COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
CURRENT SITUATION: As of March 20, 2020, at 4:47 PM
Despite rumours to the contrary, effective Friday morning there are still 0 cases of COVID-19 at Prairie College and in Three Hills (confirmed by the local health unit). Three members of the campus community have been tested for COVID-19 (two faculty and one student). One person tested negative; the result of the other two tests have not been made available but are presumed to be negative, as well. Please refer to https://covid19stats.alberta.ca/ for a breakdown of the cases province-wide.
The health and safety of our school community is top of mind, and a number of precautions and responses are underway. Check back for ongoing updates and information about our response and action with regard to the COVID-19 situation.
If you require assistance during business hours, please call 403-443-3030. If you require emergency medical assistance, please call 911.
Latest Updates
New Measures Announced in Response to Provincial Guidelines; Student Housing & Dining Services to Close
Student Transition: Staying On Campus or Going Home?
Information Session Planned for 1pm, Mar 16, Moved to YouTube Live (Check Your Email)
No Cases Of COVID-19 On Campus; Semester To Transition To Online
ACAC Suspends Remaining 2019-20 Competitions Effective Immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
While the decision is not final until board approval, it is expected that Graduation will be postponed. Please check your email for further instruction.
Please contact your Program Coordinator/Professors for all the details about completing your classes online.
If you require assistance with Online Classrooms, please email the Help Desk at helpdesk@prairie.edu.
Program Specific:
For some programs – like Practical Nursing, PCP, and Aviation – we are waiting upon instructions from education partners like Bow Valley College, PATC, and Professional Medical Associates. Thank you for your patience as we figure out the details.
If you have symptoms, stay at home and call Health Link 811 for instructions. Also, notify your DSD if you are still on campus.
From Alberta Health Services:
“If you are returning to Alberta from outside of Canada, please monitor your health and, if you experience symptoms, self-isolate immediately and call Health Link at 811. Do not visit long-term care facilities if you are sick with a fever or cough. All Albertans should practice good hygiene, including washing their hands regularly and avoiding touching their face and eyes.
Develop a plan for what might need to change if you and your loved ones need to stay home for two weeks. Talk with your neighbours and friends to see how you can support each other if any of you are in this situation.”
In summary, yes.
On campus classes are cancelled. Please read the March 16 update for all the details about the transition to online classrooms.
Refer to the Events tab for status details about previously scheduled events.
Term Break
Term Break, and students return to campus, concluded on March 1, 2020, before the first reported cases of COVID-19 were reported in Alberta.
Practicum and Other Study-Related Trips
Refer to the Events tab on the Campus Operations page for these details.
Personal Travel
Given the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, we are recommending that students, faculty and staff who are planning international travel review AHS, Government of Canada, and airport guidelines for travel.
The facilities maintenance team will increase the frequency of its disinfection process in public spaces, which includes door handles, sinks and high traffic areas.
Cleaning kiosks with supplies will be made available in public areas
On campus students, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to continue and increase the practice of cleaning private spaces including dormitories, offices, study spaces and classrooms
Type of Question | Contact |
Google Classroom & IT Questions | helpdesk@prairie.edu |
If you need assistance with self-isolation, mental health, dorms/Davison, move-in/move-out | Your Director of Student Development: Women- gillian.blomsma@prairie.edu Men – michael.bookless@prairie.edu Family – kelly.steffen@prairie.edu |
Virus and other health related symptoms /questions | www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans or call Health Link at 811 |
Program related questions (practicum, clinical, graduation requirements, exams) | Speak to your Program Coordinator, if you do not know who that is, visit the website program page. |
Staying Healthy: From Alberta Health Services
Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms are similar to influenza or other respiratory illnesses. Common symptoms include:
- fever
- cough
- extreme tiredness
Symptom of serious illness include:
- difficulty breathing
- pneumonia
If you have symptoms, stay home and call Health Link 811 for instructions.
Prevent the Spread
Influenza and other common viruses remain the most likely cause of a respiratory infection.
To protect yourself and others:
- use good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing
- cover coughs and sneezes
- avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
- if you have symptoms, stay home and call Health Link 811 for instructions
Still Have Questions?
We will respond to your query during business hours.
