Covid Information

The core priority of QCT College is the health and safety of our students. As a recognized private career college, we are obligated to follow the regulations and recommendations of various authorities. This includes the Government of Canada, the Provincial Government, and the public health authorities. As of March 2020, the Government of Canada has put in place an emergency order regarding the Quarantine Act. This applies to all the travelers arriving in Canada. The main purpose of this Quarantine Act is to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic within Canada. Any organization or individual who fails to comply with this order is liable for an offense under this Quarantine Act.

At the port of entry to Canada, you will be required to explain to the Canadian Border Services Agency officers, the main purpose of the trip and its importance at this time. Besides this, you will also need to show your two weeks quarantine plan. A solid plan will help you reach your destination of self-isolation with no stops without any issues. At this location, you can safely self-isolate, which is in accordance with the Public Health guidelines. This plan will clearly outline how you will get access to the basic essentials such as food and other necessities required during quarantine. Failure to meet these guidelines and requirements may result in denied entry to Canada; or having to carry out quarantine in a government-approved facility.

Currently, only the international students whose study permits were approved on or before March 18, 2020, have been approved to travel to Canada. No other international students are being allowed to travel to Canada at this time. In addition, the IRCC states that travelers who enter Canada should be traveling for any essential (non-discretionary) purpose.

This information has been prepared, to assist both new and returning international students who are currently outside of Canada. The main goal of this plan is to ensure that they can travel back to Canada safely, and return to their studies. As of March 25, 2020, the Government of Canada has made it a mandatory rule that anyone, entering Canada needs to self-quarantine under the Quarantine Act Regulatory protocols.

Any student coming from Out of Canada must self-isolate. They must monitor themselves for symptoms of Covid-19 for 14 days upon their arrival and register their self-isolation plan.

Please read the following steps below to understand better about the COVID procedures

 

  • Checklist Guidelines.
  • Pre-Arrival
  • When Travelling
  • Entering Canada
  • Entering Canada through different ports of entry.

a) Through Calgary.

b) Through Toronto or Montreal

c) Through Vancouver

  • Upon Arrival
  • During Self-Isolation
  • If you develop COVID-19 symptoms
  • After Self-Isolation
  • International Student Self-Isolation Plan Form – Attestation
 

Checklist Guidelines:

 

Check with the airlines regarding, the travel regulations and restrictions.

 

Ensure that you have proper supporting documentation and medical coverage.

 

Develop the plan for the 14-day COVID-19 Self-isolation.

 

Make arrangements for the self-isolation accommodation.

 

Arrange for direct transportation to your place of self-isolation.

 

Make proper arrangements for food, groceries, and other personal items.

 

Submit your information through the ArriveCAN app, and to the Provincial Government.

 

Register your plans with  QCT College at admission@qctcollege.com

 

Pre-Arrival Information:

 

Complete the International Student Self-Isolation Plan Form – Attestation

 

Submit the International Student Self-Isolation Plan Form to admission@qctcollege.com

 

 Bring a copy of the form with you in your carry-on bag and provide a copy to your college prior to departure.

 

Upon being ready to travel to Canada, request a travel support letter from admission@qctcollege.com

 

Submit your own self-isolation arrangements in accordance with the Government of Canada and

Provincial Public Health guidelines with your respective Campus at: admission@qctcollege.com

 

 Bring a copy of the form with you in your carry-on bag and provide a copy to your college prior to departure.

 

 Purchase private medical insurance for the first period of stay in Canada until the student is eligible

for the provincial medical coverage.

 

Avoid all public living areas at all possibilities. This includes hostels and residences with shared living accommodations.

They are not acceptable for quarantine or isolation reasons.

 

Review and understand the self-isolation guidelines as outlined by Government of Canada and Provincial Public Health.

 

Purchase a supply of reusable or disposable non-medical masks to bring with you.

 

Download and complete the ArriveCan app.

 

Download ArriveCAN for iOS or Android.

 

Complete the Pre-Arrival Checklist.

 

In case you are not feeling well, do not attempt to travel to Canada.

 

When Travelling:

 

During traveling, it is important to follow the guidelines below:

 

Passengers traveling on all flights that are departing or arriving at Canadian airports; will be required to demonstrate they

have the necessary non-medical mask or face covering. This applies during the boarding process or they will not be allowed to continue the journey.

 

While traveling by other means of transportation- travelers are always encouraged to wear non-medical masks or face coverings possible.

 

You need to also bring in, your carry-on luggage at least 2 masks, a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.

 

While en-route to their destination, you need to also: 

i. Practice social distancing

ii.    Wash your hands frequently

iii.    Use hand sanitizer as required

iv.    Sanitize your personal space and high touch areas such as seat belts and tray tables

v.    Touch as few surfaces as possible

 

Always keep your cell phone charged.

 

Keep yourself up to date about current Canada’s legal restrictions.

 

Entering Canada:

 

While arriving at the port of entry, students must have the documents outlined under ‘Packing’ and must be ready to provide to Canada Border Services. Students will

also be required to undergo a screening by a border service or quarantine officer; to assess travelers for any symptoms. In case, you have developed any symptoms

while in transit you will be required to quarantine at your port of entry.

 

Entering Canada through different ports of entry:

In this section, we will discuss about entering Canada through the different ports of entry.

a.      Entering Canada through Calgary.

b.      Entering Canada through Toronto or Montreal.

c.      Entering Canada through Vancouver.

Now, we will elaborate on the process that needs to be followed while entering Canada through each of the above ports of entry.

 

Entering Canada through Calgary:

 

If Calgary International Airport is your first port of entry to Canada, you will need to complete your isolation plan in the ArriveCan app. You will also be required to complete the Provincial Isolation Questionnaire as well. This is to demonstrate your preparedness plan and the necessary resources in place of isolation for 14 days.

You will also receive a provincial isolation questionnaire, that you need to fill out at a provincial checkpoint after clearing the customs. You can also it printed off in advance and bring it with you.

 

These are the guidelines as of June 17th. It is also important to remember that, the guidelines could change from time to time. Before arriving in Calgary International Airport, it is important to make sure you check both the Calgary Airport website as well as the provincial website for new mandatory travel questionnaires:

  1. Alberta – Provincial Isolation Questionnaire
  2. arrive app
 

Entering Canada through Toronto or Montreal:

If Toronto International Airport or Montreal is your first port of entry – you will be required to complete the Government of Canada’s ArriveCan form (as of

June 17th, 2020).

 

Entering Canada through Vancouver:

 

If Vancouver International Airport is the initial port of entry, you will also need complete a BC self-isolation plan in addition to the ArriveCan form.

This can be submitted prior to your arrival.  You can also submit in paper form when you arrive in Canada. It is recommended to complete, and submit the form

online before the trip. Upon completion of the form online, you will receive a confirmation number. This number needs to be produced to

Canada Border Service Agency official.

It is also recommended that you print out the self-isolation plan form to carry it with you while traveling.  These are the guidelines as of June 17th.

However, the guidelines could change from time to time. Before, traveling to Vancouver International Airport make sure you check both the airport website

and the provincial website for new mandatory travel questionnaires.

 

Upon Arrival:

 
 

 Wear a fresh mask, wash & sanitize your hands.

 

Pick up the baggage, while maintaining physical distancing.

 

Exit the baggage area – go to the location where you have arranged to meet your driver.

 

Sit in the back-seat passenger side, and practice physical distancing.

 

Go directly to the quarantine location.

 

Do not stop anywhere and stay in your place of isolation for 14 days from the date you have arrived at Canada.

 

You can take public transportation for any emergency requirements. However, you must always practice physical distancing.

 

You can take a ride-share (such as Uber), but you must not make any unnecessary stops on your way home.

 

During Self-Isolation:

 

Communicate with your International Student Advisor – Saima Shams saima@qctcollege.com

 

Always minimize your contact, with other people in the place of isolation.

 

Stay in your separate room and use a private bathroom from others in your home if possible.

 

Do not entertain meeting visitors during Self-Isolation.

 

Do not leave your place of isolation unless you need to receive medical attention.

 

Do not use public transportation (e.g., buses, taxis), unless it is an emergency.

 

Do not go to school, work, or any public places.

 

Do not go into the community areas, such as grocery stores or pharmacies.

 

If you need groceries, or medication or other essential items, arrange for orders to be delivered to your doorstep.

 

If you have to be in contact with others – always practice physical distancing.

 

Stay in touch with friends and family virtually.

 

If your classes have started, attend your classes through remote learning.

 

If your program requires, a face-to-face component – please be sure to advise your program coordinator or student advisor that you are in self-isolation.

 

Always monitor your physical and mental health and reach out if you need assistance.

 

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms:

 

Please complete the self-assessment tool to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19:

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/journey/covid-19/Pages/COVID-Self-Assessment.aspx

 

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., cough, fever, difficulty breathing), it is mandatory to contact your International Student

Advisor or School Counsellor on the next steps.

 

In case, you wish to speak to a licensed nurse immediately please call 811 to schedule a consultation over the phone.

 

Do not visit the campus in person.

 

Please visit this link to book your COVID-19 test:

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/journey/covid-19/Pages/COVID-Self-Assessment.aspx

 

Most people with mild symptoms will recover on their own at home.

 

If you feel that, your symptoms are worsening – then call the nearest hospital emergency department and/or call 911.

 

Students are reminded that quarantine (self-isolation) is a requirement of the Quarantine Act and is not optional.

 

After Self-Isolation:

 

Keep yourself, at least 2 meters (6 feet) between yourself and other people.

 

Always wear a non-medical mask.

 

Limit your gathering in a group.

 

Stay connected people using online media, instead of in-person.

 

Avoid visiting elderly people unless the visit is required.

 

Keep windows down, during any essential community trips via taxi or rideshares.

 

While outside avoid spitting in public. Avoid crowds and maintain a social distance of two meters (six feet) from those around you.

 

Always make effort to step aside or pass others quickly and courteously on sidewalks.

 

Visit Provincial Public Health to get the latest information on COVID-19.

 

Complete a COVID-19 examination at one of the designated testing centers.