On Saturday, November 7, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the BC Government announced new restrictions specific to the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health regions, with the exception of the central coast and the Bella Coola Valley. You can read the Media Release here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0059-001922
On Thursday, November 19, 2020, the BC Government followed up on their original statement by issuing new Province-wide Restrictions. The new province-wide orders focus on three areas: social gatherings, workplaces and group physical activities.
The order is in effect until midnight December 7, 2020. Both Okanagan, and Vancouver campuses, including Robson Square are affected by the order. It also applies to any in-person events and gatherings planned to be held on or off campus in British Columbia.
Key Topics Covered in the Order:
Workplaces
Workplaces must review their COVID-19 Safety Plans and ensure everyone is doing their Daily Health Check
- Those working remotely should continue to do so
- Workers can raise Health & Safety concerns to their supervisor, or Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee representatives. To find out who to contact, visit: https://safetycommittees.ubc.ca/johsc/find-your-johsc/
- To learn more about COVID-19 Safety Plans at UBC-V, visit https://srs.ubc.ca/covid-19/safety-planning/
- Completing a daily self-assessment for symptoms of COVID-19 before coming to campus is one of the COVID-19 Campus Rules. For Frequently Asked Questions relating to self-assessments, click here.
Social Gatherings and Events
- No social gatherings of any size at your residence with anyone other than your household or core bubble. To find out about the status of Events, visit: https://covid19.ubc.ca/
Restaurants and Bars
You must wear a non-medical mask when not at a table and events are no longer allowed.
Athletic Activities
To find information on changes to UBC’s athletic activities, visit https://recreation.ubc.ca/covid-updates/
Mask Requirements
Since September 16, 2020, UBC students, faculty, staff and visitors have been required to wear non-medical masks, when indoors in common areas on our campuses.
- It is important to remember that wearing a non-medical mask does not replace the need to self-assess for symptoms of COVID-19 daily, wash hands frequently and continue to keep physically distant from others.
- COVID-19 Safety Plans need to outline where masks are required, and when they can be removed in a safe setting. Staff can check with their supervisor and students can speak with their instructor, if they are unsure.
Travel Advisory
At this time, all non-essential travel should be avoided. This includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province.
- Commuting to UBC Campuses to work or attend face to face classes with approved safety plans is considered essential travel.
- International Students thinking of coming to UBC can visit https://students.ubc.ca/international-student-guide for more information
Questions about UBC’s response to COVID-19 can be directed to safety.risk@ubc.ca for UBC-V or ready.ok@ubc.ca for UBC-O campuses.