Coronavirus – update for VCC students and employees
We know the VCC community is concerned with the recent coronavirus outbreak and its arrival in British Columbia.
UPDATE FROM THE PROVINCE
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix announced the third and fourth presumptive cases of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in British Columbia on February 6, 2020. Both of these cases were expected, as they are contained to the same household as the second case announced on Feb. 4.
Additionally, a letter from Dr. Bonnie Henry was issued to all parents and students in the K-12 sector on February 7, 2020, we are sharing that letter with you here as additional information: Letter to Parents/Guardians of K-12 Students from Ministry of Health .
LEVEL OF RISK FOR VANCOUVER CITIZENS
Even with these announcements, the risk to residents in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region and in B.C. remains low. Health care staff in our region are prepared should other cases arise.
At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with the virus as “low for Canada and for Canadian travelers”.
- There is no evidence that novel coronavirus is circulating in the Chinese-Canadian community.
- VCC has no reports of any Coronavirus illness among our students, faculty, or staff.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
We can all help to reduce the spread of infections by following proper respiratory hygiene etiquette during the cold and flu season. This includes:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially if you’ve been out in public. Hand sanitizer is also distributed around our campus.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, mouth and nose.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow. If you use a tissue, make sure to dispose of it properly and wash your hands.
- If you feel unwell, stay home so you don’t pass your infection onto others, especially those who may be at higher risk.
- If you are concerned you have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus, stay home from school or work, and contact your health-care provider, local public health office, or call 811.
- The Provincial Health Officer advises that anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of, the coronavirus should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 811.
WHAT VCC IS DOING
VCC takes the safety and security of our community both in Canada and abroad very seriously. We will continue to take guidance from provincial and federal agencies on all prevention recommendations.
Examples of some of the steps that have been taken so far at VCC:
- VCC has convened an Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) to ensure preparedness across all campuses.
- Proper handwashing materials have been made available in all washrooms, and at all handwashing stations.
- Additional hand-sanitizing stations have been set up across all campuses.
- Senior staff are engaged in frequent and consistent communications with the BC Public Health Officer, Ministry of Advanced Education, and local health authorities.
- An online Bulletin Page has been created on vcc.ca for up-to-date information sharing: https://www.vcc.ca/bulletins/
We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep our community safe.
- Anyone concerned about the outbreak to visit the BC Centre for Disease Control and Vancouver Coastal Health websites for further updates, or CALL 811. Translation services for 811 are available in more than 130 languages.
Coronavirus – update for VCC students and employees
Posted on Jan 31, 2020