The following message was distributed to all Conestoga employees on January 5 on behalf of Dean Bulloch, associate vice-president, Human Resources.
In response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is temporarily moving the province into Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen with modifications that take into account the province’s successful vaccination efforts.
The Ontario government announced, starting January 5, students will pivot to remote learning with free emergency childcare planned for school-aged children of health care and other eligible frontline workers until at least January 17.
During the period of January 5 to January 17, Conestoga staff may experience additional challenges brought about by school-aged children in the home, competing use for internet bandwidth, conflicting home and work demands, etc. Through these challenges, it is important that we are working diligently to fulfill our work obligations, and we must ensure consistent expectations for all employees. Work schedules will continue to be flexible wherever possible, and employees are encouraged to speak with their manager about any concerns. If any employee has a need for accommodation outside of the scope of this flexibility, they are to connect with Human Resources.
Consistent with our previous announcement that for the period from January 3 until January 30, students and employees will learn and work remotely where it is possible, employees who are continuing to work on campus are those who are required to do so due to essential learning activities and service delivery demands. If meaningful work cannot be completed remotely, accommodation options may be limited to a leave of absence. Again, please connect with Human Resources if you need to explore this option.
Please reach out to your manager with any specific questions. Thanks once again for your hard work and commitment to Conestoga. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through the next couple of weeks.
Now is the time for everyone who is eligible to get a booster to increase your defences against the virus. The province has announced that everyone 18 and over in Ontario may get a booster shot three months after their last dose. I encourage you to get yours as soon as possible.