After consultation with senior staff from the Chief Public Health Office, Holland College has announced a return to a blended model of program delivery effective Monday, January 31.

Blended delivery is a combination of on-site instruction, face-to-face instruction, and online instruction. Blended delivery was suspended earlier this month when the Province announced further restrictions on public gatherings. Programs will resume face-to-face program delivery for all courses when the existing two-metre physical distancing requirement is lifted

In addition to maintaining the two-metre physical distancing requirement, all students, faculty, and staff must wear masks in all indoor areas, including classrooms, labs, and shops. To support the CPHO’s recommendation of the use of a three-layer mask, the college has secured a supply, which will be distributed across the college for students, faculty, and staff.

Capacity limit signs have been reposted outside each learning space and additional cleaning staff has been hired to disinfect high touch surfaces.  The college will remain locked, with only students, staff, and approved visitors permitted in Holland College buildings.

“We know that our students thrive when they are in their labs and shops, and it’s especially important for the applied learning aspects of their training. We also know that our students’ overall health and well-being are adversely affected during times of lockdown.” Holland College President Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald said. “We are balancing that imperative with the importance of maintaining stringent protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

The college instituted a mandatory vaccination policy prior to the beginning of the school year, and this policy remains in place. The college’s nurse practitioner will hold booster clinics in campuses and centres across the province to ensure that all students and staff who wish to have their booster shots can do so.

“We have worked very closely with the Chief Public Health Office throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so to ensure the well-being of our staff and students,” Dr. MacDonald said.

For more information about Holland College’s COVID-19 protocols and the college’s Ease-Back Plan, visit the COVID-19 page.