Morgan Vanderseen, studying Justice Studies at Lethbridge College, is running security as part of the COVID-19 protocols by the college on Sept. 30, 2020, at one of the Technology building’s entrances.
Lethbridge College employees are doing a thorough job of following security protocols for the safety of both staff and students at the campus, much to both the satisfaction and dissatisfaction of students. Frank Zappone, occupational health and safety team lead at the college, said people are still getting used to the habit of following protocols.
“Even for me, I’ll get up from my desk and go walk to the doorway to go out in the hall and realize I don’t have my mask on,” said Zappone. “And then realizing that you do have to try to maintain that six feet and keep your hands clean and washed as often as possible.”
Zappone said while this is one of the bigger challenges the college is facing, people are more conscientious of their actions.
The decision with regards to the possibility of the college fully opening in January 2021 will also remain in accordance with the Alberta Health Service’s guidance, according to Zappone. “So, if AHS is opening up more things or loosening the restrictions, then we’ll follow with what their guidance is,” said Zappone.
Cole Cyre, a Digital Communications and Media student studying Media Production and Advertising, said while he understood the precautions, he found moving around the campus to be difficult.
“Seeing as there’s almost nobody on the third floor right now,” said Cyre, referring to the technologies building of the college. “I think it’s kind of silly that I have to follow this directional traffic when there’s nobody I’m walking by.”
However, while some students do not feel as satisfied with the college’s protocols, many students are still content with the security measures in place.
“I feel they’re doing pretty good protocol-wise,” said Joleen Weaselfatt, a Healthcare Aide student, mentioning the necessity of wearing masks. “I feel a lot safer being on campus.”
Vivek Patel, an international student studying Culinary Arts, also feels the same way.
“The safety measures are taken really seriously in Lethbridge College,” said Patel, explaining the sanitation of every area at the college. “They’re already taking a lot of measures to keep everybody safe.”
In addition to security measures, Zappone said there are also protocols in place in case of an emergency.
“If we do end up with a positive case on campus, we have a rapid response team,” said Zappone, explaining a rapid response, while following the guidance of AHS, will avoid the spread of the virus and ensure the campus remains safe. Zappone added the college will also make sure a positive case can receive the proper treatment.
“What people need to understand is we don’t make up this stuff [safety protocols],” said Zappone, explaining the college’s desire to protect both staff and students’ physical and mental wellness, as well as keeping the campus a safe learning environment. “So, we’re putting in things [safety protocols] that a lot of people may object to initially.”
“COVID-19 can kill you,” said Zappone. “We’re not going to play around with that.”
Lethbridge College has yet to make a decision on how the winter 2021 semester will look starting in January. So far, there is a blend of online and face-to-face courses being offered at Lethbridge College depending on the program.