Here’s a look at some of the updates to Brock University’s COVID-19 response for Wednesday, March 25:
Reminder: Brock reduces entrance points for staff and students
In line with new Ontario government restrictions on workplaces and as part of Brock’s effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, access to campus buildings has been reduced.
To access campus buildings, employees and individual students who do not have swipe card access to their regular entrance must use one of two entrances:
Entrance 1
- Main doors of Schmon Tower at the Rankin Family Pavilion
- Open daily 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Entrance 2
- Welch Hall entrance — for students accessing Computer Commons and ITS Help Desk
- Open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- ITS Help Desk online support is available Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. through ithelp@brocku.ca
The University has enacted stringent off-site working arrangements, which remain in effect. Individuals who need to be on campus to provide essential services can still use their Brock access proxy cards once they have passed through one of the two entrances.
Non-essential research activities that cannot be accomplished while maintaining safe social distancing practices have already been suspended.
To reach the entrance near the Computer Commons (Fish Bowl), walk through the lobby area between Welch Hall and David S. Howes Theatre and continue on to the Computer Commons entrance.
These changes follow earlier steps taken by the University to minimize opportunities for people to congregate. Last week, the Hamilton campus was closed, and on the weekend the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines was restricted to swipe card access only.
Niagara Health Navigator COVID-19 app update
The Niagara Health Navigator COVID-19 app provides patients and the community with the most recent information related to Niagara Health’s response to COVID-19 and directives of public health officials. The app has been updated its newest release to include immediate COVID-19 updates and links directly to the provincial government’s self-assessment tool.
Download the free app for iOS devices here and Google devices here.
Student Health Services changes
In-person appointments are no longer available for Student Health Services (SHS) at Brock. However, students can access health services over the phone from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
For questions or to make a phone appointment for health services, students can phone SHS at 905-688-5550 x3243 or reach out via email to referralstaff@brocku.ca
For medical emergencies, students should dial 911.
IT Help Desk access
The Computer Commons (Fish Bowl) and IT Help Desk located in it are open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed on weekends. Remote support will be available from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday for faculty, staff, students and the rest of the Brock community.
Questions can be directed to ithelp@brocku.ca
Getting outside is good for physical and mental health, say Brock experts
People need to be creative in how they connect with nature in light of recent park closures, says Kyle Rich, Assistant Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock. In his co-authored policy brief “Mood Walks: The role of parks and recreation in mental health promotion,” research shows that even just being outdoors stimulates physiological responses in our body, including positive mental health outcomes.
Read the full story on The Brock News here.
Mental health supports available for students and employees
As Brock transitions to online learning for students and many employees work from home, mental health support resources for members of the University community remain available.
Students can access mental health support over the telephone by calling Student Health Services at 905-688-5550 x3243, Community Addictions Services of Niagara at 905-684-1183, Good 2 Talk at 866-925-5454 or Morneau Shepell at 833-276-2533.
All employees can also access immediate support for mental health and other challenges through the Employee and Family Assistance Program, which has been made available to all current Brock employees as part of the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
