Lakehead University COVID-19 Student Quarantine Commitment Plan

Your first step is to review the Lakehead University Quarantine Commitment Plan website.  It is extremely important to review all sections and fully understand all the information and your responsibilities. Having an approved Quarantine Commitment Plan is required for entry into Canada as Lakehead University is assuming responsibility for monitoring your quarantine to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission on our campuses.  Your Lakehead Quarantine Plan approval is a two step process.  Once you submit your stage one request via the website e-form our LU Quarantine Team will review and get back to you with follow up questions.  DO NOT book your flights until your stage one is approved.  If approved you will be provided with a link to complete stage two.  It is at this point you will book your flight.  Once stage two is received and full approved, you will be provided a Quarantine Approval Letter, checklist and transportation voucher. You must print and carry with you all of these documents to present at the port of entry.

Please review the following information:

1. 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*.

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.

2. Mandatory Government Hotel Quarantine at Port of Entry:
As of August 9, 2021 12:01AM (EDT) the three-night government authorized hotel stay requirement has been eliminated for all travellers arriving by air. For more information, please click visit this link https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid

Make sure you are aware of the start date of your classes and plan to arrive at least 14 days prior to complete your quarantine period prior to classes starting. Click here for more information about class start dates.  For English Language program students please follow this link for more information on the start date of your program. 

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

• In addition to the Quarantine Approval Letter, Thunder Bay students will be provided a free taxi voucher that will take you from the airport to your quarantine location. This transportation voucher will be dated for the date you provide as your arrival so please ensure this information is correct on your form. You are not able to stop anywhere between the airport and your place of quarantine for the next 14 days- so plan accordingly. Student going to the Orillia campus will transportation arranged for them. Save the Lakehead International Emergency Numbers in your Phone so you can contact us if there are any travel delays. 

• Download the ArriveCAN app
  

  As of November 21, 2020, travellers coming to Canada by air will be required to use the ArriveCAN APP.  

  IRCC expects that the ARRIVECAN APP must be downloaded on your mobile phone prior to arrival.  In addition to getting your Quarantine Commitment Plan Approval and Approval Letter from Lakehead International, you are also required to submit your quarantine approval plan details to the ARRIVECAN APP.  Once you submit your quarantine plan to the ARRIVECAN APP you will be given a receipt which you are REQUIRED TO CARRY WITH YOU to the Port of Entry (POE) and present to the Canadian Border Services Officer.  If you have not done this prior to arrival (and you did not request accommodation) then the CBSA Officer can issue large fines.  The CBSA Officer will require your receipt to scan to pull up your ARRIVECAN File to review. Please visit this website to download this APP and to submit the details of your approved Lakehead University Quarantine plan:  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/arrivecan.html

  
  As of November 21, 2020, travellers will be required to confirm within 48 hours that they have arrived at their place of quarantine or isolation and those in quarantine must complete a daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during their quarantine period. They will be able to submit information through the ArriveCAN app or by calling a toll-free number (1-833-641-0343).

• Prior to arrival please ensure that you are familiar with Canada Health’s requirements for appropriate cleaning and disinfection standards for COVID-19 in preparation for your quarantine in Canada.

Please review the following links:
Proper cleaning: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/cleaning-disinfecting.html and
Cleaning products:https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19.html to ensure that they are familiar with Canada Health’s requirements for appropriate cleaning and disinfection standards for COVID-19 in preparation for their quarantine in Canada

• Please make yourself familiar with our physical distancing signs as they may be different from what you are used to seeing. The will be posted on all entrances to buildings and rooms.  Please visit the following website to review. https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/social-distancing.aspx

• Save the Lakehead International Emergency Numbers in your Phone

Thunder Bay Campus: 1-807-631-4123 (during your travels and arrival) 1-807-627-8701 (after you arrive)

Orillia Campus: 1-705-801-9963 (during your travels, arrival, and any emergencies afterwards)

It is recommended that all students arriving from outside Canada review the following mandatory guidelines for a suitable 14 day quarantine site and ensure that their plan meets these guidelines:

Canada public health at: 

• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html#_Mandatory_quarantine
• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/2019-novel-coronavirus-information-sheet.html
• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html
• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/travellers-with-symptoms-return-canada.html

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: 

• Where will you quarantine (self isolate)
• How will you get to the location you will be self isolating
• Will you be in contact with vulnerable people
• What is the address of the location you are staying and a valid contact number to reach you
• Who will get you groceries or food and do you require any medication
• Provide a valid, working phone number for them to contact you
• You must have Canadian cash on you to show the officer- you won't be able to go to a bank until after your 14 day quarantine so you must have cash to support yourself and a credit card that works in Canada is advised
• Must present your Quarantine Approval Letter to the CBSA border officer.  You can reference the government website form more information about Quarantine requirements: (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/2019-novel-coronavirus-information-sheet.html)
• If you have a layover in Toronto before connecting to your final destination that requires you to stay overnight you will be required to stay at a hotel- you cannot sleep at the airport overnight

Covid 19 Testing Requirements During Quarantine

You will be provided a Switch Health DIY Covid 19 take home testing kit at the port of entry. You will be required to do your Switch Health DIY test on DAY 8 of your quarantine. You will receive a reminder through your SwitchHealth account.

When you get to your quarantine please open the SwitchHealth DIY kit and review the instructions so you are fully prepared for test day. You will be required to book an appointment with a public health nurse to do the test over video call or phone. The nurse will walk you through the test.
When your test is done, please ensure your sample is kept in the refrigerator. Please email our Quarantine Team at quarantine.intl@lakeheadu.ca to let us know your test is completed.

You will be required to schedule a pick up of the sample through a courier service. If you are living in Lakehead University Residence in Thunder Bay, please provide the following address for Thunder Bay on campus quarantine:

Lakehead University
Bartley Campus Residence
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 5E1

The courier service will only pick up from Bartley main desk. If you are living in Lakehead University Residence in Thunder Bay, so it's very important to email us when your sample is done so we can arrange for residence staff to pick up your sample and bring it to the Bartley main desk. They have a refrigerator there as well.

If you are living off-campus, you will need to confirm the address and verify with the courier service that they can pick up from your location.

Covid 19 Test Results:

You will be able to view your results through your Switch Health account (write down your password and account information). Once you receive your results please provide them to us via email at quarantine.intl@lakeheadu.ca

If your result is negative, you can end your quarantine after a full 14 days.

If your result is positive, your quarantine must be extended for an additional 14 days, from the test positive date. A public health nurse will contact you and review your case. They will determine your new end date of quarantine.

You will not be allowed to leave quarantine until negative results are received.

Mandatory Government Hotel Quarantine at Port of Entry has been eliminated.

As of August 9, 2021 12:01AM (EDT) the three-night government authorized hotel stay requirement has been eliminated for all travellers arriving by air. For more information, please click visit this link https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid

When you get to stage two of the LU Quarantine Approval Process which is when you can book your flights, you will be required to book your flight to Thunder Bay (for Thunder Bay campus students only). Please ensure this flight is flexible and re-bookable.

Canada has extended a travel ban on direct flights from India until September 21st, 2021.Lakehead is monitoring the situation closely and will update this page with any new information we receive.  If you have questions about the travel ban please email us at quarantine.intl@lakeheadu.ca or visit the Government of Canada travel ban website: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/india

Lakehead University Campus Residence Quarantine Facilities

It is strongly recommended that you quarantine at Lakehead University Campus Residence.  You will have direct support from the Residence Life Team on campus and wifi available upon arrival which is extremely important. 

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. 

How to Book Thunder Bay Campus Residence Quarantine Facility:

Please email Ashley Fretz at resops@lakeheadu.ca to inquire about availability on-campus for quarantine.  Please include a tentative arrival date in your email.

Please be aware that a $50.00 fee will be applied to students who do not cancel their accommodations if no longer needed and/or do not arrive on their scheduled arrival date.  If you need to change your booking date or cancel your booking please email resops@lakeheadu.ca.

Thunder Bay Residence

Completing your quarantine in on-campus residence will require participation in a mandatory meal plan. The cost for accommodation and meals is $800.00 + HST (which includes three meals a day). Students can not opt-out of the meal plan, it is required as part of the quarantine package. When you email residence to book your quarantine accommodations they will provide you with a meal plan form to complete so you can indicate any dietary restrictions and/or meal preferences. 

Lakehead Campus Residence Quarantine Package includes:

• Single Residence Room accommodation (either a Townhouse, Apartment or dormitory)
• Quarantine meals delivered daily (3 meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner) 
• Private transportation from airport to quarantine location in residence
• 24 hour security and safety available with Resident Assistants nearby and the security team should you need medical care

Total Quarantine Cost:  $904.00 ($800+HST)
*Completing your quarantine in on-campus residence will require participation in a mandatory meal plan. The cost for accommodation and meals is $800.00 + HST, which includes three meals a day (*HST is a 13% Ontario Provincial tax)

(Note: the regular cost for these residence services would be $1070 - you are saving $166 with the residence package deal.  Local hotels will cost $1600+ for just accommodations for 14 days.)

Important: if a student tests positive for COVID-19 the additional 14 days of quarantine accommodation is complimentary.  Only the daily meal plan will be charged X 14 days.

Additional Residence Notes:

• Charges will be applied directly to your student account after you check-in. 
• No down payment is required to reserve your spot.
• No charge for cancellation or changes to your reservation.

What Thunder Bay Residence Quarantine Facilities include:

TOWNHOUSE

• Kitchen with a stove, oven, fridge, freezer and microwave.

• Bathroom with a tub, shower, sink, toilet and 3 rolls of toilet paper.

• Dining area with a table and 4 chairs.

• Living room with a sofa, 2 armchairs, coffee table and TV with cable.

• Bedroom with a bed, mattress, pillows, bedding, towels and washcloths.

• Storage room which includes a mop, pail, broom, dustpan and vacuum cleaner.

• Daily meal delivery (3 meals per day) included.

• Free wifi

• Price : $800.00 + HST.

            $904.00 in total for 14 days quarantine including your 3 meals per day delivered to your door.

APARTMENTS

• Kitchen with a stove, oven, fridge, freezer and microwave.

• Bathroom with a tub, shower, sink, toilet and 3 rolls of toilet paper.

• 2nd Bathroom with a toilet and sink.

• Dining area with a table and 4 chairs.

• Living room with a sofa, 2 armchairs, coffee table and TV with cable.

• Bedroom with a bed, mattress, pillows, bedding, towels and washcloths.

• Storage room which includes a mop, pail, broom, dustpan and vacuum cleaner.

• Air conditioning available (to cool the unit off in the summer).

• Daily meal delivery (3 meals per day) included.

• Free wifi.

• Price : $800.00 + HST.

            $904.00 in total for 14 days quarantine including your 3 meals per day delivered to your door.

DORMS

• Private dorm room which includes.

• Bed with a mattress, pillows, bedding, towels and washcloths.

• Mini Fridge, Microwave, Desk, Desk Chair.

• Closet Space with dressers.

• Free WiFi

• Private bathroom with includes toilet and toilet paper.

• Shower, sink, handsoap and paper towel.

• Daily meal delivery (3 meals per day) included.

• Price : $800.00 + HST.

              $904.00 in total for 14 days quarantine including your 3 meals per day delivered to your door.

MEALS

 A meal plan is mandatory for on-campus residence quarantine.  As part of our quarantine responsibilities, we need to ensure that all students on campus have access to food, and so the meal plan is mandatory and not optional. The meal plan includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be delivered to your quarantine residence at specific times each day which you will be required to be available for as they cannot leave food outside your door.  

During your Stage Two submission of the quarantine process, if you are choosing to quarantine in campus residence you must submit your meal preference form.  This form confirms your information with our Food Services Provider (Aramark) and allows you to indicate any dietary restrictions (for example,  if you require halal, vegetarian. gluten-free, lactose-free etc) . Please note that the meal plan follows the residence cafeteria food menu and while they can accommodate dietary restrictions they cannot customize meals.  You will receive what is on the menu that day. 

Orillia Residence

Orillia Campus Residence Quarantine Package includes:

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.

ArriveCAN app.

Mandatory Government Hotel Quarantine at Port of Entry has been eliminated for all travellers.

As of August 9, 2021 12:01AM (EDT) the three-night government authorized hotel stay requirement has been eliminated for all travellers arriving by air. For more information, please click visit this link https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid. When you get to stage two of the LU Quarantine Approval Process which is when you can book your flights, you will be required to book your flight to Thunder Bay (for Thunder Bay campus students only). Please ensure this flight is flexible and re-bookable.

In addition to regular packing requirements you should plan to bring:

• Numerous face masks including disposable and reusable cloth face masks.  A box of plastic disposable gloves, travel size hand sanitizer and wipes and a thermometer.

• Lakehead University students are advised to wash their hands appropriately before putting on and taking off their masks.  Students are advised to visit https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/video/covid-19-hand-washing.html to ensure that they have watched the video on hand hygiene expectations by the Government to stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Appropriate face coverings (masks) are required for travel to Canada, while in airports, while in transit and to come to Lakehead University.  Please note that face coverings with exhalation valves are not appropriate.  It is now recommended that you use a three layer, non-medical mask as advised by Canadian Public Health Officials.  Students should visit this website to ensure they are using the correct masks and facial coverings to protect themselves from COVID-19 at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment/medical-masks-respirators.html

• Also, students are encouraged to visit and familiarize yourself with the steps for appropriate putting on or taking off  of masks on the quarantine website link: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/how-put-remove-clean-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html

• Be sure to have some of these items in your carry-on luggage to access during travel

• Be sure you have the following documents available when you arrive at the port of entry.  Make sure you pack them in your carry on luggage.  You will be required to present these to the Canadian Border Agents when you go through customs and immigration.

• Please ensure you bring enough clothing and basic necessities to last you a full 14 days.  You will not be able to leave your quarantine location and therefore may not have access to laundry facilities.  Please ensure you plan accordingly and pack more than you need. 

Thunder Bay Campus: 1-807-631-4123 (during your travels and arrival) 1-807-627-8701 (after you arrive)

Orillia Campus: 1-705-801-9963

Covid 19 Travel Tool kit: The government of Canada has created a helpful travel toolkit for you to review prior to travelling to ensure you are prepared.  It can be found here: file:///Users/workstud/Downloads/COVID-Travel-Toolkit_BIL_2021-06-22.pdf

• You will use your transportation voucher to take you to your arranged quarantine location.
  
  Thunder Bay quarantine transportation:

  1. Our Transportation provider has agreed to transport all students from the airport to their quarantine location (direct, no stops will be permitted).  Drivers will only accept the taxi voucher our students present and the transportation is charged directly to our Lakehead University account.

  2. Lakehead University has verified that all transportation provided has a plan to have been sanitized appropriately after each transport.  Additionally, Lakehead University has verified with the transportation company the cleaning products used including the driver's confirmed use of PPE.

  3. All vehicles have installed plexiglass barriers to ensure social distancing and protection for both driver and passenger. 

   

  Orillia quarantine transportation:
  1. Our Transportation provider has agreed to transport all students from the airport to their quarantine location in Orillia (direct, no stops will be permitted).  Your transportation will be pre booked and prepaid.  You will check in with the transportation company at the airport and detailed information will be provided when your quarantine plan is approved. 
  2. Lakehead University has verified that all transportation provided has a plan to have been sanitized appropriately after each transport and all safety protocols will be in place for the safety of both the driver and passenger.  
  3. This transportation is private and non communal. 
• Please ensure your quarantine location is aware of your arrival date and time
• An advisor will be sending you your first Quarantine Check in Email on the first day you arrive so please check your emails at 12:30pm daily to respond within that 2 hour time frame.  Any non-compliance with your daily check ins will require Lakehead to report to the authorities.

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.  

• As part of your Lakehead Quarantine Commitment Plan you (and any dependents) will be required to check in with an advisor everyday of your 14 day self isolation. An international student advisor will email you daily at 12:30PM (EST) with a few basic questions and check in on how you are doing both physically and mentally.  Your health and safety is very important to us.  You will be required to respond to this email daily within 2 hours.  If the advisor does not hear back from you within a 2 hour time frame, we will have to move forward with our emergency plan as we will not be able to confirm your location or your health status.
• It is a requirement that all students complete a daily self-assessment as part of their daily check ins during the quarantine period.   You can access the self-assessment tool here: https://www.thrive.health/health-canada-self-assessment-toolPractice good hygiene, keep your room well ventilated and clean
• Stay connected with your International Advisors
• Participate in the numerous online programming options Lakehead has available during this transitional period to meet other students and join in some fun interactive activities
• Stay connected with family and friends
• Monitor your physical and mental well-being.  If you are not feeling well, use the Government of Canada’s Covid-19 self-assessment tool to determine if you need further assessment or testing.  You can access the self-assessment tool here: https://www.thrive.health/health-canada-self-assessment-tool
• If you need immediate medical attention call 9-1-1 for an ambulance

PLEASE NOTE: A new federal government requirement that you need to complete during your quarantine is a DIY home Covid test.  This is provided to you at the port of entry.  This test is to be completed on Day 8 of your quarantine.  Once you arrive at your quarantine location and get settled, you can open the kit and read all the instructions so you are aware of what is required when you are on Day 8.  Once you complete your DIY test please ensure the sample is kept in the fridge.  You will be required to book a pick up date and time, and you will be required to put a pick up location.   The courier will only pick up at the Residence Main Bartley location.  Once you book your pick up, please email Sara Melvin at sscoordinator.intl@lakeheadu.ca to let her know and she will arrange for residence staff to pick up your sample and bring it to Bartley for pick up.

The Bartley address is:
Lakehead University
Bartley Campus Residence
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B5E1

Covid 19 Testing Requirements During Quarantine

You will be provided a Switch Health DIY Covid 19 take home testing kit at the port of entry. You will be required to do your Switch Health DIY test on DAY 8 of your quarantine. You will receive a reminder through your SwitchHealth account.

When you get to your quarantine please open the SwitchHealth DIY kit and review the instructions so you are fully prepared for test day. You will be required to book an appointment with a public health nurse to do the test over video call or phone. The nurse will walk you through the test.
When your test is done, please ensure your sample is kept in the refrigerator. Please email our Quarantine Team at quarantine.intl@lakeheadu.ca to let us know your test is completed.

You will be required to schedule a pick up of the sample through a courier service. If you are living in Lakehead University Residence in Thunder Bay, please provide the following address for Thunder Bay on campus quarantine:

Lakehead University
Bartley Campus Residence
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 5E1

The courier service will only pick up from Bartley main desk. if you are living in Lakehead University Residence in Thunder Bay, so it's very important to email us when your sample is done so we can arrange for residence staff to pick up your sample and bring it to the Bartley main desk. They have a refrigerator there as well.

If you are living off-campus, you will need to confirm the address and verify with the courier service that they can pick up from your location.

You will be able to view your results through your Switch Health account (write down your password and account information). Once you receive your results please provide them to us via email at quarantine.intl@lakeheadu.ca

Day-8 test results

You can only leave your place of quarantine once your mandatory 14-day quarantine is completed. You may leave quarantine at the end of your mandatory 14-day quarantine, even if you have not received your Day-8 Covid test result back from SureHealth.

If you have a negative test result:
You can leave your place of quarantine once you have completed your mandatory 14-day quarantine. If you receive your negative results after you have left your 14 day quarantine and they are negative, no other action is required.

If you have a positive test result :
You must isolate yourself from others immediately for a period of 10 days that begins from the time you took the test with positive results (i.e. date/time of specimen collection). A government representative will call you to provide you with additional instructions.  If the results is received when you are still in quarantine, your extra 10 days will begin from the date of the positive test and a public health nurse will call you to advise.
If you have left your quarantine (you already completed your 14 days) and you receive a positive result, you must go into isolation immediately.  A public health nurse will contact you.

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.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Mental Health and Wellness Resources: 

• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/mental-health.html

• https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-support-people#section-4

Stay safe during Covid-19:

• https://youtu.be/JCw-B4Ig3DQ

• https://youtu.be/DHLDani2Tl0

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! 

Please note that Lakehead University implemented the mandatory vaccination policy for all university staff, faculty and students that plan to be in person on campus this Fall.

Please see the following link to review Lakehead's new vaccination policy: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/coronavirus/mandatory-vaccine-policy

 If you only have one dose of a Covid 19 Canadian approved or WHO approved vaccine. You must have a rapid Covid test done twice weekly in order to be allowed onto campus. This must be done daily until you are able to safely receive your second dose of the Covid 19 vaccine.

You can get the rapid test done at the following locations on campus:

If you have any questions during your preparations please don’t hesitate to contact us.