1565-1 (Plans O) – Resumption of activities at Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMC Saint-Jean) in COVID-19 Environment

1565-1 (Plans O)
February 2021
CMR Saint-Jean

RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITIES (ROA) RMC SAINT-JEAN

Refs:

A. MILPERSCOM OPORD 003 - OP LASER 20-01 - RESTORATION OF THE MILITARY PERSONNEL GENERATION SYSTEM

B. OHS CONDITIONS FOR BUSINESS RESUMPTION PLANNING, 25 May 2020
(https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/campaigns/covid-19/resuming-work/ohs-conditions-for-business-resumption-planning.html)

C. CDS/DM JOINT DIRECTIVE – CAF/DND COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTION, 01 May 2020
(https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/policies-standards/dm-cds-joint-directive.html)

D. CDS/DM DIRECTIVE FOR THE RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITIES, 12 May 2020
(https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/policies-standards/joint-cds-dm-directive-for-the-resumption-of-activities.html)

E. COMMANDER MPC DIRECTIVE LIFTING OF RESTRICTIONS AND RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITIES, 05 June 20

SITUATION

1. General. RMC Saint-Jean has been operating using its Business Continuity Plan (BCP) since Mar 2020 with a majority of personnel (pers) working from home. N/OCdts have finished out their winter 2020 semester through distance education, and are conducting many summer training (trg) activities online with instructors. Though the N/OCdts are attending RMC Saint-Jean at a distance, they are nonetheless expected to make progress in the 4 pillars of the college. The Osside Institute has similarly enacted plans to deliver all its mandated trg through distance learning.

2. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many interruptions in the operating tempo throughout the CAF and even the world. Information (info) with respect to (WRT) the virus continues to evolve daily as populations across the world adjust to doing business in a COVID-19 persistent environment. Given the uncertainty of the timeline we face for the development of a vaccine, even RMC Saint-Jean will have to adapt its operations in order to continue to meet our primary mission educating members of the profession of arms.

3. Pers at RMC Saint-Jean, in cooperation with the Corporation du Fort Saint-Jean and the Health and Safety committee have evaluated the workspace at RMC Saint-Jean and have put into action a plan designed to enable pers to return to work.

4. RMC Saint-Jean will exercise a deliberate, conditions based, progressive return to operations centered on the safety and security of the personnel on site and our N/OCdts; public health measures (PHM) will be fully in place and sufficient PPE will be available for all pers. This will enable the remote delivery of the academic fall semester and the return of N/OCdts for in-person training. A conditions based return will mean that we will have to remain vigilant of the general COVID-19 situation and may even have to increase restrictions should the situation worsen.

MISSION

5. On Order, RMC Saint-Jean will progressively resume its activities on the college grounds, within a COVID-19 persistent environment, in order to continue to meet our mission.

EXECUTION

6. Concept of Operations.

1. Intention. It is my intention to progressively resume RMC Saint-Jean activities in a COVID-19 persistent environment. It will be necessary to take a cautious approach based on local, provincial and national conditions and direction. Many activities will need to be modified, and some may need to be cancelled depending on conditions and feasibility due to limitations imposed by the new operating environment. Personnel will need to be imaginative and apply innovative solutions in order to ensure we are meeting our mission and making progress towards our vision.
2. Scheme of manoeuver.
   1. Given that direction has been received that progress towards resumption of activities must be based on local conditions, it is necessary to assume a reactive posture during which progress may even be reversed due to worsening conditions. As such, please refer to the stage transition decision flowchart (STDF) at Annex A for an illustrated scheme of maneuver. This tool is meant to be used in consultation with OHS Advisors and Senior Medical Advisors and in conjunction with the Strategic Guidelines provided at ref B and ref A, Annex D;
   2. The STDF is rooted in OP LASER phases, mainly focused on phase 3 (execution of business continuity plans) and evolution through the different stages of phase 3 with a view to eventually progress to phase 4;
   3. To harmonize with OP LASER phase 3, RMC Saint-Jean’s scheme of maneuver will follow the four stages contained within phase 3.
   4. Stage 1 – Execute BCP. RMC Saint-Jean is currently in stage 1, which is the execution of the BCP.
   5. Stage 2 – Preparation. This stage will begin 30 days following the order from our chain of command to resume activities. Contained in the preparation will be several elements:
      1. Obtain req PPE;
      2. Ensure req trg (DLN COVID-19 awareness trg & Return on RMC Saint-Jean Campus Prevention Measures Guide (Annex C)) is available and completed;
      3. Prepare college support;
      4. Prepare infrastructure and workspaces;
      5. Return staff to work (physically or virtually);
      6. Prepare for the return of N/OCdts;
      7. Ensure conditions are in place to move to stage 3.
   6. Stage 3 – Restart & Enhance.
      1. Step 1. Return of N/OCdts to RMC Saint-Jean grounds;
      2. Step 2. Less restrictive PHMs & increased trg group size;
      3. Step 3 - Enhance. Resume all collective trg & unrestricted sports.
   7. Stage 4 – New steady state. Adapted activities & svcs in a persistent COVID-19 environment.
3. Main effort. The continued safety and security of our personnel.
4. End state. The end state will be achieved when RMC Saint-Jean is able to progress into phase 4 of OP LASER.

7. Groupings and Taskings.

1. Groupings. No Change.
2. Tasks.
   1. Common to all. All managers of civilian employees must complete the Establishing Effective Virtual Teams (X175) course offered through the Defence Learning Network (DLN) via the Canada School of Public Service GCCampus website no later than July 15, 2020;
   2. Specific. See Annex B.

8. Coordinating Instructions.

1. Timings. It is important to note that though the timings below are outlined as ideal, conditions will affect the timings and they may need to change. Any changes to the timings which are reflective of RMC Saint-Jean CONPLAN 1 will be transmitted via RMC Saint-Jean Ops.
   1. Phase 3 Stage 2 - Preparation (current stage).
      1. 08 Jun: Staff began returning to work incrementally (a max of 25% return every two weeks);
      2. 08 Jun -17 Jul: DL Mil Trg for N/OCdts;
      3. 06-24 Jul: RMC Saint-Jean academic bridge program (preps);
      4. 06 Jul – 15 Aug: RMCC Bridge (Jrs);
      5. NLT 12 Jul (D-15): As per Ref A, contingency plan for regression due to MPC COS Ops;
      6. 13-24 Jul: Cadet wing staff Indoc;
      7. NLT 15 Jul: Managers confirmed they have completed the Establishing Effective Virtual Teams (X175) course.
   2. Phase 3 Stage 3 – Restart & Enhance (regional conditions must be met to proceed to this stage).
      1. 02 Aug: Arrival of new N/OCdts (Preps & Jrs), & arrival of Cadet Wing FYOP staff (approx. 180 N/OCdts);
      2. 02 Aug – 18 Sept: FYOP (D Day for RMC Saint-Jean);
      3. 24-26 Aug: Arrival of remainder of N/OCdts;
      4. 31 Aug: Beginning of Classes;
      5. 18 Sept: Obstacle course & end of FYOP.
   3. Phase 3 Stage 4 – New Steady State. On order, based on unit restart & enhance success & regional conditions must be met to proceed to this stage.

9. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

1. All RMC Saint-Jean personnel will be issued PPE which will be acquired and tracked by Sp Wing;
2. At a min, pers will be supplied with 3 NMM’s a pair of nitrile gloves, and a small personal hand sanitizer bottles. Common hand sanitizer bottles & stations will be placed strategically throughout the workplace.

10. Public Health Measures. See Ref C.

11. Restraints.

1. Adherence to provincial, territorial and municipal restrictions is required. Any non-conformity must be reported to MPC in advance of any decision to not abide by these government authorized restrictions;
2. Re-start shall not create undue pressure on the local/regional Public health system’s ability to test, trace, isolate and treat all COVID-19 cases;
3. Repopulation of the workspace will be done in 14 day increments at a minimum (Ref E);
4. Adhere to Annex D, Recommended progression chart (also found at Ref A Annex D).

12. Security Measures.

1. All personnel must complete a daily self-assessment. Personnel shall not report to work if they have symptoms of COVID-19; no person shall be permitted to make an assumption that their particular symptoms are not COVID-19 related and until cleared by health professionals, they shall not be permitted in the work environment. DND employees and CAF members will follow applicable public health guidelines with respect to self-assessment by using the Government of Canada COVID-19 Self-Assessment tool at https://ca.thrive.health/covid19/en. This tool is also accessible through the HR GO RH and the CAF apps. In addition, CAF members will follow direction from their local CF H Svcs Centres on how best to access care;
2. All RMC Saint-Jean N/OCdts will self-quarantine for 14 days prior to their arrival at RMC Saint-Jean in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission;
3. RMC Saint-Jean has developed and implemented a number of additional security measures on site in order to increase the security of personnel working within the college. Details on these measures can be found at Annex C;
4. Pers must consistently practice good hygiene WRT COVID-19 prevention;
5. As per Ref A Annex D, pers should maintain physical distancing as much as possible when outside the home;
6. Pers should increase the frequency of cleaning of their personal environment;
7. As per Ref A, POMV remains the preferred and most secure method of travel. Where required, CAF coordinated air travel can also be used. Should individuals compromise their self-quarantine in travel, it will need to be done following arrival at RMC Saint-Jean;
8. Should social distancing be unavoidable, pers must wear NMM.

13. Actions on.

1. A confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 within the RMC Saint-Jean OCdt population.
   1. Isolate the OCdt in quarters assigned for this purpose;
   2. Ensure Ops, Cadet Wing, Academic Wing, Sp Wing, CFSJ, 41 H Svcs C the DCmdt & Cmdt are informed;
   3. If member has a roommate, the roommate must also be isolated;
   4. Designate members’ living quarters as out of bounds for at least 3 days (CFSJ will remotely lock the room from access until negative test results are obtained);
   5. Activate SOP for food delivery & garbage removal for member(s) in isolation.
2. A confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 within the RMC Saint-Jean staff at-work population.
   1. Designate member’s work area as out of bounds for at least 3 days;
   2. Ensure member takes steps to self-isolate at home;
   3. Ensure Ops, member’s CoC, CFSJ, 41 H Svcs C the DCmdt & Cmdt are informed;
   4. Continue to communicate regularly with the member to ensure their well-being;
   5. Inform close work colleagues so they may monitor their symptoms;
   6. Should a cluster of related cases occur in a section, BPT enact BCP.
3. 50% of isolation rooms being filled.
   1. Inform higher headquarters;
   2. Prepare to enact BCP;
   3. On order from Comd, enact BCP.
4. If a significant spread of COVID-19 is declared within the local population.
   1. CB N/OCdts;
   2. Prepare to enact BCP.

14. CCIR’s. As per Ref A. Annex F. All RMC Saint-Jean sub units & personnel must be aware of the required CCIR’s and submit info as appropriate through the proper channels (CoC during normal working hours & RMC Saint-Jean Duty Officer in off hours).

15. Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) and/or other administrative supports.

1. Members may require FWA and/or other administrative supports as a result of a lack of social infrastructure, their health status, and/or the health status of members of their household and/or other GBA+ considerations;
2. Decisions regarding FWA and/or other administrative supports for DND members must be made in consultation with Labour Relations to determine viable and suitable arrangements;
3. We shall pursue with vigour any/all opportunities to have our teams perform their duties from home in the future; this current situation is an opportunity to review each of our team member’s job descriptions and make a determination of whether transition to permanent FWA is warranted.

SERVICE & SUPPORT

16. PPE Resupply. Any request for additional PPE must be sent through the CoC to RMC Saint-Jean support. RMC Saint-Jean Ops will be kept informed of PPE supply levels.

COMMAND AND SIGNALS

17. Command.

1. Though I retain in Comd of RMC Saint-Jean for our posture WRT the resumption of activities, I am dependant on different levels of authorization and direction when changing posture;
2. Decisions to move through stages contained in phase 3 will be made in consultation with our medical advisors and local stakeholders;
3. As RMC Saint-Jean resides in 2Div territory and the province of Quebec, it is possible our posture differs from similar organizations located in different areas such as RMCC.

18. Reports and Returns (R2).

1. See Annex B for R2 ref DSRs & WSRs;
2. 2 Div COVID-19 stats, at the following link is updated daily: (available on DWAN only) https://acims.mil.ca/org/QG2DIVCA/OpLASER2001/Lists/Stats_Covid19/AllItems.aspx#InplviewHashc907a975-dcf5-42b2-ad66-e562ca9bb45b=FolderCTID%3D0x012001.

19. External points of contact

1. CDA. CDA DCOS Ops, Maj Brad Bruce, CSN 271-6276;
2. 41 H Svcs C. Base Surgeon, Maj Hautcoeur-Tedeschi, CSN 668-6045;
3. 2 Div. Watch Officer. 514-252-2777 Ext 2587 / CSN 663-2587.

20. Unit points of contact.

1. Coord OPI. OC Ops, Maj Héroux, CSN: 668-5900, BB: 438-357-9029;
2. OPI 2IC. Plans O, Capt Voyer, CSN 668-5973, Cell: 450-775-7257.

Commandant,

Col N. Pilon

Annexes

Annex A - Stage Transition Decision Flowchart (STDF)
Annex B - Taskings
Annex C - Return on RMC Saint-Jean Campus Prevention Measures Guide
Annex D - Recommended progression chart

Annex C - Return on RMC Saint-Jean Campus - Prevention Measures Guide

AIM OF THE PRESENTATION

The aim of this presentation is to provide detailed information on preventative measures in place at RMC Saint-Jean to limit or eliminate the propagation of the COVID-19 virus and maintain health and safety upon return to work on campus.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

2 TYPES OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

• Preventative measures BEFORE returning to the campus; and
• Preventive measures on site at RMC Saint-Jean.

Before coming to RMC Saint-Jean, you must also have completed one of the following and inform your supervisor that it has been completed:

• "COVID-19 Awareness" on the Defence Learning Network (DLN); or
• Op Laser 3 – All lessons located at: https://www.cfhstc.ca/en/oplaser3letter.html (print / save certificate and provide it to your supervisor)

Self-evaluation requirement

Before coming to RMC Saint-Jean, EVERY TIME YOU ENTER THE SITE, you must answer the following three questions:

• Q1: Do I have one or more COVID-19 symptoms (see symptoms)?
• Q2: I Have traveled outside the country in the past 14 days?
• Q3: Have I been in contact with a person infected with COVID-19?

If you answer yes to one of the above questions, do not come on College premises. Call the COVID-19 hotline for instructions, and keep your supervisor informed of all details.

All personnel are required to follow these instructions daily. All supervisors are responsible to ensure this is being done.

COVID-19 Symptoms

• Call the COVID-19 hotline & inform your supervisor if you have COVID-19 symptoms as per the following:
  
  At least 1 symptom amongst the following:
  1. Subjective feeling of fever, chills similar to the flu or a measured oral temperature equal to or greater than 38.1°C;
  2. New onset of cough or recent increase in cough;
  3. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath;
  4. Sudden loss of smell or taste;
  5. Throat pain;
  6. Unexplained runny nose or nasal congestion;
  
  OR
  
  1 symptom amongst at least 2 of the following groups of symptoms :
  1. Group A – General symptoms : Unusual intense fatigue without any identifiable cause, unusual muscle aches without any identifiable cause, unusual headache, loss of appetite;
  2. Group B – Gastro-intestinal symptoms : nausea, vomiting, diarrhea in the last 12 hours, stomach ache;
  3. Group C: throat pain without any identifiable cause.

Registry & guests

You must provide identification at the security gate. Only RMC Saint-Jean personnel and support personnel are authorized on site. Any external visitors must be minimized and confirmed through RMC Saint-Jean Ops.

All outside doors to buildings at RMC Saint-Jean are locked. Personnel are forbidden to hold the door open for other personnel. All personnel must swipe their blue key FOB on a reader when entering any locked door, until the light on the reader turns green. This will inherently increase security and will allow RMC Saint-Jean to keep a detailed register of those penetrating different areas within the college.

Any guests invited to RMC Saint-Jean (confirmed through RMC Saint-Jean Ops) should be met outside or in the lobby of the De Lery building:

• All personnel receiving outside guests / visitors MUST escort their visitors at all times.
• All personnel receiving outside guests / visitors MUST ensure the guests / visitors have completed the COVID-19 self evaluation questions.
• All personnel receiving outside guests / visitors MUST ensure the guests / visitors follow RMC Saint-Jean’s COVID-19 guidelines, rules & measures.
• All guests / visitors are required to input their information in the registry binder located at the entrance of the De Lery building.
• Any personnel receiving guests / visitors at any other location than the De Lery must maintain their own registry using the appropriate registry form that can be obtained from RMC Saint-Jean Ops. All registry forms should be brought to RMC Saint-Jean Ops once per week.

• Respect distancing measures (2 meters) at all times everywhere when possible;
• If you are an RMC Saint-Jean employee, the first day you return to the College, go directly to the Welcome Desk in the de Léry building to receive your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kit. If you are not an employee, you must have, at a minimum, and non-medical mask & a personal bottle of hand sanitizer;
• For those returning from travel outside the country, the 14-day isolation is mandatory;

Personal care / actions

• Read and respect hygiene instructions on posters;
• Cough or sneeze in the crook (elbow) of your arm;
• Wash your hands with soap regularly and avoid touching your face;
• Use disinfectant dispensers available at every entrance on site;
• Do not share equipment, cups, glasses, plates, utensils, pens and pencils, etc.;
• Wash equipment or keyboards and the objects you touch with disinfecting products available on site;
• Avoid gatherings in accordance with Public Health Measures;
• Foster the use of water fountains with movement detection to fill up your water bottle and do not touch the push button with your fingers/hands;
• Avoid touching handrails;
• Avoid touching doorknobs with your hands when you can; use the body or forearms;

Non-Medical Mask (NMM)

• All pers (Ocdts and contractors included) must wear their NMM at all times indoors when not their personal office / room:
  • When outdoors and unable to maintain 2m distancing, you must wear the NMM;
  • NMM must be worn in meetings / common areas even when physical distancing is achieved.
• Always maintain 2m distancing even when wearing your NMM
• Wash masks daily in accordance with Public Health standards;
• In the classrooms, the OCdts and teachers must wear the NMM at all times unless the teacher is delivering instruction virtually and all OCdts are sitting at their desk;
• OCdts will be required to wear the NMM in their own common areas and mess if transiting or if a staff is present, but may remove it if seated;
• OCdts can remove their NMM in the library if they are sitting and working alone.

Installations

• Food services at the Dextraze Pavilion are only available to authorized staff until further notice;
• Sports facilities at the Vanier Pavilion will be permitted while respecting provincial rules and regulation. RMCSJ will inform you of all procedures.
  https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/progressive-regional-alert-and-intervention-system/
• Access to the Vieux Mess and Le Saint-Maurice Mess will be permitted only if respecting provincial rules and regulation. RMCSJ will inform you of all procedures.
  https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/progressive-regional-alert-and-intervention-system/

Additional measures implemented by CFSJ

The CFSJ has put in place the following measures:

• More frequent cleaning of door handles, bathrooms and other surfaces/places likely to be touched or used frequently;
• Addition of hand sanitizer dispensers in several locations;
• Addition of plexiglass in several locations;
• Hygiene awareness posters;
• Disinfectant bottles and paper rolls to disinfect devices likely to be handled by several people (fridge, microwave, etc.)
• All CFSJ contractors & personnel on site have received all pertinent instructions WRT to COVID-19 measures to be followed.
• **Note that the use of common areas (meal rooms, etc.) should be limited to meal storage and cooking. Meals should be taken in individual offices.**

RMC Saint-Jean Site Protocol

• The telework option will continue to be encouraged top the extent possible;
• All personnel will receive an Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kit upon arrival (3 non-medical masks (NMM), 1 pair of gloves, 1 disinfectant bottle). This kit will be available at the welcome desk of the de Léry Building;
  • Should additional / replacement PPE be required, please see the support clerk located in De Léry office E1059.
• Good communication at all levels is essential. Continue to keep your supervisor informed of your health and concerns to coordinate your return date to campus;
• If you have any questions, talk to your supervisor.

Resources

• Pay attention for regular COVID-19 updates;
• Visit the official website of the Government of Qc: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/ for any questions. This site is kept up to date;
• Coronavirus info line: 1-877-644-4545 (no charge).

Final Statement

• Adopt safe and preventative behaviours. If you have one or more symptoms, DO NOT present yourself at work and notify your supervisor;
• Don't hesitate to remind your colleagues of preventive measures when you see bad practices;
• Distancing, use of the NMM and hand cleaning are essential to limit the spread of the virus;
• Your cooperation is essential to ensure your protection as well as the protection of your colleagues!
• BE CAREFUL AND STAY AWARE!

PPE Decision Tool

Before starting work, ask yourself thes questions:

Date modified:

2021-02-08