*Postgraduate medical trainees and Nurse Practitioner program learners should follow the protocol outlined by the heads of their respective programs and institutions where they work.

Can I leave Kingston during the academic year to visit family and friends?
Students are advised to follow the provincial government’s stay-at-home order and public health guidance to avoid all non-essential travel. Some programs will have strict travel restrictions based on clinical teaching units; before making travel plans, please check with the head of your program. 

Can my family or friends visit me in Kingston? 
As with making travel plans, some programs will have strict restrictions based on clinical teaching units. Students should check with the head of their program before making plans to have family or friends visit. If seeing visitors is permitted, students should wear a mask while using shared spaces, maintain physical distance and strictly adhere to all other public health guidelines. Given the recent discovery of a highly transmissible variant of COVID-19 in Kingston, KFL&A Public Health is currently advising that anyone who has had visitors from outside the region seek asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 7-10 days after the visit.

What if my roommate returns from travel outside the region?
For the first 14 days, students who have roommates who have returned from travel outside the region should wear a mask while using shared spaces, maintain physical distance and strictly adhere to all other public health guidelines. Given the recent discovery of a highly transmissible variant of COVID-19 in Kingston, KFL&A Public Health is currently advising that anyone who has had visitors (including roommates) from outside the region seek asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 7-10 days after the first contact.

What should I do if I feel unwell and have COVID-19 symptoms?
Students who are feeling unwell and/or who are presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 should: 

• Refrain from coming to campus, or if on campus, immediately return home and self-isolate 

• Complete Ontario’s COVID-19 self-assessment and follow the direction provided there 

What should I do if I’ve been in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19? 
Students who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should contact Public Health and follow the advice that they provide. Students should refrain from coming to campus until given direction to do so.

What mental health supports and resources are available to students right now? In addition to the supports offered by some programs, Student Wellness Services’ mental health care is available to all students. More information can be found here. 

Summary of holiday & return to campus protocol for students

Students who have left the KFL&A region and who will be participating in on-campus activities must:

1. Quarantine on return to Kingston for 14 days before taking part in any on-campus activity (see details of quarantine protocol below)
    
2. Follow any other protocol identified by their program

Students returning directly to non-campus activities in hospital or clinical settings are governed by the guidelines of the institutions within which they are working

The Faculty of Health Sciences has developed a protocol for students who will be travelling to other regions. This protocol is not only intended to minimize the spread of COVID-19 across the Queen’s and Kingston communities, but to ensure that our educational and research programs may continue to operate.

All students must abide by the following protocol in advance of any in-person activity in classroom or laboratory settings. Students returning directly to non-campus activities in hospital or clinical settings are governed by the guidelines of the institutions within which they are working.

2021 return to campus protocol for Faculty of Health Sciences students, including Medicine, Nursing, Rehabilitation Therapy, and graduate students and post-doctoral trainees who will be participating in on-campus activities:
(This protocol should be followed by students who are remaining in Canada. Students travelling internationally are required to follow the Government of Canada’s directives for mandatory quarantine.)

1. 14-day quarantine in Kingston*
   Students who travel outside the KFL&A region over the holidays are expected to quarantine upon returning to Kingston for 14 days, leaving their place of residence only for medical appointments, picking up takeout food, grocery shopping and independent exercise. During the quarantine period, students are expected to wear a mask when leaving the house, to maintain physical distancing and refrain from gathering in groups or dining at restaurants.
   *Students who remained in Kingston over the holidays or who have been in residing in Kingston for more than 14 days prior to the beginning of their in-person activities (or Red Zone, for medical students) and have remained asymptomatic do not need to complete or repeat the 14-day quarantine.
   
   If students develop symptoms of COVID-19 within the 14-day quarantine period, they should:
   • Isolate from others immediately
   • Contact KFL&A Public Health and follow their instructions
      
2. Continued self-monitoring for symptoms
   Students are expected to continue to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. Should a student develop COVID-19 symptoms at any time, they must:
   • Use the Ontario Ministry of Health self-assessment tool to determine whether to seek care
   • Visit a COVID-19 Assessment Centre for testing
   • Inform their program office
      
3. Asymptomatic testing 7-10 days after return to KFL&A region
   Given the recent discovery of a highly transmissible variant of COVID-19 in Kingston, KFL&A Public Health is currently advising that anyone who has travelled beyond Hastings, Prince Edward, Leeds, Grenville, or Lanark region, or has had visitors from outside the region be tested for COVID-19 7-10 days after return.
   
   
4. Adherence to program-specific protocol
   Students are subject to any additional protocol laid out by their programs. For example, in the School of Medicine, COVID-19 testing will be required prior to beginning the Red Zone.

Without undertaking these measures, you will not be able to participate in curricular activities that involve contact with other students, instructors, volunteers, and patients.

Should you have any specific questions about the protocol above, please reach out to the head of your program. All information related to COVID-19 for the Faculty of Health Sciences can be found here.

The Ontario Government has declared a state of emergency and announced new COVID-19 measures effective Jan 14, 2021. This will require people in Ontario to remain at home, with exceptions for accessing health care, groceries, pharmacy services, essential work, and for individual exercise. Below you will find details on how this directive impacts Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) operations.

Use of FHS buildings

• Effective immediately, use of FHS buildings will be limited to essential activities such as approved research operations and mandatory curricular and simulation activities. This restriction will remain in place until February 11, 2021.

Research

• Previously approved on-campus research operations will continue, however human participant research occurring on campus has been suspended
• Individuals must now wear face coverings for the entire duration of their time inside FHS buildings, including when working alone in research lab spaces

Educational programs

• Health professions programs and those graduate programs that involve on-campus activity will continue to operate on campus and in clinical settings
• Students are still expected to quarantine for 14 days before resuming any on-campus activity 
• Any students working in clinical settings will be subject to the Faculty of Health Sciences' policy on students working with COVID-19 patients
• Some programs will have additional guidelines and protocol in place; students should follow any instructions provided by their program

Mental health support

• Support continues to be available for all students; please take advantage of these supports from Student Wellness Services and access them whenever you need them

• Masks are mandatory in the classrooms (except for lecturing faculty, subject to 2m physical distancing)
• Maintain 2m physical distancing at all times
• Please ensure everyone from the previous class has left the room before entering
• If class is still in progress please use the floor markings to ensure you are maintaining physical distancing while waiting to enter room
• Only sit in seats designated with athletic pinnies/vests to ensure physical distancing during class
• Classrooms are only to be used for scheduled classes. Please exit room once class has ended
• Please use hand sanitizer and wipe surfaces with provided sanitary wipes when entering the room
• In the event of an emergency please use the closest exit to leave the classroom

Why is daily screening necessary?

Individuals who are entering FHS buildings must complete the Elentra screening on a daily basis. This allows FHS to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19 by ensuring that individuals who screen positive do not come to campus and to properly track those who do come to campus should the need for contact tracing arise.

Who needs to complete the Elentra screening, and when?

The Elentra screening must be completed by any learners, staff and faculty members who are entering an FHS building. Completing the form is required for individuals (learners, staff, faculty) who are authorized to be on campus. Individuals who are not approved to be on campus will not be asked to complete the screening. Individuals who need to come to campus on an exceptional basis must first seek approval from their manager. If approved, they will then receive a form by email the morning of their visit to campus.

If I am not coming to campus, do I still need to complete the daily self-evaluation?

It is preferable if everyone that receives the request to complete the self-evaluation does so. If the form isn’t submitted, we won’t know if an individual forgot to submit the form or simply chose not to do so since they would not be on campus.

If I have completed the hospital screening, am I exempt from screening with the Elentra tool when I am entering an FHS building?

No. Any individual who is entering an FHS building must complete the Elentra screening in order for us to have a record of the FHS buildings visited that day.

Should managers and program directors still use the spreadsheet for tracking staff who are on campus?

No. The Elentra tool will now be used for screening and tracking any individuals who enter FHS buildings. The tool has been rolled out for nearly all learners, staff and faculty in the FHS. Anyone who has not been set up to use the Elentra tool should contact the person responsible for their group – see contact information below. Please keep any tracking information that you have on file for thirty days in the event that it is required by KFL&A Public Health.

What if I don’t have access to the Elentra tool, or am not receiving the daily email?

If you are encountering problems including: you have not been set up to do daily screening with the Elentra tool, you are not receiving the daily email, or you are having issues using the tool, please contact the person responsible for your group, per below. If the groups below do not apply to you, please contact Allison Leverette: allison.leverette@queensu.ca

What happens if I have a positive screen when completing the self-evaluation?

In the event that you have a positive screen, do not come to campus. Your manager will be notified by Elentra and will follow up with you. You will also need to complete the Ontario COVID-19 assessment tool which will advise you on next steps.

What do I do if a person within FHS tests positive for COVID-19?

When a person tests positive for COVID-19, Public Health will contact all those individuals who have had contact or exposure to the person who tested positive. If you have not been contacted by Public Health, you should continue to screen yourself daily with the Elentra tool and continue with planned on-campus activity.

• School of Nursing – Mary Maddalena-Berry: SONcovid@queensu.ca
• School of Rehabilitation Therapy - Brianna Fisher: SRTcovid@queensu.ca
• UGME Staff & Faculty at 80 and 82/84 Barrie Street – Jacqueline Findlay: jacqueline.findlay@queensu.ca
  • MEDS 2024 – covidyr1@queensu.ca – Amanda Consack
  • MEDS 2023 – covidyr2@queensu.ca – Amanda Consack
  • MEDS 2022 – covidyr3@queensu.ca – Amanda Consack
  • MEDS 2021 – covidyr4@queensu.ca – Amanda Consack
• Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences – Anita Lister: DBMScovid@queensu.ca
• Research - researchcovid@queensu.ca
• All others - Allison Leverette: FHScovid@queensu.ca

The process is being finalized for the following groups:

• Canadian Cancer Trials Group – Anne Biggar, Nancy Dusharm, and Tawnya Moar: CCTGcovid@queensu.ca (beginning September 23rd)
• Post-Graduate Medical Education – Kim Garrison and Jordan Sinnett: PGMEcovid@queensu.ca (over the next few days we will work with the clinical departments to roll out to clinicians and residents that have learning events in person in an FHS building)
• Department of Family Medicine - Allen McAvoy: DFMcovid@queensu.ca (beginning September 28th)

What are the principles of resident service during a pandemic?

The role of residents during a pandemic is unique from that other learners, so the following principles have been developed to support the ongoing and appropriate integration of resident service and education.

Are there updated screening and self-isolation guidelines?

Yes.  New guidelines have been established to provide guidance on managing the risks associated with the movement of learners between rotations in various locations.  All learners should become familiar with these new COVID-19 Screening and Self-Quarantine Guidelines.  Highlights include:

• only trainees who have been outside of Canada will have to self-isolate for 14 days after arriving in Canada and before starting work
• travel within Ontario and across Canada does not require self-isolation, but you must be able to pass the KHSC screening questions in order to be allowed entry to the hospital for work 
• you will be able to move between Queen’s affiliated teaching hospitals (e.g. Belleville, Peterborough, Humber) without having to self-isolate. If new information is shared by these sites, it will be distributed to all programs and trainees.

What should I do if I suspect that I have a COVID-19 infection?

Please take the following steps:

1. If you are not seriously ill, call your health care provider and tell them about your symptoms. After hours, or if you do not have a health care provider, contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. Do not visit your health care provider or a walk-in clinic without calling ahead.
2. If you are seriously ill, go the Emergency Department of the nearest hospital and advise of your recent travel or contact.

If you are required to stay at home or miss class, please follow standard procedures and report to your program office.

As a resident or clinical fellow, should I provide direct care to patients who have a suspected COVID-19 infection?

Yes. residents and clinical fellows are expected to continue to provide patient care where COVID-19 is suspected or under investigation:

• COVID-19 is considered suspected in patients with symptoms (febrile upper respiratory illness NYD)
• COVID-19 is considered under investigation if symptoms develop in a patient who has recently travelled from an affected area, or who has come into contact with an individual with confirmed COVID-19 infection

As a resident or clinical fellow, when should I disengage from providing patient care?

Residents and clinical fellows will be expected to continue to provide direct care to patients on their service in cases where COVID-19 is presumptive or confirmed, with the appropriate protection and supervision.

• COVID-19 is considered presumptive if local serologic testing is positive
• COVID-19 is confirmed when local positive testing is confirmed at the central national testing facility

The expected level of care delivery may vary across programs based on the skill set of the resident and the goals, objectives and/or competencies of the specialty. Whether the delivery of care by the resident or clinical fellow should discontinue is at the discretion of the attending physician, department/division chief and Program Director.

Further information about the role of residents and clinical fellows in public health emergencies can be found in the Council of Ontario Universities’ Residents and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Guidelines which can be accessed here: https://cou.ca/reports/residents-and-public-health-emergency-preparedness-guidelines-2019/

As a resident or clinical fellow, what should I do if I suspect a COVID-19 infection?

Residents and clinical fellows who suspect a COVID-19 infection in a patient should report this immediately to their direct clinical supervisor.

As a resident or clinical fellow, what infection control guidelines should I be aware of?

All residents and clinical fellows should use the following guidelines:

• Always practice good hand hygiene, cough etiquette and stay home if you’re sick
• If you are a working in the hospital, ensure you have undertaken N95 mask fitting
• Follow all hospital/clinic IPAC directives regarding infection control practices and be aware that practices and guidelines may change frequently

Where can I get more information about the role of residents and clinical fellows during public health emergencies?

The Council of Ontario Universities’ Residents and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Guidelines can be accessed here: https://cou.ca/reports/residents-and-public-health-emergency-preparedness-guidelines-2019/

What is happening with qualifying examinations?

Please refer to the latest updates from the Medical Council of Canada here.

What is happening with CFPC Examinations?

The latest information about certification and examinations is available here.

What is happening with RCPSC Examinations?

The latest information on Royal College examinations is available here.

My examinations have been cancelled. What should I do with my exam study leave?

Residents should return to their home program and regular clinical duties in the interim. Any certifying exam study leave missed would be granted again when the exam schedule is clarified. Residents will be notified should the status of examinations change.

Do I have to go to work during a pandemic or crisis?

Residents have dual roles as both trainees and health-care providers. As members of the medical profession, we are all called upon to provide care to the best of our ability during a crisis. Sometimes this means taking on elevated personal risk.

Individual residents also have the right to refuse unsafe work. Certain residents may be considered higher risk, including those who have chronic respiratory disease, those who are immunocompromised, those who are pregnant, and those who cohabitate with any of the above. You are not expected to serve if you fall ill or become a vector for infection.

Am I entitled to personal protective equipment?

As frontline health-care providers you are entitled to all necessary PPE, and should be considered along with other health-care professionals for early access to preventative measures like vaccines. You have the right to refuse work if protective measures are inadequate.

Will residents be involved in Aerosol Generating Medical Procedures (AGMPs)?

The following general guidelines have been established for situations occurring when aerosol generating medical procedures (AGMPs) are planned or anticipated to be performed on patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Only properly trained medical personnel with proper PPE should be involved in these procedures. Residents should not be involved if there are other opportunities for learning the competencies involved in these procedures. Residents should consult with their Program Directors for program-specific guidelines.

Is there anything I should be doing now to prepare?

Keep your N95 mask fit card on you at all times. All residents are expected to be up to date with your mask fit test as previously outlined by the PGME Office. If you know that you cannot be fit properly due to religious or health reasons, contact your site director or program director now to understand how this will affect you work and training. Familiarize yourself with all site-specific protocols at your training site.

Do the PARO-CAHO Collective Agreement rules still apply?

Every attempt will be made to respect the conditions outlined in the agreement. Work hour limits can be waived during a pandemic situation, if absolutely necessary.

Can I be redeployed from my regular rotation?

In emergency situations, residents can be deployed to areas of greatest need. Activities must remain appropriate to level of training and scope of practice and must be adequately supervised. It is possible that you may be quickly retrained to provide care outside of your usual scope. Patient safety is always the highest priority.
Principles of Redeployment of Residents and Fellows in Times of Exceptional Health System Need

What happens to my course of training?

Queen’s University’s goal is to make every effort to continue academic programs for residents with minimum disruption. Your site director, program director or program coordinator will issue updates in the event of any disruption to academic and clinical schedules. Every effort will be made to provide alternatives in the event of clinical or academic disruption that is appropriate to training level and program resources. If you are redeployed, consideration will be given to awarding credit for extraordinary service. All efforts will be made to avoid an increase in length of training. Where necessary extensions of training as a result of COVID-19 will be supported by PGME.

Training impact will be assessed on a case-by-case basis however it is reasonable to anticipate training extensions as the two week isolation in addition to the antecedent vacation are likely to result in inadequate assessment during the impacted experience. While we will try to mitigate this as best we can it will often not be possible. Also, all international Queen's related business/education travel is cancelled, including electives.

Could there be interruptions in salary or vacation?

Salary, benefits, and stipend entitlements continue during any pandemic. Due to extraordinary patient care needs, certain vacation requests may be denied or cancelled. Vacation days will continue to accrue as usual.

Residents should be aware that if they make a decision to travel for personal reasons and are subsequently required to self-isolate, then there may be salary implications.

I’m scheduled for an international elective. Will I still be able to go?

No. The Faculty of Health Sciences has suspended all academic or work-related travel outside Canada for all faculty, staff, and students.

Am I allowed to go on an elective? 

Yes, but there may be some restrictions. Some programs have imposed a moratorium on electives for blocks 1-3 for the 2020-2021 academic year. You must ensure that you check with the host program to determine if they are able to accommodate an elective. In some cases, where electives have been cancelled, you may be able to ask for an exemption from the host program. Your home program director would be required to write you a letter of support. 

Will mandatory rotations occur in 2020-2021?

Yes. If you have a mandatory rotation you will be able to complete this at the host institution. Be sure to check the host institution’s screening and self-isolation requirements. 

Are there screening and self-isolation guidelines for trainees returning from electives? 

Yes. Please refer to the new screening and self-isolation guidelines (June 2020).

I am currently on an elective. Do I need to return to Queen’s?

If you are currently on an elective in Canada, you should be aware that your the host institution may cancel your elective at any time. As the situation is changing rapidly, you are encouraged to monitor travel health notices and you may wish to end your elective experience early.

If you are currently on an elective outside of Canada, you should be aware that the Government of Canada is urging you to return home without delay while commercial options are still available. 

You should review the Travel and Event Protocol for the Faculty of Health Sciences for information about travel and mandatory self-isolation.

In addition, for those who work at KHSC, contact Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) to be screened for symptoms of a respiratory infection.

I have vacation time booked and am planning to travel outside of Canada. Will I still be able to go?

The Government of Canada is warning against all non-essential international travel and is urging citizens to return home without delay.

International travel by residents at this time is irresponsible and may have repercussions for other residents and staff in their program. You are strongly advised to consider your role as a physician and act both professionally and responsibly. Should you need to self-isolate for 14 days upon your return, your salary may be affected because of this personal decision and your training may be extended.

If you need a letter for travel cancellation or insurance purposes, please complete the request form on the Travel and Event Protocol for the Faculty of Health Sciences website.

Where can I find further information from Kingston Health Science Centre (the paymaster for all residents and fellows)?

Watch for further updates, FAQs and resources on the COVID-19 site of KHSC Now. Follow the link off the home page.

What wellness resources are available?

There are a variety of wellness resources available on the PGME Website.

What are my best sources of information as it relates to my role as a resident or clinical fellow?

This is an evolving situation and updates will change regularly. Your best sources of information regarding your training are:

• Your Program
• The Postgraduate Medical Education Office
• The Faculty of Health Sciences
• Kingston Health Sciences Centre
• PARO

What are the latest COVID-19 work alerts from PARO?

The latest COVID-19 updates from PARO are available here.

I expect to successfully finish my training on June 30. Will I be allowed to practice now that certifying exams have been postponed?

Yes. The Medical Regulatory Authorities (the CPSO in Ontario) are working to develop a process which will allow residents who have successfully completed their training and are eligible to sit their certification examinations to receive a licence allowing them to practice and receive a provincial billing number so that they can work. Please review the CPSO’s COVID-19 FAQs for Physicians for information on registration and licensure.