Media releases

• Changes to Brock pandemic measures as Niagara moves to Red

  Friday, December 18, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 18 December 2020 – R0190

  The Ontario government announced on Friday, Dec. 18 that Niagara region is being moved into the Red (Control) category of the province’s COVID-19 response framework, due to Niagara’s increasing number of infections. The change is effective at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21.

  Ontario uses a region’s COVID infection rate to set its classification, which dictates the level of restrictions to be imposed. The rankings are updated weekly. Red is the most limiting category before a complete lockdown is ordered by the province under the Grey (Lockdown) category.

  Brock University has been working under a modified operational plan since March, with reduced on-campus activity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The move to Red aligns with Stage 2 in Brock’s Stages of Response and Recovery.

  While the move to Red will not affect Brock’s current delivery of on-campus and online classes, other activities will need to be modified to abide by public health guidelines. These include:

  • Social gathering limits are reduced to a maximum of five people indoors and 25 people outdoors, where physical distancing can be maintained.
  • Meeting/event spaces (those that have been authorized) will have a maximum occupancy of 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.
  • Food service at Guernsey Market will now be takeout only. Indoor dining is suspended until further notice.
  • University residences will continue to operate as planned with the current mitigation measures such as significantly reduced occupancy and no guest policy continuing.
  • The operation of the James A. Gibson Library remains the same; however, bookable study space available to students will now be subject to a maximum occupancy of 10 at a time.
  • The Campus Store remains operational with access through one of the three approved University entrances.
  • The Computer Commons remains open; however, it will now be subject to a maximum occupancy of 10 students at a time.
  • Limits around the number of students allowed in classrooms remains unchanged from the previous Orange restriction level.
  • For the latest guidance on research access and the impact moving to Red will have, please visit the Brock Coronavirus FAQ for research.

  Impact on Brock Sports and Recreation:

  • Team sports must not be practised or played, with the exception of training sessions for members of a sports team that do not include games or scrimmages.
  • Activities that are likely to result in individuals coming within two metres of each other must not be practised or played.
  • Locker rooms, change rooms, showers and clubhouses must be closed, except to the extent that they provide access to equipment storage, a washroom or a portion of the facility that is used to provide first aid.
  • The total number of people permitted to be at the facility in all classes, organized programs or organized activities at any one time must be limited to the number that can maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others at the facility, and in any event cannot exceed 10 people.
  • In areas containing weights or exercise machines, physical distancing of three metres is required.

  While Niagara is moving into the Red (Control) category, the situation is fluid and may change over the holidays. With the Winter Term classes starting on Monday, Jan. 11, updates will be provided if there are any changes.

  Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to monitor their email, brocku.ca and Brock social media accounts for updates on Niagara’s designation and any impact it may have on Brock University.

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

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock students safely connect with long-term care residents

  Thursday, December 17, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 17 December 2020 – R0189

  While physical distancing has made in-person visits impossible, a group of Brock University students used some inside-the-box thinking to get connected with residents of a local long-term care home.

  As part of their third-year RECL 3P12 Leisure and Aging course, 17 pairs of students conducted virtual meetings with residents of Radiant Care Tabor Manor in St. Catharines to engage in social interaction, get an idea of their life history and leisure interests, and prepare special care packages.

  The packages students created for the residents were customized sensory boxes, which safely allow them to engage in recreational activities that stimulate their five senses and remind them of hobbies they have enjoyed.

  The class learned that during the pandemic, older residents received less sensory stimulation from the environment, which may lead to sensory deprivation and cognitive deterioration. Because of this, each sensory box was developed based on the individual resident’s needs and aimed to improve their physical, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual well-being through sensory stimulation, leisure engagement, and reminiscence.

  For third-year Therapeutic Recreation student Lindsey White, the community-focused experiential education exercise offered the chance to grow her own skillset while also learning beyond the classroom and helping others.

  “I was happy to give someone a source of happiness and purpose,” she said. “I know many older adults are isolated and may not be able to see their family members this year. I hope this gives them some connection and purpose during a more difficult holiday season.”

  White and her partner Mel Mann paid close attention to the details they had learned from Mini Terhorst, the resident they interviewed.

  “We hit it off with Mini right away,” said White. “She seemed to love seeing younger people who wanted to engage with her. It made us happy to get to know each other and form a genuine connection.”

  With that connection and the information they had gleaned from the conversation, White and Mann created a box that aimed to stimulate Terhorst’s senses while also invoking memories of things she was passionate about.

  “She mentioned she loved to travel, so we included kinetic sand to remind her of the beach and promote dexterity,” said White. “She also talked about her love of cardinals, so we made a customized puzzle for her that had a cardinal on it to encourage cognitive stimulation and physical co-ordination.”

  Terhorst was excited and thankful to receive the package, which had been disinfected and quarantined to ensure safety.

  “The students put in a lot of time and effort and did a great job,” she said. “I will have lots to do now and am happy to be kept busy. Thank you so much.”

  The course’s instructor, Assistant Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Pei-Chun Hsieh, said the chance for students to interact virtually and foster meaningful community engagement with a population they may not have worked with before was beneficial to all involved.

  “During the pandemic, many practitioners have offered treatment services through virtual platforms,” she said. “This project allowed students to practice their interview skills while learning how to engage older adults in meaningful conversation through virtual meetings.

  Hsieh said the project also counter-balanced stereotypical views some students have about older adults in care facilities.

  “I want them to see the aging process as a normal part of life,” she said. “The students learn that older adults can still contribute to society in many ways, and the residents believe in supporting our students and helping the younger generation.”

  Thanks to an Experiential Education Teaching and Learning Innovation Grant, funded by the Experiential Education office, a total of 17 boxes were created. After being disinfected and quarantined, they were then safely delivered to Reliant Care Tabor Manor, where staff members distributed the boxes and assisted residents in completing the activities.

  “A program like this one reminds residents they can still be a part of the community, and it’s exciting for them,” said Radiant Care Tabor Manor Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor Norma Restivo. “They knew the boxes were coming, but they were not sure what would be in them. They have been affected by physical distancing in so many ways, and this type of social engagement is safe and fantastic. I know they have been very excited to see the contents and engage in the activities the students have created.”

  Having already organized another virtual visit with Terhorst, White is thankful for the connections and friendships community engagement exercises create.

  “It has been so nice to make a new connection with someone in a completely safe way,” she said. “And it’s always great to give back to the community, especially during the holiday season.”

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca or 905-347-1970 

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  Categories: Media releases