COVID-19 Pandemic Safe Travel, Arrival and Quarantine (STAQ) Program
Update: February 19
As of February 21, 2021, at 11:59 pm ET, Laurier’s International Students are required to:
- reserve a government-authorized hotel for 3 nights prior to departure to Canada
- take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival in Canada
- stay in the government-authorized hotel while awaiting the results of the COVID-19 molecular test taken on arrival
- pay for the cost of the hotel stay, as well as all associated costs for:
- food
- security
- transportation
- infection prevention and control measures
Laurier’s International Students must present proof of having reserved and pre-paid for their accommodation through ArriveCAN.
Laurier’s International Students will still be required to complete the remainder of the mandatory 14-day quarantine after their mandatory hotel stopover in Laurier’s STAQ Program.
Laurier’s International Students will now need to book your hotel.
Hotel stopover bookings are managed by American Express Global Business Travel and available by phone only. If your flight to Canada is scheduled within the next 48 hours, call to reserve and pay for your mandatory 3-night hotel stopover:
North America: 1-800-294-8253
Outside of North America: 1-613-830-2992 (collect)
Regular hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time 7 days a week (Calls received after hours will be limited to emergencies.)
You'll be able to choose from the listed hotel locations and be required to provide:
- traveller name(s)
- date(s) of birth
- arrival city and date
- payment information
- special requests and accessibility concerns
- pet information
Travellers will receive email confirmation of their accommodation within 4 hours of booking.
Costs of these hotel stopovers may vary by location. The price will include costs associated with the:
- food
- room
- security
- transportation
- infection prevention and control measures
List of government-authorized hotels
- Alt Hotel Pearson Airport
- Comfort Inn Toronto Airport
- Doubletree by Hilton Toronto Airport
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport
- Fairfield Inn and Suites Toronto Airport
- Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport
- Hampton Inn and Suites Toronto Airport
- Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport
- Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport
- Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel and Conference Centre
Update: February 1
New COVID-19 testing requirements and mandatory quarantine for International Students entering Canada
As of Monday February 1 at 12 noon, the Ontario government will require all international students entering Canada through Pearson airport to be tested for COVID-19 upon landing. The Government of Canada intends to impose, as soon as possible, the requirement of a 3 day quarantine in a designated hotel until the test results are available. The cost will be $2000 and this cost must be paid by the student. Students will need to complete the remaining 11 days of quarantine in the Laurier STAQ program.
Update: January 1
COVID-19 testing required for Laurier's International Students flying into Canada
Starting January 7, 2021, air travellers 5 years of age or older will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result to the airline prior to boarding international flights bound for Canada. See the news release for air travellers.
Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to the traveller’s scheduled departure to Canada.
Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine.
The Government of Canada will be further increasing surveillance efforts to ensure travellers entering Canada complete the applicable mandatory 14-day quarantine period under the Quarantine Act.
If you are currently planning to travel to Canada to study remotely at Laurier, you need to start immediately to arrange for a COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to your scheduled departure to Canada. If you can not arrange the test in time you will need to re-schedule your flight. If you have any questions please email the STAQ Program Coordinator.
Laurier's COVID-19 Pandemic Safe Travel, Arrival and Quarantine (STAQ) Program
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has changed the travel exemptions for international students traveling to Canada. Beginning October 20, 2020, international students may be able to travel to Canada if their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) has an approved COVID-19 readiness plan in place.
Laurier's COVID-19 Pandemic Safe Travel, Arrival and Quarantine (STAQ) Program will provide you with advice and support on safe travel and arrival in Canada, and a 14-day quarantine program that will meet requirements for you to enter Canada under current travel restrictions. The program includes:
- Arranged transportation from Toronto airports.
- Accommodations in Laurier’s residences on the Waterloo campus with three meals a day.
- Daily monitoring of health and wellness.
- Access to health services.
- Supports for remote learning.
- Testing for the COVID-19 virus.
Registration
Registration for the STAQ Program is now open. Make sure you understand the information provided on the STAQ Program page fully before you register.
The STAQ program prioritizes your health and safety, and will limit the spread of COVID-19. The program adhers to the re-opening regulations and guidelines of the governments of Canada and Ontario, as well as provincial and local public health authorities. Coordinated by Laurier International, the STAQ program includes supports from the Office of Residence, the Student Wellness Centre, Food Services and Special Constable Services.
The STAQ Pogram will allow you to meet the 14-day quarantine requirement to enter Canada if:
- You need to enter Canada to pursue your studies, either in person (only if required by your program) and/or
- You need to overcome internet restrictions and time zone differences that are preventing you from continuing your studies remotely.
Laurier cannot guarantee your entry to Canada. Conditions for entering Canada as a student to study remotely are established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Approval to enter Canada for the purpose of studying remotely will be determined at the Canadian border by the Canadian Border Security Agency Officer. The STAQ program will provide you with advice on how to show you meet the IRCC regulations and how you will meet the 14-day quarantine requirement.
Travel Planning and Arriving in Canada
Availability of the STAQ Program
STAQ Program closed to new registration between March 6 and April 15, 2021
STAQ Program Arrivals for the Winter Term 2021
STAQ Program Extended for the Spring Term 2021
STAQ Program Resumes for the Fall Term 2021
Before You Leave Home
Before you leave your home, make sure you have the following:
- a cellphone that will work when you arrive in Canada. (confirm with your current cellphone provider).
- downloaded the ArriveCAN app to your phone and register your arrival plans. You will be required to register your flight information, contacts, quarantine plan and complete a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment on the ArriveCan before bordering the plane. Failure to do so may result in you not being able to board the plane, possible fines and/or not being allowed to enter Canada. For more information see the IRCC website.
you must review the following:
- The Government of Canada’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Canada (IRCC): travel exemptions and restrictions for international students
- The Government of Canada’s Travellers without symptoms of COVID-19 returning to Canada
- The Government of Canada’s Quarantine Act
- Government of Canada’s requirements for a 14 day quarantine period for travellers without symptoms of COVID-19 entering Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada’s COVID-19 Guidelines for Quarantine.
- Public Health Ontario’s “How to Self-Isolate” guide for COVID-19
- Government of Canada’s COVID-19 self-assessment tool
Air Travel
It is important to acknowledge that air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic comes with a high risk of contracting and spreading the virus. Most commonly, the virus spreads from an infected person to another through the following:
- Close contact: Breathing in someone's respiratory droplets after they cough, sneeze, laugh or sing.
- Contaminated surfaces: Touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands.
- Common greetings: Handshakes, hugs or kisses. (Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html)
Before You Board Your Flight
You must monitor your health for fever, cough and difficulty breathing before you board your flight. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your local health authority:
- New or worsening cough.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- A temperature greater than 38C, or signs of fever (e.g. shivering, flushed skin, or excessive sweating).
- Sore throat
- Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- New olfactory or taste disorder
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain,diarrhea, vomiting) (Source: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/2019_reference_doc_symptoms.pdf)
COVID-19 Testing Required for People Flying into Canada
Starting January 7, 2021, air travellers 5 years of age or older will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result to the airline prior to boarding international flights bound for Canada. See the news release for air travellers.
Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymere chain reaction (or PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to your scheduled departure to Canada.
Anyone who receives a negative test resut and is authirized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Check with your airline about any requirements that you will need to follow before boarding your flight. Airlines have the right to prevent your boarding of the flight if you show symptoms of COVID-19.
Travel Safely
To travel safely to Laurier from your home country, you must adhere to rigorous hygiene, cleanliness and physical distancing guidelines. While in transit to the airport, in airports and during flights:
- Wear a mask.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Use hand sanitizer when necessary.
- Practice physical distancing (minimum two metres from others).
- Sanitize your personal space and high-touch areas.
- Minimize trips to the washroom.
- Touch as few surfaces as possible.
- Keep your cell phone charged.
Packing Recommendations
In addition to regular packing requirements, please also bring:
- Five to seven reusable face masks. Please try to limit your use of disposable masks.
- Hand sanitizer and sanitary wipes/cloths.
- A thermometer (for monitoring body temperature).
For your carry-on luggage:
- At least two masks.
- A travel sized bottle of hand-sanitizer.
- Disinfecting wipes.
Entering Canada
Change Your Face Mask
Once you flight arrives in Canada and you leave the plane, change to a fresh mask and dispose of your old mask carefully. Take care removing your mask and try not to make contact with the front of the old mask. Wash or sanitize your hands. Proceed to Immigration.
IRCC Entry Requirements
For entry to Canada you must meet the following requirements established by IRCC:
- You must have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit.
- You must be attending a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory.
- Have documentation of a negative COVID-19 laboratory test taken within 72 hours prior to you departure to Canada.
When You Travel to Canada
Make sure Laurier is on the list of DLIs with COVID-19 readiness plans approved by the province of Ontario. If Laurier is not on the list you will not be able to enter Canada.
When the border services officer greets you, they look at several factors, including
- your reason for travelling to Canada
- your ability to complete a 14-day quarantine period as soon as you arrive at your final destination
- if you either
- have time to complete your quarantine before you physically attend classes, or
- can study online during your quarantine.
You must bring
- your valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit.
- a valid letter of acceptance from a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory.
- proof that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.
- Letter confirming your registration in the Laurier Safe Travel, Arrival and Quarantine (STAQ) program.
- Documentation of a negative COVID-19 laboratory test taken within 72 hours prior to you departure to Canada.
Before you travel, you can contact the Border Information Service for more information.
A border services officer will make the final decision on whether you’re eligible to enter Canada when you arrive.
If Immediate Family Members Want to Be With You in Canada
Your immediate family members may be able to come with you to Canada.
If They Travel With You
They don’t need a written authorization from IRCC to travel with you. However, they must show that their reasons for travel are non-discretionary (non-optional). For example, they’ll help you get established and support you in Canada.
If Your Immediate Family Member Will Study or Work in Canada
You must submit all of your applications together when you apply online.
If They Won’t Study or Work
They may still need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa to travel to Canada.
If they need a visitor visa, you should include their application when you apply online for your study permit.
If they need an eTA, they must apply for one separately. Make sure they follow the special instructions on how to apply for an eTA at this time.
If They Join You Later
If you’re already in Canada, or will travel to Canada by yourself first and your family will join you later, what they need to travel to Canada depends on where they’re travelling from. Find out what they need to join you in Canada. They may also need an eTA or a visitor visa to travel to Canada.
Canada Border Requirements
Laurier cannot guarantee your entry to Canada. A Canada Border Services Agrency Officer will make the final decision on whether your reason for travelling to Canada is non-discretionary or non-optional. The Canada Border Services Agency has more information about admittance to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you meet these requirements for entry to Canada, you will be required to present to the Canada Border Services Agency Officer proof of your reasons for entering Canada.
When you arrive, make sure you have the following documents available in your carry-on luggage to present to the Border Officer when you go through Canadian customs and immigration:
- Passport
- Study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit.
- A Laurier Letter of Acceptance for first year students or Verification of Enrolment for returning students
- Letter confirming your registration in the Laurier Safe Travel, Arrival and Quarantine (STAQ) Program (see below for details)
- Documentation of a negative COVID-19 laboratory test taken within 72 hours prior to you departure to Canada
Once you have been cleared for entry by Immigration, proceed to pick up your luggage while maintaining proper physical distance. Move quickly through the baggage area and the airport to the Airways Transit location. Do not enter any stores in the airport.
Travel from the Airport to Laurier
Transportation from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Laurier must be with Airways Transit You and your immediate family members will not need to leave the airport to meet up with the representatives from Airways Transit as they are located in both Terminal 1 and 3. The following procedures will be in place for your safety
- Only private vehicle service to Waterloo. (In cases when there are 2 students arriving on the same flight or with accommodating family members, they will be accommodated in the same vehicle while abiding to social distancing requirements of Airways Transit).
- You and the driver will be required to wear a mask.
- Practise physical distance by seating in the back of the van
- you will be required to handle their own luggage.
Make Arrangements with Airways Transit
Laurier Interantional will make arrangements for your travel from Toronto's Pearson Interantional Airport with Airways Transit.
Bookings are made in advance of your arrival in Canada.
14-Day Quarantine
As per the Government of Canada’s Quarantine Act, you are required to quarantine for 14 days immediately upon arrival in Canada. The penalties of violation of the Quarantine Act include up to six months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines. This means that you must stay in your own quarantine accommodations for 14 days and avoid contact with others.
All Laurier students who register for Laurier’s STAQ program will complete their 14-day quarantine requirement in Laurier’s Bricker Residence on the Waterloo campus. This will be the quarantine site for all students attending the Brantford, Kitchener and Waterloo campuses.
Laurier remains committed to an exceptional student experience including ensuring that, during the completion of the 14-day quarantine period, you have as productive and enjoyable an experience as possible, while adhering to strict quarantine requirements.
Accommodations and Cost
Accommodations that follow the Public Health Agency of Canada’s guidelines for a 14-day quarantine for the COVID-19 virus include:
- Single room and private bathroom, extra rooms are available for families and for immdeiate family members travelling with you
- Three meals per day.
- Toiletries, linens and other supplies as needed.
- Daily monitoring of health and wellness.
- 24/7 access to emergency services.
- Supports for remote learning and student engagement.
- Testing for COVID-19.
Please note multi- room accommodations with private bath is available for those with accompanying family members.
Cost of the program:
- Transportation, Accommodations and Meal Plan : $1000 + HST (additonal fees for accompanying immediate family members)
- Students and accompanying family members who spend their first three days in the government mandated hotel quarantine will only have to spend the remaining 11 days in the STAQ program at an adjusted rate of $786 + HST per person.
Self-Monitoring
As per the requirements of the Government of Canada’s Quarantine Act, you will be required to self-monitor for symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.
- New or worsening cough.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- A temperature greater than 38C, or signs of fever (e.g. shivering, flushed skin, or excessive sweating).
- Sore throat
- Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- New olfactory or taste disorder
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting)
If you are not feeling well:
- Use the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 self-assessment tool to help determine if you need further assessment or testing.
- Contact:
- Laurier Wellness Centre at 519.884.0710 x3146.
- Laurier International at 519.884.0710 x2227.
- After 4:30 p.m. and on weekends at 519.884.0710 x3333.
- In any emergency, call 911 for an ambulance.
Activities During Quarantine
During your quarantine at Laurier:
- You should not leave your place of quarantine unless it is to seek medical attention.
- You should not have any visitors even if you are outside and stay two metres apart from them.
Recommended during quarantine:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing, or use a tissue.
- Avoid coughing into either your hands or into the air.
- Dispose of used tissues right away into a trash bin and immediately wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Stay in your own room as much as possible and away from others. Do not leave your quarantine room unless there is a medical emergency.
- Keep your room well ventilated and clean, and open your window to let the air circulate.
- Flush the toilet with the lid down.
- Package up your garbage: empty garbage frequently and wash your hands immediately.
- Refer to the COVID-19 laundry policy for washing your clothes.
- Stay connected to friends and family via text, email, video chat, etc.
Testing for the COVID-19 Virus
If you demonstrate symptoms of COVID-19 Laurier will arrange for you to be tested as soon as possible at the KW4 Community Assessment Centre. Testing will be scheduled in advance to ensure the Assessment Centre is able to see you when you arrive.
You will be supported in arranging transportation to the test centre and directed to continue to follow COVID-19 public health measures, including wearing a face covering, frequent handwashing, and maintaining physical distance of at least 2 metres.
If you do not demonstrate symptoms of COVID-19, on day 14 of your quarantine you will be scheduled to have a test at the an Assessment centre or participating pharmacy in the Waterloo Region. Laurier will facilitate your ability to travel safely, limit contacts with others and follow COVID-19 public health measures when travelling for your COVID-19 test.
Cost for testing of COVID-19 is covered by the Ontario government.
Support During Quarantine
Laurier International will provide programming and supports to you while in quarantine. A member the International Student Support team will be your support and will check in with you daily. You will have supports to continue your studies remotely, engagement with the Laurier community online and help you get settled while you are completing your quarantine.
In your quarantine apartment you will be provided with the following items:
- Laurier Branded hand sanitizer
- Laurier pens
- Tide laundry soap packets for handwashing clothes in the sink
- Fidget spinner
- Snack and drink pack that included various items (coconut water, chips, chocolate bars, juice, fruit)
- Laurier Branded Face masks –
- Kitchen items and utensils
- Welcome guide with guidelines for self-monitoring, rules and contact numbers
- Paints, brushes and canvas
- Laurier T-shirts and baseball cap
- Welcome card from Laurier International Staff
- Schedule of online student activities
Should you need any items while in quarantine you can inform the Interantional Student Support member during your daily check-in and they who will arrange for the items to be brought to you in Residence.
Most importantly you be able to begin or continue your studies through remote and online learning. To help you with studying remotely:
- The Remote Student Learning Hub is where you'll find information on academic support, virtual social activities and support for your personal well-being.
- Our Golden Guide to Success in Online and Virtual Learning has tips and advice on how to prepare for a successful semester.
Remember that quarantine is a mandatory requirement of the Quarantine Act and not optional.
After Quarantine
If you do not demonstrate symptoms of COVID-19, on day 14 of your quarantine you will be scheduled to have a test at the an Assessment centre or participating pharmacy in the Waterloo Region. Laurier will facilitate your ability to travel safely, limit contacts with others and follow COVID-19 public health measures when travelling for your COVID-19 test.
Following the completion of your 14-day quarantine period, if you have not presented any symptoms of COVID-19 contact Laurier International to confirm transportation arrangements to your permanent accommodations.
For the duration of your studies at Laurier, be mindful and respectful of public health directives, such as social distancing and wearing a mask. Continue to practice proper hygiene, including hand-washing and use of hand sanitizer, as well as use proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.
Laurier will continue to support you after you complete the 14-day quarantine period. Advising and counselling will be available offering mental and physical health supports; antiracism and COVID-19 stigma supports; and mitigation of social barriers to support student compliance with individual COVID-19 infection control practices.
International Student Support in Laurier International, the Student Wellness Centres, the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and the Deans of Student Offices will be made available for all international students during and following completion of the 14-day Quarantine Program.