Coronavirus Update for the Dominican University College Community
February 5, 2021
On January 26th, the Ontario Government approved Dominican University College's COVID-19 preparedness plan which makes us a fully licensed post-secondary institution able and ready to receive returning and new international students. Our COVID-19 preparedness plan presents the measures we have put in place for the safe return and welcome of international students on our campus. For more information, please consult DUC's policies page.
January 15, 2021
Dominican University College is monitoring the COVID-19 situation and is following all preventive measures and guidelines set by Ottawa Public Health, Public Health Ontario, the Government of Ontario, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
On January 12, Tuesday, the government of Ontario enacted a state of emergency and stay at home order, which is now in effect for the entire province. Currently, all students, professors and administrative staff work remotely until further notice. The campus and library are closed until the lockdown is lifted. The library continues to offer scan request and curbside pickup services, which will remain available for the duration of the lockdown and will be fulfilled within 1 business day. Books can be returned to the contactless drop-off location near the DUC reception desk and there will be no penalties for failing to return late items during the lockdown.
Stay safe and healthy!
March 23, 2020
Guard.Me, an insurance company that covers Dominican University College students studying in Canada, has set up a hotline as part of the COVID-19 crisis. Its customers (students and university administrators) can connect with Guard.Me to obtain information about COVID-19. Here is the number to call:
+ 1-619-717-8549 (collect call).
March 16, 2020
Considering the unfortunate current circumstances, Dominican University College (DUC) has chosen, like Carleton University with which it is affiliated, to continue offering courses until the end of this semester but by electronic or other means that do not require the physical presence of lecturers or students on DUC’s campus.
Beginning from March 18th, students will have access to documents and relevant information on Dominicus and/or via email that they will receive from their lecturers, so as to organise concretely each course until the end of the semester. Modalities for final exams will be communicated to the students in the next week or so.
In order to facilitate the transition to this new mode of lecturing and of securing DUC’s campus, the Dominican University College will be completely closed tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17th.
Furthermore, to insure a safe environment, DUC
- is organizing work from home for its employees but essential services will be offered
- is cancelling conferences and other events until the end of the semester
- is keeping its library open from Monday to Friday, from 8h30 to 16h00
- is coordinating opening hours of the campus with the Dominican Convent. The reception will close at 16h00 until the end of the semester.
DUC’s authorities will remain vigilant and keep you informed of changes.
March 12, 2020
Dominican University College (DUC) is continuing to monitor developments involving the coronavirus (now referred to as COVID-19). At this time, it is business as usual on the DUC campus. Your professor, department or faculty will let you know about any class cancellations or changes. Students should monitor their university email, DUC’s website and main social media accounts for updates. For more information regarding COVID-19 protocols and precautions, please see below.
Preparedness
Our primary goal is to ensure required measures are put in place should the Ottawa-Gatineau region be directly affected by COVID-19. We take this issue very seriously and are following instructions from public health officials, who continue to indicate that the risk in Canada is low. We will promptly share any significant change with the University community via our website and through the usual communication channels, including social media.
How to protect yourself
Public health experts agree that self-hygiene is vital to mitigating the risk linked to the spread of COVID-19.
To reduce the spread of germs, including the flu and COVID-19, Ottawa Public Health recommends that you:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth unless you have just washed your hands with soap.
- Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand.
- If possible, stay home if you are sick.
- Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick.
- Get your flu shot if you haven’t already, as the flu virus is still circulating in the community.
Travel Advisories
Members of the DUC community planning to travel abroad should closely monitor Global Affairs Canada’s website to get the most recent travel advice and advisories pertaining to their potential destination and adjust their travel plans accordingly.
Return to Canada
If you have recently travelled to mainland China (including Hong Kong), Iran, Northern Italy, Japan, Singapore or South Korea you may have come in contact with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
If you have travelled to the affected areas, the Public Health Agency of Canada asks that you do the following for 14 days after you arrive to Canada:
- Monitor your health for fever, cough and difficulty breathing
- If you start having symptoms isolate yourself from others as quickly as possible.
- Call a health care professional or Ottawa Public Health (613-580-6744). Describe your symptoms and travel history.
- To further protect those around you, wash your hands often and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Undergraduate students who are self-isolating should contact their faculty. Graduate students should contact their program to arrange for accommodations.
Since the situation is rapidly changing, travellers returning from other affected areas should follow the same advice listed above.
Quick Links
Government of Canada Public Health Agency
Ontario Public Health
Ottawa Public Health
Government of Canada travel advice