Throughout the pandemic, B.C.’s post-secondary institutions have maintained a coordinated approach that is rooted in evidence-based Public Health guidance.
Public Health recommends the continued following of good health practices.
Public Health continues to maintain a high level of vigilance on tracking the trends and changes in the pandemic and reminds everyone to follow good health practices of:
Wearing a mask is a personal choice depending on individuals’ own risk assessments. The choice that students, faculty, and staff make to practice additional personal prevention measures should be respected. Public Health expects that there will continue to be periodic fluctuations in COVID-19 activity. At this point in time, Public Health does not anticipate that population wide public health orders will be needed in view of the level of population immunity that now exists.
Public health orders do not require face coverings in public spaces, including post-secondary classrooms, student housing facilities, or workspaces. Students, faculty, and staff working in health care settings may be required to wear a mask by their workplace. More detailed information about types of masks and how to use them is available on the BCCDC website.
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to continue to be supportive of individual choices and requirements with respect to the wearing of masks.
Those who have been advised to test and test positive for COVID-19 are recommended to self-isolate as much as reasonably possible. If you have mild symptoms of COVID-19, you do not need a test. Stay home and away from others until you feel well enough to return to your regular activities and you no longer have a fever. Testing for COVID-19 is recommended when a positive or negative result will inform decisions about treatment or care (e.g., those who are hospitalized). Those with symptoms can assess whether or not they need a test by using the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool. Individuals can continue to access shared common areas when necessary, including kitchens and washrooms with safety measures in place.
These safety measures include:
Individuals living in on-campus housing may take advantage of self-catered options (where individuals can have a friend pick up meals from the cafeteria) and/or delivery options that some housing services provide. This will reduce the spread of COVID-19 while still allowing an individual who tests positive to access essential facilities such as shared kitchen and bathroom spaces. Students who are required to isolate and as a result cannot participate in course assessments should follow their PSI’s policy regarding accommodations for missed assignments due to medical reasons.
Additional information for Post Secondary studies, such as PSI specific Communicable Disease Prevention plans can be found here.
Thank you for the important role you play in supporting the provincial COVID-19 response.
COVID-19 Resources:
Please refer to our policies page for more detailed information:
https://www.canadianctb.ca/policies
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has taken a layered approach to border management to protect the health and safety of Canadians. As the pandemic situation has continued to evolve, adjustments to border measures have been informed by the latest evidence, available data, operational considerations, and the epidemiological situation, both in Canada and internationally.
For the latest COVID-19 announcements issued by the Government of Canada, please see this link.