News in Brief: Nov. 18

University makes mask recommendations and Rideau building opens

Image by: Journal File Photo
A mask recommendation is now in effect

Masks recommended on campus

Queen’s students, faculty, and staff were notified in an email from the Office of the Provost on Wednesday to mask up when in proximity with others indoors.

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health recommends Ontarians wear masks in indoor public settings due to increased spreading of respiratory disease and hospitalizations. At Queen’s, this also includes instructional settings.

“Help ease the strain on our local hospitals and reduce transmission of respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV,” the email read.

In places such as health clinics and hospitals, there may be mandatory masking requirements.

Queen’s community feeling ill must stay home for 24 to 48 hours, the email said. They’re also advised to wear a mask for 10 days following the onset of symptoms.

The requirement for medical documentation of illness has been waived. The university will provide academic accommodations if a student must miss a class, exam, or other academic requirement because of COVID-19 illness, symptoms, or self-isolation.

“Students can submit an academic consideration request by following your Faculty’s/School’s established protocol for students with extenuating circumstances,” the email read.

The University recommends students to receive one flu vaccine and one bivalent COVID-19 booster this fall—if they have not in the last six months. 

A nursing student health promotion project is holding a flu vaccine clinic in Mitchell Hall, Second floor, Parkul Lounge, from Nov. 22 to 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Aimée Look, Assistant News Editor

AMS holds inaugural event at Rideau Building

The AMS held an inaugural event marking the opening of the Rideau building for AMS services. 

Mary Mckeddie, the Student Life Centre’s (SLC) outreach assistant manager, spoke about the project and what students can expect from the building. 

“[We’re] excited since this is a new space for AMS services, and we want students to know about the space,” Mckeddie said in an interview with The Journal.

Starting at 11:30, the event saw speeches from Troy Buchanan, AMS facilities officer. According to Mckeddie, he spoke about the process behind opening the building for student use. 

AMS President Eric Sikich and Vice President (Operations) Tina Hu gave speeches and highlighted that students can now gather in the Rideau building.

The SLC then held a bingo card-based activity that took participants across the building to various AMS services, which had their own activities. 

“Once students had filled out their bingo card, and they got it signed by one of the management teams that were hosting the event, like around the building, they would come finally to the [SLC] office,” Mckeddie said.

“If you participate in the activity, there is a grand prize with products and services from various AMS services.”

Mckeddie said the building is nice and there are study spaces which look like office cubicles. She said she has seen students study in these spaces.

In of bookable spaces, Mckeddie said the process remains the same as before.  She said bookable rooms like the kitchen offer great communal spaces to connect. 

“I’ll see people from services in that room—kind of just like a communal space since there’s a fridge in there. I’ll just hang around. It’s really nice.”

Asbah Ahmad, Senior News Editor

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