Given the rise in Canada and abroad of COVID cases related to the Omicron variant, governments have revised their travel advisories. The Government of Canada is now advising against all non-essential travel, while the Government of Ontario also hosts a webpage about logistical considerations related to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some provinces have imposed additional restrictions or requirements that limit or complicate inter-provincial travel. Finally, insurers are also putting in place provisions that limit existing coverage related to COVID.
As a result of the changing public health situation, Brock is revising its travel guidance for faculty members, staff, and students. Members of the Brock community are encouraged to abide by all travel restrictions and to limit both domestic and international travel to essential activities only.
Those who choose to travel outside Canada should check current travel restrictions and entry/exit requirement for both Canada and the country they are visiting. Restrictions are changing quickly and may be imposed by countries with little warning. Please consult the Government of Canada’s travel advisories website for details.
Brock will not be supporting travel expenses from its operating budget, PER, or (internal or external) research funds unless travel is approved as essential by the appropriate SAC member. The Faculty of Graduate Studies also will not be supporting graduate student travel unless prior authorization has been granted by the Vice-Provost, Graduate Studies and the relevant Faculty Dean. Written authorization for international or interprovincial travel should be included with expense claims submitted through Workday.
Faculty, staff, and students who have travel booked should inquire with the service providers about refunds and/or options for rescheduling.
In cases where approved travel might require mandatory testing or quarantine either upon arrival to the destination or upon return to Canada, members of the Brock community are advised that the University will not provide incremental funding to cover these costs. Professional Expense Reimbursement and internal research grant funds are eligible for this purpose, however. Faculty members and staff are reminded that they are still expected to perform their duties at the times agreed upon with their managers and that they should plan their travels around these responsibilities where appropriate. Finally, all travel must continue to conform to the terms in the University’s Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expense Policy.
Further information will be provided as the public health situation evolves.