COVID-19 Policies Toronto Baptist Seminary and Bible College 2021/2022 - Toronto Baptist Seminary
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2021/2022 COVID-19 Policies
Toronto Baptist Seminary and Bible College
130 GERRARD STREET EAST, TORONTO, M5A 3T4Contents
POLICIES OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................... 2
I. INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL QUARANTINE POLICY ................................................................ 2
II. PROTOCOLS AND REGULAR CHECK-INS FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR COARRIVING
FAMILY MEMBERS ........................................................................................................................... 3
III. HEALTH INSURANCE IN CANADA .......................................................................................... 6
IV. POLICY PERTAINING ON-OR-OFF SITE RESIDENCES OR DORMITORIES FOR
QUARANTINE PURPOSES................................................................................................................. 6
V. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE PROTOCOLS ...................................................................................... 7
VI. OUTBREAK MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................................................ 10
VII. COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL BETWEEN ILL STUDENTS AND STAFF ..................... 11
VIII. COMMUNICATION POLICY AND PROCEDURES THAT ENSURE AND SAFEGUARDS
THE PRIVACY OF AN INFECTED INDIVIDUAL ......................................................................... 12
IX. DAILY OPERATIONS THAT ALIGN WITH PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL PUBLIC
HEALTH DIRECTION ...................................................................................................................... 13
1|P a g ePOLICIES OBJECTIVES
The present policies outline how daily operations are managed and conducted at Toronto Baptist
Seminary (TBS) in conformity with provincial and local health regulations related to risks
associated with COVID-19.
The policies identify the measures, procedures, protocols, and regulations to be followed so that
TBS can prevent, stop and/or limit any risk of the spread of COVID-19.
The following policies ensure that
TBS complies with the spirit, principles and intent of provincial and local health
regulations related to risks associated with COVID-19.
Students, staff, faculty and contractors have access to information about the operations of
the school and the measures, procedures, protocols and regulations associated with
COVID-19.
I. INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL QUARANTINE POLICY
Prior Departure for Students Entering Canada from Another Country:
Any student who is arriving or returning from international travel will be expected to
quarantine for 14 days, and they cannot leave the quarantine accommodation except in
the event of urgent medical care. Fines and/ or prison time are possible if the traveler is
non-compliant. Changing policies regarding the local health quarantine requirements will
be communicated.
All students must submit a quarantine plan (sample quarantine plan Appendix A) to the
Administration of TBS deborah.michaud@tbs.edu and as part of the ArriveCan
procedure. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-
covid-19/arrivecan.html.
All students must submit the appropriate forms through ArriveCan before boarding their
flight.
An attestation must be signed by the student confirming their pre-arrival and quarantine
requirements.
Current provincial requirements regarding any need for a COVID-19 negative test will be
communicated to the student. Any other current information about provincial and local
health requirements, resources will be communicated to the student.
The student will be informed that they will be met at the port of entry to Canada by
school staff, and the rules regarding transportation from the airport to the quarantine
accommodation will be communicated. The details of the quarantine arrangements and
amenities provided for their quarantine time and also the fees associated with the
quarantine accommodation, food and transportation will be communicated.
2|P a g e The policies surrounding daily screening and measures in place at the school to protect
the students, staff and faculty will be shared with the student.
Emergency contact information for a member of the school staff Director of Student
Affairs will be communicated with the student
Current provincial and local health requirements and information will be provided.
It will be communicated that a letter can be requested by the student from the school as
proof that arrangements for transportation to the quarantine location and quarantine
location details, address and amenities are as they have been stipulated.
Transportation
Students arriving in Canada will be met at the port of entry into Canada by school staff
and accompanied to their quarantine location. They will be screened for any COVID-19
symptoms and given a new mask, reminded about physical distancing, hand hygiene and
respiratory etiquette.
Arrangements will be made for private transportation (not public transportation), and the
driver will be informed that they are transporting international travelers well in advance
of the trip.
School staff will screen the driver for COVID-19 symptoms, ensure everyone is wearing
a mask, windows are opened (weather permitting), and the driver is separated from
passengers by a screen.
Driver and students will be informed that no stops can be taken en-route to the quarantine
location except for urgent medical care.
II. PROTOCOLS AND REGULAR CHECK-INS FOR STUDENTS AND
THEIR COARRIVING FAMILY MEMBERS
Quarantine and Isolation:
All individuals entering Canada are required to quarantine for 14 days on arrival to
Canada. During this period, every person must monitor for signs and symptoms of Covid-
19.
A quarantine suite is available on campus at TBS for those students and their families
who require this service. Food from the meal plan and/or groceries will be delivered to
the student in the quarantine suite as needed. Support with medical attention, social,
mental health and academic needs will be provided. Students should contact Deborah
Michaud at deborah.michaud@tbs.edu for any needs they might have while in
quarantine.
The on-campus suite is self-contained away from all others, including no contact with
vulnerable individuals. A private bathroom, fully furnished sitting room, mini-fridge,
microwave, and toaster oven will be provided as well as a bedroom (sheets and towels
3|P a g ewill be provided) and laundry facilities. Wireless internet service, as well as a landline,
are available in residence (no long-distance calls can be made from the landline),
personal protective equipment, sanitation supplies, educational, social and mental health
supports available as needed. Appropriate supports for any health or disabilities will be
provided.
Any off-campus quarantine location will be evaluated for its suitability according to
federal and provincial requirements and the provision of supports with medical attention,
social, mental health and academic needs.
The costs associated with quarantine location and food that is provided by the school will
be communicated to the student.
Medications enough for two weeks should be brought with students as well as a laptop
computer, books and other items to occupy your time.
Contactless entry is available to the quarantine suite. The suite is located at 18
Horticultural Ave. Toronto ON M1N 2P1. The major cross streets are Jarvis St and
Gerrard St. A picture of the residence will be sent to the student before arriving. A key
lockbox is located on the back door, and a key code will be sent to the student to retrieve
the key. The student can let themselves into the suite without any help. Emergency
contact information will be provided.
Medical insurance is required starting from the day students land in Canada. TBS uses
Destination Travel for our health insurance needs, and the school has confirmed in
writing that Destination Travel covers COVID-related illness as well as testing and the
vaccine once available. All students will be contacted by the Director of Student Affairs
to enroll in this health insurance plan prior to arrival in Canada. Students must carry the
letter of health insurance coverage and the temporary card on the plane.
TBS will ensure resources and information about COVID-19 are provided in an
accessible manner( considering language requirements, available in plain English and
usage of pictures and symbols).
TBS will provide the student travelling to Canada with a letter stating that the Seminary
is expecting him or her and detailing the plan TBS has in place to facilitate their
quarantine period. The student must contact the Registrar to request this letter at least 2
weeks prior to arrival in Canada.
During and Upon Completion of 14 Day-Quarantine:
Daily monitoring will be done of the students and their families for the development of
symptoms and to ensure their essential needs are met.
Where a third party is performing any regular monitoring, TBS will oversee and ensure
compliance.
In any emergency, TBS will be informed immediately, and TBS contact information will
be given to the students. This will be carried out by Deborah Michaud (Director of
Student Affairs) using various methods, including email, text, and phone calls.
4|P a g e The students and their families will be told:
That they must comply with all federal, provincial and local requirements during their
quarantine.
That they cannot leave their quarantine accommodation except for urgent medical
care. If private outdoor space is available at the quarantine accommodation that may
be accessed, otherwise no outdoor access to public space is allowed.
That they must check in with the school and Canada Border Services as required.
That they must check in on the ArrivedCAN app daily.
That there are penalties they may face if they are in breach of the Quarantine Act or
in breach of any institutional policies regarding breach of quarantine. This includes
fines, tickets and/ or imprisonment depending on the severity of the action.
That the school is required to contact Health Canada and local law enforcement if
there is any breach of quarantine.
That they must contact the school if they develop any signs or symptoms of
COVID-19.
That they should contact the school representative if they are in need of anything (i.e.
food, water, internet or other supplies) to maintain their quarantine.
If any testing for COVID-19 is required, the school will communicate the location
and contact information for the testing site and arrange for safe, private
transportation. Symptomatic individuals will be informed not to go to a pharmacy to
obtain a COVID-19 test.
Symptomatic individuals will be connected with appropriate medical care for further
assessment. TBS will make the arrangements for any in-person medical assessments
to take place.
That an individual may be released from quarantine upon completion of the 14 day
isolation period if they have not developed COVID-19.
If symptoms of COVID-19 do appear during the quarantine period, the 14-day
quarantine must be restarted from the day of their symptom onset.
That letters from public health are not required to attest their clearance of quarantine.
According to provincial requirements, a negative test may be required at the end of
the quarantine period.
That once cleared from quarantine, the student must follow federal, provincial, local
and institutional policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their community.
5|P a g eQuarantine Breach Policy:
The students and their families are to comply with the above-mentioned procedures related to
quarantine. Any refusal to comply is considered a breach of the law and is subject to the
penalties set out below:
Violating any instructions provided to them when entering Canada is an offence under
the Quarantine Act. It could lead to one or both of the following:
a fine of up to $750,000
up to 6 months in prison
If a person breaks mandatory quarantine or isolation requirements and causes the death of
or serious bodily harm to another person, they could face one or both of the following:
a fine of up to $1,000,000
up to 3 years in prison
III. HEALTH INSURANCE IN CANADA
Medical coverage available to international students varies from province to province. TBS is
located in Toronto, Ontario, where international students are not covered under provincial health
care plans.
The student will be enrolled in a health insurance plan before arriving in Canada.
Health insurance resources and the cost will be shared with the student
IV. POLICY PERTAINING ON-OR-OFF SITE RESIDENCES OR
DORMITORIES FOR QUARANTINE PURPOSES
Residences and Food Services:
Housing Services, working in partnership with public health, has developed a self-
isolation protocol for students who may have been exposed to COVID-19, are
experiencing any symptoms, and/or have tested positive for COVID-19.
Housing Services has designated specific self-contained areas of the residence as
isolation areas for those students.
If a student believes they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and/or is experiencing
any symptoms, upon notification from the student, Housing Services will make
arrangements for the student to self-isolate and have a COVID-19 test. Access to
essential needs will also be provided for the duration of the isolation period. The school
will connect the student to appropriate medical care and make arrangements for safe
transportation to any needed in-person care.
6|P a g e Students are expected to monitor their symptoms and report any changes to the Director
of Student Affairs during their regularly scheduled check-in meetings.
Residences will be operated at reduced capacity to allow for social distancing and
quarantine purposes. Typically, this will mean no shared rooms will be offered and one
person per floor to give personal bathroom space.
Residences will be disinfected twice daily with appropriate cleaning and disinfecting
supplies. High touch areas, bathrooms etc., will be included in this disinfection routine.
Appropriate cleaning and disinfecting supplies will be made available in the residences,
especially kitchens and shared bathrooms.
Students will be advised to avoid common areas as much as possible. When using shared
common spaces, masks must be worn, and students should stay 6’ from each other.
No visitors will be allowed into the residences for the duration of the pandemic.
The meal plan will be the dinner meal only and offered on a takeout basis only.
Signage will be placed in each residence to inform the students of the proper wearing of
masks, proper handwashing techniques.
V. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE PROTOCOLS
Academic Instruction
TBS has made provisions for all courses to be taught in-person and online.
TBS will collaborate with TPH when considering applying thresholds for restricting,
suspending or reinstituting in-person classes in accordance with current data. Instruction
will take place completely online when there are Toronto Public Health (TPH)
restrictions on gatherings and/or post-secondary teaching.
Students will be required to sign in to each in-person class and attest that they are feeling
well and not experiencing any of the following:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Runny nose
Change in taste or smell
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
or have been in direct contact with a COVID POSITIVE person or travelled outside of
Canada within the last two weeks.
7|P a g e During the declared pandemic, any student who is not comfortable or has a medical
reason will be allowed to join the courses online and will not be required to attend class
in person even if TPH recommends that it is safe for classes to be held.
TBS will remain updated on the current situation and recommendations from TPH and is
prepared to change the mode of delivery of instruction at any time during the
semester/academic year. Students will be informed through TEAMS on the website and
email to their TBS email and their personal email if there is any urgent change to the
mode of delivery of instruction in response to TPH recommendations.
After an in-person class, students will be required to sanitize their desks with the
provided appropriate cleaning and disinfecting supplies.
All in-person classes are organized with 6 feet between each desk. Custodial staff will
sanitize high-touch areas and desks each day with appropriate cleaning and disinfecting
supplies.
Exams for courses may be held in person, virtual or proctored outside the school
according to the course materials, PHA restrictions and student needs. Students should
speak with the professor and or Registrar about how the exam will be administered and
any accommodations needed.
Requirements for the writing of exams will be published on the website and
communicated on TEAMS and by email. If any urgent change to the mode of exam
writing in response to TPH recommendations is needed, the students will be informed by
all methods mentioned above.
If it is deemed safe according to TPH to offer exams in person, students will be required
to sign in to each exam and attest that they are feeling well and not experiencing any of
the following:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Runny nose
Change in taste or smell
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
or have been in direct contact with a COVID POSITIVE person or travelled outside of
Canada within the last two weeks.
8|P a g eLibrary Usage:
The Library will be open at 30% capacity or five people or as directed by TPH and
monitored by a Librarian on duty. If TPH gives their approval for the Library to open,
students will be required to physically distance themselves from one another.
Librarian will prevent any congregation in one area, bottlenecks in corridors, stairways
and entrances and exits. Masks are required while using the Library.
Students are expected to sign in when using the Library indicating usage date and time
(in and out) and attest that they are feeling well and not experiencing any of the
following:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Runny nose
Change in taste or smell
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
or have been in direct contact with a COVID POSITIVE person or travelled outside of
Canada within the last two weeks.
Any office equipment, desks, cubicles, workstations, offices or other personal work tools
and equipment will not be shared and, if used by more than one person, will be cleaned
and disinfected between users with the appropriate cleaning and disinfecting supplies
provided.
After using the Library, the student is responsible to CLEAN and SANITIZE the area with the
appropriate cleaning and disinfecting supplies provided.
Hand sanitizer and appropriate cleaning and disinfecting supplies will be available at
every table and at the Librarians desk. Cleaning and sanitizing instruction will be
provided at each station.
Custodial staff will sanitize high-touch areas and desks, tables, cubicles etc., each day
with appropriate cleaning and disinfecting supplies.
9|P a g eVI. OUTBREAK MANAGEMENT PLAN
Procedures for Students Exhibiting Signs or Symptoms of COVID-19:
Any member of the TBS community who has been on campus or lives on campus and
develops COVID-19 symptoms or has received a positive COVID-19 test result must
notify the following departments:
Staff and faculty must immediately notify their supervisor.
Students must immediately notify the Registrar and their instructor(s).
Contractors must immediately notify the property manager or custodian, who
will then notify the Director of Student Affairs
The individual will be instructed to go home immediately, avoiding public transit where
possible. If they cannot go home immediately, a designated area will be arranged so that
they will be isolated from others until they are able to leave. The area will be disinfected
after the individual leaves.
TBS will support an individual with appropriate accommodations to self-isolate if needed
in order to prevent community transmission.
Anyone that must interact with a person who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID will be
provided appropriate personal protective equipment.
Where the student lives on campus, they will be instructed to immediately isolate
themselves. Food from the meal plan and/or groceries will be delivered to the student in
residence. Support with medical attention and other needs will be provided. The student
who has tested positive must stay in their room and avoid all personal contact with
anyone else in the house.
The individual is directed to remain home, call Toronto Public Health, and follow
directions.
Procedures of Supporting on Campus Symptomatic Individuals:
The Registrar contacts the individual to determine when symptoms began and identify
any close contacts that they may have had at TBS.
The Registrar consults with Toronto Public Health.
The Registrar connects with those who were in direct contact with the COVID-19
positive individual while on campus and are considered high risk. Others who are
concerned about potential exposure should contact Toronto Public Health to discuss their
specific situation.
The Registrar, in conjunction with Custodial staff, determines cleaning protocols.
Closure of classrooms or buildings to be decided based on guidance from Toronto Public
Health.
The individual is instructed not to return to campus until they are free of symptoms and
or completed their quarantine period.
10 | P a g e Based on who the person had contact with or where they were while on campus, the
following steps may be taken:
office/workspace locked with no access for 14 days
extensive cleaning
Toronto Public Health contact tracing, including communication with affected
persons.
The individual cannot return to campus until they have been cleared by Toronto Public
Health and/or given permission to return by the Registrar or the Director of Student
Affairs.
VII. COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL BETWEEN ILL STUDENTS AND
STAFF
TBS requires students and employees who experience COVID-19 symptoms, who have tested
positive, or who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive to do the following:
Students
Self-isolate immediately for the required period after symptoms start or after last
contact with a person who has tested positive.
Contact Toronto Public Health at (416) 338-7600 or PublicHealth@toronto.ca.
Alert Registrar registrar@tbs.edu. We are here to support you and assist in facilitating
accommodations for students who are unable to attend class or complete academic
requirements due to COVID-19-related concerns.
Accommodation can be arranged at the school for anyone who is unable to secure
appropriate quarantine living space, including support with essential needs
Notify your instructor(s).
Employees
Self-isolate immediately for the required period after symptoms start or after contact
with a person who has tested positive.
Contact Toronto Public Health at (416) 338-7600 or PublicHealth@toronto.ca.
Alert Director of Student Affairs.
Notify your supervisor(s).
Contractors
Self-isolate immediately for the required period after symptoms start or after contact
with a person who has tested positive.
11 | P a g e Contact Toronto Public Health at (416) 338-7600 or PublicHealth@toronto.ca.
Alert Property Manager, who will then alert the Registrar.
VIII. COMMUNICATION POLICY AND PROCEDURES THAT ENSURE
AND SAFEGUARDS THE PRIVACY OF AN INFECTED INDIVIDUAL
If a positive case of COVID-19 is reported on campus,
employees and students will receive an email outlining the campus location, date and,
when possible, the times that individual was at TBS. We will ensure the privacy of the
individual who tested positive is maintained.
TBS will also update the Seminary’s webpage (www.tbs.edu).
Communication and provision of resources will be provided in an accessible manner (i.e.,
other languages, pictures and symbols as appropriate).
the following key contacts will be made available and communicated through different
accessible means:
Director of Mrs. Deborah Michaud (deborah.michaud@tbs.edu)
Student Affairs In charge of quarantine of international students.
Registrar Mr. Gang Wang (registrar@tbs.edu) COVID-19 Liaison
Principal Rev. Kirk Wellum (kirk.wellum@tbs.edu)
130 Gerrard Street East
Address Toronto, Ontario
Canada, M5A 3T4
Phone (416) 925-3263
Website www.tbs.edu
Email inquiry@tbs.edu
12 | P a g eIX. DAILY OPERATIONS THAT ALIGN WITH PROVINCIAL AND
LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTION
TBS will ensure that signage is available at strategic places (in and on-premises), showing public
health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Everyone entering or staying in or on the buildings and property will be instructed by the
following possible ways verbally, by signage, email and on our website to:
Wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or sanitize them using
alcohol-based sanitizer located strategically and conveniently throughout the buildings.
Frequent hand washing is encouraged, especially upon entrance to the buildings before
meal or snack times and after using the restroom.
Wear a non-medical mask or cloth face covering at all times while inside or unable to
physically distance.
Always maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from others even while wearing a mask or
outdoors.
Avoid touching face, particularly eyes, mouth and nose.
Cover sneeze or cough by using a tissue, or if that is not available, by raising your elbow
to cover your mouth and nose. Used tissues must be discarded immediately in a trash
container and wash hands after discarding.
Clean and disinfect personal items like phones regularly using an appropriate sanitizer for
the item.
Stay informed about the local situation, regional caseloads and be prepared and follow
public health advice.
Staying at home or in a designated space (i.e., in residence, hotel, off-campus housing)
and away from others if symptomatic/feeling ill - not going to school/social
events/academic placements/work.
Stay away from others as much as possible.
Reduce personal non-essential travel. For students, faculty and staff, this may mean
restricting travel in/out of province and not travelling outside of Canada while travel
restrictions are in place.
All students are expected to monitor for symptoms and self-assess daily before coming
on campus.
Anyone who fails the self-assessment tool will be required to go home, isolate and seek
medical care, which may include obtaining a COVID-19 test.
All students are expected to report a positive test result to the Director of Student Affairs,
and self-isolate until a negative test result or symptoms have disappeared and on the
advice of the PHU.
13 | P a g eUp-to-date Conformity and Communication:
TBS will continue to monitor information related to the COVID-19. TBS takes direction
from the local Medical Officer of Health and other public health agencies to preserve and
protect the academic experience and safety of the college community and workplace
environment.
As such, TBS will continually communicate according to any latest updates provided by
the above-mentioned institutions.
For more information, the students is advised to consult the Government of Canada, as
well as the websites listed below, for the most accurate and up-to-date information:
Public Health Ontario (https://www.publichealthontario.ca/)
The World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/en/)
Public Health Agency of Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html)
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Public Information Site
(https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/)
The Public Health Agency of Canada 24-hour hotline: 1-800-454-8302.
The Government of Canada’s site (https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-
eng.aspx) help people prepare personally for emergencies
The Ontario government website (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/)
14 | P a g eYou can also read
