiled or wet mask or if the ear loops/ties are damaged

• Don’t wear the same mask for a long period of time; it must be changed when it gets

damp

• Don’t share masks with another person

• Don’t wear the mask below your nose or chin

• Don’t let the mask give you a false sense of security; masks are meant to be used

as an addition to other measures such as physical distancing wherever possible,

and hand washing

How to take care of

your mask • Always store, use, re-use and/or discard your mask in accordance with

the directions of the manufacturer, if they are available

• Store your masks in a way that protects them from getting dirty or damaged (for

example in a sealed and clean storage bag)

• Place in a dry area in your home

• Identify or label mask storage bags so masks are not used by others, accidentally

What to consider

before making or

buying a cloth mask

• Type of fabric or cloth

• Use multiple layers of tight woven fabric – 3 layers is optimal.

• Use a combination of fabrics such as a high thread count cotton (e.g. 600-thread count pillowcases and cotton sheets) with polyester.

• If possible, use different fabrics or colours for each side of the mask. This helps you to know which side faces your mouth and which side faces out.

• Choose a fabric or cloth that can withstand frequent cycles through washing and

drying machines

• Laundering

• Place the cloth mask directly into the washing machine or a bag that can be emptied into the washing machine. Throw out the bag after you have used it to store used masks.

• Launder with other items using a hot cycle, and then dried thoroughly.

• Inspect the mask prior to reuse to ensure it has maintained its shape after

washing and drying.

• Perform hand hygiene immediately after handling a used mask.

• Making your own mask

• There are many different ways to make a cloth mask. Health Canada provides instructions with sew and no-sew options and includes types of materials you can use. Visit Health Canada for more information

• Buying a cloth mask

• The Government of Alberta does not endorse any particular vendor of non-medical

cloth masks.

• Keep in mind that you should verify that the mask should have multiple layers of fabric, fit securely against your face, allow for clear breathing and have the ability to be laundered.

For more information on mask wearing, medical vs. non-medical and proper cleaning, please visit;

1) Alberta Government- Masks

2) Guidance on Wearing Masks

3) Types of Masks and Eye Protection

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PART 7: RESOURCES

Alberta Emergency Management Act

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code Alberta

Public Health Act

Alberta- Orders and Legislation

Alberta Biz Connect

Coronavirus Disease. COVID-19. Government of Canada.

Novel Coronavirus- COVID-19.- Alberta Health Services

General Relaunch Guidance.- COVID-19 Information. June 2020

Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy. Government of Alberta. June 2020.

Guidance for Post-Secondary Institutions. Government of Alberta. June 2020.

Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19. March 3, 2020. World Health Organization.

Guidance for Workplaces.- Government of Alberta. May 2020.

CMOH 25-2020- Chief Medical Officer of Health Order. June 12, 2020

COVID-19 CMOH Orders- Chief Medical Officer of Health Orders

Daily Health Checklist.- Alberta Government. June 22, 2020

Guidance on Wearing Masks.- Guidance for Wearing of Non-Medical Face Masks for the General

Public

Types of Masks and Eye Protection

Alberta Government- Masks

COVID-19- Info for Albertans

Hard Surface Disinfectants and Sanitizers.- Government of Canada. July 17, 2020

Isolation Requirements.