Critical reminders about COVID-19 safety at VCC

A message from the VCC Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)

In recent weeks, an increase in COVID-19 infections has brought British Columbia’s caseload to the highest it’s been so far in the pandemic. Many of these cases involve faster-spreading variants of the virus, causing the need for extra vigilance. 

On Monday, March 29, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced multiple new restrictions affecting workers, schools, exercise facilities, restaurants, and more. Vancouver Community College (VCC) is urging all students and employees to follow these restrictions closely for the safety of our community.

ON CAMPUS

Daily self-assessment

Due to increased provincial health restrictions and tracking measures, all employees (admin, staff, faculty) are now required to complete a daily self-assessment (https://bc.thrive.health) each day you are physically on any VCC campus. 

• This is in addition to the weekly Pre-Screen Questionnaire. 
• The daily assessment is a self-check, and does not need to be submitted to VCC.
  • However, a negative assessment needs to be communicated to your supervisor.
  • Students will continue with the assessment process via Moodle and their instructors.

Masks are required in all indoor public settings and workplaces

• This applies to common areas where people circulate freely, such as hallways, stairwells, elevators, etc. 
  • Enclosed office spaces are exempt where physical distancing can be maintained. 
  • The mask requirement does not apply to people unable to wear a mask or put on or remove a mask on their own.  

Working from home

VCC employees who are able to work from home are strongly encouraged to do so. Do not come to campus if you don’t have to. For the small number of staff and instructors who must be on campus, please pay extra attention to physical distancing, mask-wearing, and hand hygiene.

If any VCC students or employees feel sick or display any sign of illness, they must stay home. The same applies to children in school K-12.

Confidentiality and privacy

It is important to remember that COVID-19 is a confidential health matter. There are processes in place to protect the rights of all our employees' and students' privacy in accordance with the Provincial Health Officer guidelines.

If you hear about a student or colleague being in contact with COVID-19 or contracting COVID-19, it is important to remember that this information is protected by privacy laws and should not be shared.

Local health authorities are responsible for contacting any and all people who may be impacted by a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

OFF CAMPUS

Social gatherings 

Indoor social gatherings of any size with anyone other than your household or core bubble are prohibited.

Up to 10 people may gather outdoors with COVID-19 protection layers and physical distancing. Do not gather with several different groups. Stick to the same people.

Events

• All events and gatherings as defined in the PHO Gatherings and Events Order are suspended until further notice. 
  • NOTE: this does not apply to educational activities offered by post-secondary institutions to deliver and/or support student learning and development, as safety precautions are already in place.  
  • Please note the previously announced allowance for indoor religious gatherings and services has been suspended.

Travel

• All non-essential travel should be avoided. This includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province, or outside your health authority.
• Essential travel within B.C. includes:
  • Regular travel for work within your region
  • Travel for medical appointments and hospital visits

Restaurants

All restaurants, pubs, and bars in British Columbia are to be closed for indoor dining. However, please continue to support VCC culinary students and alumni in Vancouver’s vibrant restaurant industry by ordering takeout or eating outdoors.