Lakehead University COVID-19 Student Quarantine Commitment Plan
As of January 7th all travellers seeking entry to Canada are required to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test completed 72 hours prior to their flight departure (96 hours for select destinations: https://tc.canada.ca/en/initiatives/covid-19-measures-updates-guidance-issued-transport-canada/covid-19-pre-departure-testing-transport-canada-interim-order).
Please visit this link for more information: 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 For students travelling internationally you need to familiarize yourself with Covid-19 testing requirements prior to booking your flight.
PLEASE NOTE: The test must be performed using one of two types of COVID-19 tests–either a molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) and must be taken within 72 hours* of the traveler’s scheduled departure to Canada . At this time, the Canadian entry requirements are for these two types of COVID-19 test only. Antigen screening or other types of tests such as Diffractive Phase Interferometry are not accepted.
Lakehead University is now approved for it's COVID-19 Readiness plan. Lakehead University has been updated on the designated learning institution list (DLI) and you can view this at the following webpage:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/students.html
In addition to Lakehead University being added onto the approved Covid-19 Readiness Plan DLI list, you must also review the following information and submit your LU Quarantine Commitment Plan. You are required to have an Approved Quarantine Commitment Plan letter prior to travelling.
Dear Students Travelling from Outside of Canada,
Lakehead University is looking forward to welcoming back new and returning students. As part of Lakehead University’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan there are important procedures and protocols that you must follow and must be aware of as a Lakehead student travelling from outside of Canada. All students arriving to study at Lakehead University from outside of Canada are required to fill out and submit a detailed 14 day quarantine commitment plan for approval by Lakehead International (LUI) -96 hours (4 business days)- prior to travelling to Canada.
Your 14-day quarantine plan must ensure that you have demonstrated a well thought out quarantine safety plan. Your mandatory 14-day self-isolation quarantine plan begins immediately upon arrival and entry to Canada. As such you your travel plan to Canada must allow 14 days of quarantine before the start of your classes.
Visit IRCC's website for the most up to date information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/service-delivery/coronavirus/temporary-residence/study-permit.html#sec1.3
Please review the quarantine information planning document carefully so that you are aware of your responsibilities as a student travelling from outside of Canada.
Not following proper government of Canada and DLI Covid-19 Readiness protocols may result in being denied entry into the country, also students allowed entry to Canada can face steep fines for non-compliance of quarantine rules in certain situations.
The health and safety of our students at Lakehead University is our number one priority. Lakehead follows the recommendations of various authorities including the government of Canada and provincial and local public health authorities.
Please carefully read each quarantine information planning section listed below and then complete the mandatory online quarantine commitment plan. The information on this form will be electronically and confidentially submitted to the International Office at Lakehead University.
Allow 96 hours after submission to be contacted by Lakehead University to either help you adjust your quarantine plan to meet government guidelines (if necessary), or to approve your plan and provide you with a Quarantine Approval Letter that you will need to present to CBSA to be considered for entry into Canada.
CHECK HERE FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/students.html
Quarantine approval will occur in two stages
Quarantine Stage 1 Approval: The first stage is submitting your application submission for quarantine approval consideration, which involves a detailed review of your proposed quarantine accommodation plan including ability to provide food, medication and necessities of life (to meet public health and government requirements) for 14 days (or longer if you test positive for COVID-19). Additionally, at this stage Lakehead University will check your registration to ensure that you are registered as a full time student and that you have a working phone number that can be reached while you are in Canada (a requirement to be issued travel documents). Allow 72 hours for this stage to be complete (during regular business hours Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 excluding statutory and university holidays). During this stage expect the quarantine team to probe and ask important questions for your and the Lakehead community safety. Once this process is complete you will receive an email and a link for you to proceed with the secondary approval and final stage required to receive your quarantine travel needed prior to departure from your country to attend Lakehead University.
Quarantine Stage 2 Approval: Congratulations! Once you receive the email and link to complete second stage quarantine approval will be sent to your email. Once you receive this notification of Quarantine Stage 2 approval, you are prepared to proceed with arranging your COVID-19 negative laboratory COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test and to arrange your airflight to Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Please note the COVID-19 negative laboratory COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test result must be obtained within 72 hours prior to your scheduled departure to Canada. Please keep this 72 hour requirement in mind when booking your flight to Canada*. Also be prepared to carry with you a print copy of your COVID-19 negative laboratory COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test to present as documentation to your chosen airline prior to boarding your flight to Canada.
Your Stage 2 link will require you to confirm that you have or will have your COVID-19 negative laboratory COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test completed in 72 hours prior to your scheduled departure to Canada. Also this link will require you to upload your confirmed flight itinerary to Canada. Once the Quarantine Approval team receives your completed Stage 2 Quarantine Approval Submission we will email you your Quarantine Approval Travel Letter within 48 hours of your fully completed Stage 2 Quarantine Approval submission, which you will be required to print (along with a Quarantine Checklist) and carry with you for presentation to CBSA officials at the port of entry.
PLEASE NOTE:
1. Students travelling from outside of Canada must have their quarantine plans pre-approved by their designated learning institution (DLI) to ensure the quarantine requirements laid out in the institution’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan submitted to the government is adhered to. As such only students arriving from outside of Canada who follow this quarantine approval letter process will be eligible to travel and to be considered for entry to Canada.
2. For compliance with Lakehead University’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan, only students arriving from outside of Canada that plan to live in Thunder Bay (Thunder Bay Campus) or Orillia (Orillia Campus) are eligible for quarantine approval letters. Lakehead University cannot approve a quarantine plan if you are staying outside of these locations to ensure that we are complying with our COVID-19 Readiness Plan requirements outlined to government officials.
3. All international students arriving from outside of Canada are automatically pre-registered in Ontario’s University Health Insurance Program (UHIP) once we confirm they will be arriving. International Student Services and the English Language Center coordinates with the Lakehead Finance department to ensure that our students have health care coverage with either UHIP or GUARD Me coverage which covers healthcare needs (including COVID-19) for all students. Fees for healthcare coverage are appropriately added to each individual student account and is included in their semester fee coverage. Also note additional Extended Health Care coverage is available at the beginning of each semester through Lakehead Universities Student Union (LUSU). More information on the extended health insurance plan can be found here: https://lusu.ca/healthplan/
* Travellers seeking entry to Canada from select destinations are required to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test completed 96 hours prior to their flight departure: https://tc.canada.ca/en/initiatives/covid-19-measures-updates-guidance-issued-transport-canada/covid-19-pre-departure-testing-transport-canada-interim-order).
International Student Check List
1. Plan your Arrival |
Please review the following links:
Thunder Bay Campus: 1-807-631-4123 (during your travels and arrival) 1-807-627-8701 (after you arrive) Orillia Campus: 1-705-323-0074 Quarantine Accommodations: You must have your Quarantine living accommodations arranged prior to travelling and approved by Lakehead International via your Quarantine Commitment Plan. You can make your own private living arrangements however it is strongly recommended that you quarantine at Lakehead University Campus Residence. Lakehead University Residence is offering Quarantine Accommodations for any students and dependents travelling internationally to Thunder Bay or Orillia and requiring 14 day self-isolation. THUNDER BAY CAMPUS QUARANTINE RESIDENCE FEES: Residence Student (ie. student applied to remain in residence for Winter semester) $600.00 for 14 day quarantine period or $42.85/night until January 2nd when winter contract begins - whichever is cheaper. Note - If student tests positive during quarantine period and prior to contract start date (Jan. 2nd), no charge. Meals: While you are in quarantine, you can make arrangements with the campus food services (Aramark) to have meals or groceries delivered to your quarantine location. Please note: if you are in campus residence during the holiday break (Dec 24-Jan 3) there is no food service on campus. You will need to make alternative arrangements for grocery deliveries within the community or take out food services. All which must be non-contact delivery methods. Link to Aramark webpage: https://lakeheadu.catertrax.com/ Non-Residence Student $50.00/night for 14 day quarantine period Positive test? No Charge while student is considered "positive". Negative test? $50.00/night remains in effect Maximum length of stay permissible: 28 days Meals: Student will need to schedule and pay for all personal meals (meal delivery from Residence Front Door to student's room will be arranged while student is in quarantine.) If you have off campus housing arranged, once you are cleared of your quarantine you can relocate to live in the Thunder Bay community should that be preferable. During normal operating hours residence has food services available for you to order to your room which is very convenient. You also have the option of local grocery delivery or food delivery such as skip the dishes. Residence has staff on 24 hours a day and you will be required to have daily check ins as stated in the quarantine commitment plan. Covid testing during your quarantine will be arranged by Lakehead International to be administered day 5-6 of quarantine. In the instance that a student or dependent tests positive for Covid-19 they will be required to quarantine for an additional 10 days at a minimum, dependent on symptoms (total of 24 days), and at the discretion of the local Public Health Unit. The on-campus Residence can accommodate the time extension in quarantine if required and they will not be charged any additional fees. The student will notify their International Advisor, who will notify the Public Health Unit (Thunder Bay Campus) or Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (Orillia/Georgina-Lakehead campus students) for further direction in each scenario. Here is the link to apply to the Thunder Bay Campus Residence: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/students/student-life/residence/tb/applying-to-residence-2 ORILLIA CAMPUS: For students who have pre-arranged off campus housing, once they are cleared of their quarantine they can relocate to live in the Orillia community should that be preferable. ORILLIA CAMPUS QUARANTINE RESIDENCE FEES: Residence Student (ie. student applied to remain in residence for Winter semester) $600.00 for 14 day quarantine period or $42.85/night until January 2nd when winter contract begins - whichever is cheaper. Note - If student tests positive during quarantine period and prior to contract start date (Jan. 2nd), no charge. Meals: Student will need to schedule and pay for all personal meals (meal delivery from Residence Front Door to student's room will be arranged). Beginning January 2nd, the student's meal plan takes effect. Non-Residence Student $50.00/night for 14 day quarantine period Positive test? No Charge while student is considered "positive". Negative test? $50.00/night remains in effect Maximum length of stay permissible: 28 days Meals: Student will need to schedule and pay for all personal meals (meal delivery from Residence Front Door to student's room will be arranged while student is in quarantine.) During normal operating hours residence has food services available for you to order to your room which is very convenient. Alternatively, and outside of operating hours, students have the option of local grocery delivery or food delivery such as Skip the Dishes. Residence/Security have staff on 24 hours a day, and you will be required to have daily check-ins with an International Advisor as stated in the quarantine commitment plan. Covid testing during your quarantine will be arranged by Lakehead International to be administered day 5-6 of quarantine. In the instance that a student or dependent tests positive for Covid-19 they will be required to quarantine for an additional 10 days at a minimum, dependent on symptoms (total of 24 days), and at the discretion of the local Public Health Unit. The on-campus Residence can accommodate the time extension in quarantine if required and they will not be charged any additional fees. The student will notify their International Advisor, who will notify the Public Health Unit (Thunder Bay Campus) or Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (Orillia/Georgina-Lakehead campus students) for further direction in each scenario. Please visit the Orillia residence website for details on other fees and housing options. Here is the link to apply to the Orillia Campus Residence: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/students/student-life/residence/or/node/3720 Again, we strongly recommend you consider residence as your quarantine location. Here is the link to apply to the Thunder Bay Campus Residence: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/students/student-life/residence/tb/applying-to-residence-2 Here is the link to apply to the Orillia Campus Residence: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/students/student-life/residence/or/node/3720 The Government of Canada, the Provincial Ministry of Education, Health Canada and local public health authorities requires that all Mandatory 14-day Quarantine sites on and off -campus meet specific requirements. While Lakehead University takes all caution to ensure that on campus mandatory 14 day Quarantine sites meet government requirements, it is the responsibility of each student to also ensure that all off campus housing meets government criteria for self isolation as well which includes, "Appropriate individual accommodation options for the 14 day quarantine period is consistent with Orders in Council under the Quarantine Act and Government of Canada and requirements of local public health authorities", and "Confirmation that students have a suitable isolation plan ensuring they will not be staying with vulnerable populations (defined as Indigenous populations or Seniors) or living in communal or group settings and with access to necessities of life". *If you are planning to quarantine in an off campus rental please be sure it has internet already set up as many rentals do not have it. Canada public health at:
Important Information for when you Reach the Port of Entry to Canada When you arrive at your port of entry in Canada, the Canadian Border Agency will assess your health. If you’re a foreign national, and you have symptoms of COVID-19, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. They will ask you the following questions:
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2. Prepare for 14 day Quarantine |
Please ensure you have downloaded the Ontario self assessment tool to monitor your symptoms during your quarantine. You can download the self assessment tool here: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ Please have this done prior to travel. Review the following resources Government of Canada’s Quarantine Act https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/covid/non-canadians-canadiens-eng.html Self-isolation guidelines set out by the Canadian Ministry of Public Health. Mandatory Covid-19 Testing
Please note: Students (and dependents) are informed prior to arrival should they test positive on the COVID-19 test then they will be required to complete an additional 14-day quarantine again for a total of 28 days of quarantine and a second COVID-19 test will be required with a negative result before the student can leave their quarantine site. All students (and dependents) pre-arrival are advised of this requirement accordingly. Students are informed that all regular quarantine check-in requirements will apply including daily wellness check-ins, students doing their daily COVID-19 self-assessments, and all students (and dependents) are checked to ensure they have appropriate access to medical assistance or necessities of life as required. Please see below for some other items to consider during your Quarantine:
Important Information for when you Reach the Port of Entry to Canada When you arrive at your port of entry in Canada, the Canadian Border Agency will assess your health. If you’re a foreign national, and you have symptoms of COVID-19, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. They will ask you the following questions:
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3. Packing and Travelling |
In addition to regular packing requirements you should plan to bring:
1. Passport 2. Study permit or letter of confirmation from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada 3. A printed copy of your Original Letter of Acceptance (Offer of Admission) from Lakehead University (this can be found in MyInfo under your Applicant tab) 4. A printed copy of Your Enrolment Verification Letter (this can be found in your Lakehead MyInfo account under the student tab- course registration-enrolment verification) You may be asked to prove your current enrolment with a full course load. 5. A printed copy of Your Lakehead University Quarantine Approval Letter (you must have this printed to provide to the CBSA officer) 6. Quarantine site information including the address and contact number for the transportation company (use your quarantine check list that was provided) 7. Contact information for Lakehead University Thunder Bay Campus: 1-807-631-4123 (during your travels and arrival) 1-807-627-8701 (after you arrive) Orillia Campus: 1-705-323-0074 |
4. Arriving to Thunder Bay or Orillia |
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5. During your Quarantine |
Follow the Government of Canada’s Quarantine Act carefully. This means that you must stay in your own room for 14 days and avoid contact with others.
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6. Reducing Stigma with Covid-19 |
Lakehead University has a zero-tolerance policy for racism and discrimination and specifically in regards to COVID-19 and the stigma attached to those quarantined, those who contract this virus, and for vulnerable student populations. If you have experienced any discrimination regarding stigma attached to COVID-19 there is advocacy support available. Please visit the websites noted below for the Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) and the Ombudsperson Office to file a complaint. If you are an international student at the Thunder Bay campus please contact the International Student Office at 807-627-8701. Orillia campus student should call 1-705-323-0074. You can also make a virtual appointment with an international student advisor via the following link: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/international/online-community/appointments. As such the Office of Human Rights and Equity has created a Covid-19 Stigma reduction resource page. The following link will provide you supports and contacts in regards to Lakehead University's zero-tolerance for racism and discrimination: Office of Human Rights and Equity: Additional Contacts:Ombudsperson Office: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Mental Health and Wellness Resources: Stay safe during Covid-19: |
7. After Quarantine |
Continue to be mindful of the public health directives and continue to practice proper hygiene, physical distancing rules and social gathering limits. Lakehead University is here for you! If you have any questions during your preparations please don’t hesitate to contact us. |