Covid-19
resource center
This is the official Alpha College source of information on the COVID-19 pandemic. Here you will find updates on our College life and how the pandemic is affecting your studies. Please make sure to check this page regularly for updates. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at frontdesk@slc-alpha.ca.
Last update: March 21, 2022
In person services have resumed at Alpha College. Students are required to wear face masks is in all indoor spaces at Alpha College until the end of the Winter 2022 semester. Students feeling unwell must stay at home.
The Alpha College vaccination policy remains in effect. All employees, students, contractors, and visitors must provide proof of vaccination to enter the Alpha College campus.
In response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant, Alpha College campus will be closed and in-campus services will not be available until January 28th.
Effective April 23, 2021, the Day-10 test has changed to Day 8 for travellers entering Canada. If you arrived in Canada before April 23, you must still take your test on Day 10 of your quarantine.
All commercial and private passenger flights from India and Pakistan are suspended for 30 days, effective 23:30 EDT April 22, 2021.
The Minister of Transport will amended the Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19, which means for passengers who depart India or Pakistan to Canada after 23:30 EDT April 22, 2021, via an indirect route, they will need to obtain a negative COVID-19 pre-departure test from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada.
Travellers must still provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours before their scheduled departure time. Travellers will also be required to:
- take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival in Canada
- stay in a hotel for 3 nights while they await the results of the COVID-19 molecular test they received on arrival
- pay for their hotel, as well as all associated costs for food, cleaning and security
Travellers will still be required to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
All hotels will be located near one of the 4 Canadian airports currently accepting international flights:
- Vancouver International Airport
- Calgary International Airport
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
A full list of hotels will be available shortly.
Students that can not travel to Canada at this time because of the Covid-19 pandemic are still elegible for a Post Graduation Work Permit.
To be eligible, students must meet all the other PGWP requirements and
– have been enrolled in a program that was in progress in March 2020, or
– have started or will start a program between spring 2020 and fall 2021,
Besides that, students also must
– have a study permit, or
– have been approved for a study permit, or
– have applied for a study permit before starting their study program
– The study permit must eventually be approved
All time studying online outside Canada between spring 2020 and December 31, 2021, counts toward the length of a PGWP. This applies even if you’re completing 2 study programs.
If you’re completing 2 study programs, you can finish 100% of your studies online if the programs were ongoing or started between March 2020 and fall 2021, and
– both study programs are from an eligible DLI and are completed within 2 years
– each program meets all PGWP eligibility requirements and is at least 8 months long
Time spent studying outside Canada after December 31, 2021, won’t count towards the length of a PGWP.
For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/students.html#pgwp-eligibility
In the coming weeks, ALL travellers will be required to:
- take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival in Canada
- reserve a room in a hotel for 3 nights at their own cost, while they await their test results
Due to these extra costs, travellers can expect to pay significantly more than the cost of a traditional hotel room booking.
Alpha College Revised Refund Policy, February 1, 2021
To support students during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made the following updates to our refund and enrolment policies.
1. Students who are enrolled online with an Approval in Principle (AIP) or pending visa application will be eligible to receive a full refund of their fees, less a $200 refund processing fee, in the event of a visa refusal.
2. Students holding an AIP or have submitted their visa application with the result pending may enroll in their studies online from their home country, until December 31, 2021.
3. We request that students provide us with their visa approval or refusal letters as soon as they are received so that we can update our records accordingly and assist students with either their withdrawal or Safe Travel to Canada.
The Ontario government has announced a provincial stay-at-home order and new restrictions effective January 14th, at 12:01 AM.
Residents must remain at home at all times, with exceptions for essential purposes.
It is now being recommended that individuals wear a face covering or mask when they are outdoors and cannot physically distance from others.
College is still closed.
The Government of Canada is requiring that, effective January 7, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. EST, all air passengers five years of age or older will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling from another country to Canada.
Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to the traveller’s scheduled departure to Canada.
Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2020/12/pre-departure-covid-19-testing-and-negative-results-to-be-required-for-all-air-travellers-coming-to-canada.html
Toronto and Peel Region have officially moved into “lockdown” as Ontario tries to curb the province’s steep rise in COVID-19 cases.
The shutdown will last a minimum of 28 days and could result in fines as high as $750 for people caught breaking public-health rules.
Start date of January 2021 semester is January 18th. Classes will be delivered remotely through an online delivery.
Alpha Covid-19 readiness plan is still under process. Students should check the list of approved DLI’s on https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/students/approved-dli.html#wb-auto-46
International students overseas can now request a copy of the Travel and study safe guide from their students service officer. This guide will assist students with the mandatory 14-day quarantine period for international students, including arranging accommodation, transportation, food, medication & access to student supports.
Students may now study online from abroad until April 30, 2021, with no time deducted from the length of a future post-graduation work permit, provided 50% of their program of study is eventually completed in Canada.
Students who have enrolled in a program that is between 8 and 12 months in length, with a start date from May to September 2020, will be able to complete their entire program online from abroad and still be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
Students who have enrolled in a program with a start date from May to September 2020 and study online up to April 30, 2021, and who graduate from more than one eligible program of study, may be able to combine the length of their programs of study when they apply for a post-graduation work permit in the future, as long as 50% of their total studies are completed in Canada.
Resources
Find your closest Ontario testing location to get a COVID‑19 test at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/assessment-centre-locations
Phone: 416-497-7520
Website: https://www.
2. Grace Community Food Share – 201 Tempo Ave, Toronto, ON M2H 2R9
Phone: 416-499-0111 ext 114
Website: https://gracefoodbank.ca/
3. North York Harvest Food Bank – 116 Industry St, York, ON M6M 4L8
Phone: 647-772-3664
Email: info@northyorkharvest.com
4. FoodShare Toronto – 120C Industry St, Toronto, ON M6M 4L8
Phone: 416-363-6441
Website: www.foodshare.net
5. The Stop Community Food Centre – 1884 Davenport Rd Rear Entrance, Toronto, ON M6N 4Y2
Phone: 416-652-7867
Website: www.thestop.org
6. Society for the Living Food Bank – Apostles Revelation Church, 274 Eddystone Ave, Toronto, ON M3N 1H7
Phone: 416-746-0388
Website: www.
Email: societyfortheliving@yahoo.ca
7. Church of St Jude (Wexford) Deacons Pantry – 10 Howarth Ave, Toronto, ON M1R 1H4
Phone: 416-755-5872
Website: www.stjudewexford.ca/home/
8. Flemingdon Park Community Food Bank – 10 Gateway Blvd Bsmt, Unit 154, Toronto, ON M3C 3A1
Phone: 416-422-4322
Email: fcfoodbank7@gmail.com
Website: https://www.fcfoodbank.com/
9. Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre – 2 Carlton St Suite 500, Toronto, ON M5B 1J3
Phone: 416-593-7655
Website: http://www.whiwh.com/event/
10. Seva Food Bank – Wolfedale – 10-3413 Wolfedale Rd, Mississauga, ON L5C 1V8
Phone: 905-361-7382 ext. 1
Website: http://www.sevafoodbank.com
11. St. Mary’s Food Bank – Dundas – 1699 Dundas St E, Mississauga, ON L4X 1L5
Phone: 905-890-0900
Website: http://www.stmarysfoodbank.ca/
12. Seva Food Bank – Malton – 2832 Slough Street, Mississauga, ON L4T 1G3
Phone: 905-361-7382 ext. 2
Website: http://www.sevafoodbank.com/
13. Knights Table – 287 Glidden Road, Unit #4 Brampton ON L6W 1H9
Phone: 905-454-8725
Website: https://knightstable.org/
14. St. Paul’s United Church – 30 Main St. S. – Brampton
Phone: 905-451-1405
Website: http://www.stpauls.brampton.
Toronto Public Health Resources
Provincial Resources
- Ontario Ministry of Health – Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Ontario Ministry of Health – Information Sheets (COVID-19) – available in multiple languages
- Public Health Ontario – Novel Coronavirus
Provincial Guidance Documents
- Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Case Definition
- Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting
- Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Acute Care
- Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19 Guidance for Home and Community Care Providers
- Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Long-Term Care
- Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) POSITIVE Screen Algorithm for Home & Community Care Staff
Federal Resources
- Government of Canada – Novel Coronavirus in China
- Public Health Agency of Canada, 2019 Novel Coronavirus infection (Wuhan, China): Outbreak update
Public health guidance for schools (K-12) and childcare programs (COVID-19)
International Resources
About the COVID-19
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Dry cough
Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
AVOID TOUCHING EYES, NOSE AND MOUTH
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
PRACTICE RESPIRATORY HYGIENE
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
IF YOU HAVE FEVER, COUGH AND DIFFICULTY BREATHING, SEEK MEDICAL CARE EARLY
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
STAY INFORMED
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
If you have cold-like symptoms, you can help protect others by doing the following:
- stay home while sick
- avoid close contact with others
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
- clean and disinfect objects and surfaces
Coronavirus infections are diagnosed by a health care provider based on symptoms and laboratory tests. In some cases, travel history may be important.
If you have any questions or feel sick, call Toronto’s Health Department at 416-338-7600 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
- What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
- How does COVID-19 spread?
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.
- What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
- Should I worry about COVID-19?
Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones.
- Who is at risk of developing severe illness?
While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.
- What’s the best way to protect myself?
The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing. See basic protective measures against the new coronavirus for more information.
- How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?
The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available.
- How long does the virus survive on surfaces?
Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment). If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
If you feel sick, call Toronto's Health Department at 416-338-7600 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Current students
©2020 Alpha College of Business and Technology
