The Government of Ontario announced Tuesday that it was declaring a State of Emergency for the second time in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will remain in effect for at least 28 days, and includes further restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus and easing the burden on the provincial health-care system.

As part of the declaration, a stay-at-home order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, requiring everyone in Ontario to remain at their place of residence except for essential trips such going to the grocery store, pharmacy or medical appointments, or for exercise. Any employees who are able to work from home, must do so.

The declaration also includes an extension of the current restrictions on in-person learning, research, construction and other activities at post-secondary institutions.

Outdoor gatherings are now restricted to five people, and masks are mandatory in all public places and outdoors when physical distancing of two metres can’t be maintained.

Brock had announced new and revised operating procedures to ensure the University is complying with the provincial measures when a provincewide lockdown went into effect on Dec. 26.

The measures, which follow, will continue until further notice:

• Virtually all Winter Term classes are being delivered online.
• Access to Brock’s main campus buildings remains limited and only those required to come to campus for essential reasons should do so. Members of the Brock community wishing to inquire about gaining access can email the COVID-19 Co-ordinator at covid19coordinator@brocku.caor security@brocku.ca
• Screening areas currently open include the Rankin Family Pavilion, Monday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Cairns Complex, Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Walker Complex screening site remains closed at this time.
• Anyone requiring access to campus is encouraged to use the pre-screening tool on the Brock Safety App before arriving at a campus entry point.
• Masks remain mandatory in all common areas within campus buildings and inside any offices with more than one occupant. Masks must be worn in such a way that cover the mouth and nose.
• Indoor social gatherings are not permitted, and outdoor social gatherings are limited to five people, provided physical distancing can be maintained. All meeting and event spaces are closed.
• Food service at Guernsey Market will now be takeout only. Indoor dining is suspended until further notice.
• University residences will continue to operate with a significantly reduced number of students living in townhouse units. A no-guest policy continues to be in place and students living on campus are reminded to ensure they follow public health guidelines such as maintaining their residence bubble.
• Students living off campus are also reminded to follow all public health regulations including the limits on gathering size and staying at home for all but essential activities.
• The James A. Gibson Library is open for contactless book pickup only. Study space is closed.
• The Computer Commons is closed.
• The Campus Store is open for online sales only with shipping available.
• All sports and recreation facilities are closed.
• The Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being remains closed.
• Only time-sensitive research is permitted. For the latest guidance on research access, please visit the Brock Coronavirus FAQ for research.

For more information about Brock’s COVID-19 measures, please visit brocku.ca/coronavirus