Throughout the pandemic, federal emergency orders have required anyone travelling to Canada to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. For those who find themselves without a safe and private place to stay for two weeks, or contacts who can run errands on their behalf, coming to Canada seems daunting. The University of Alberta wants to help.
The university’s residence services have put together an all-inclusive package open to U of A students, faculty members and staff returning to Edmonton, and international students attending any postsecondary institution in the city. For $975, the isolation accommodation program includes transportation from Edmonton International Airport to campus, a private residence room with a bathroom, linens and laundry service, meal deliveries from the residence dining hall, garbage collection, regular check-ins from health services and access to the university’s medical facilities.
As of mid-August, a dozen students had requested to participate, with four having checked in. Janice Johnson, assistant dean of students (residence), says the program came out of a real need identified among students — between March and August, the university offered similar support to 25 students who had to self-isolate. The isolation program aside, U of A expects 1,500 people to live in residence this fall.