For the latest COVID-19 information please refer to the BCIT COVID-19 website.
Effective immediately, BCIT is strongly recommending that staff, faculty, students, and visitors wear a non-medical mask in all indoor common areas across all BCIT campuses. Common areas include spaces shared by other people such as classrooms, labs, shops, washrooms, study areas, hallways, and stairwells.
Non-medical mask use is recommended by the BC Centre for Disease Control, the Provincial Health Officer, and the Public Health Agency of Canada in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in instances where physical distancing cannot be consistently maintained, such as when you are on transit, getting a haircut, or interacting with someone indoors. While BCIT programming continues to be delivered primarily online, many students, faculty, and staff continue to access our campuses and mask-wearing is one measure we can use to help protect our community.
Using only a mask is not enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The BC Centre for Disease Control and BCIT continue to recommend other important preventative measures including:
- Staying home if you are feeling unwell
- Maintaining two metres physical distance from other people
- Washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and water (or if a sink is not available, using a 60-90% alcohol-based hand sanitizer)
- Not touching your face/eyes/mouth with unwashed hands
- Covering your mouth if you sneeze or cough
Effective immediately, disposable masks will be available on a first-come-first-served basis through the Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Office in Building SW1 on the Burnaby Campus and all Security Communications Centers at the Aerospace, Downtown, Marine, and Annacis Island Campuses.
Come fall, washable masks will be made available on a first-come-first-served basis at all of our campuses with distribution details to come. We will be updating the community further as additional information is received from the provincial government. In the meantime, you can learn more about masks generally here and how to safely and effectively use a mask.
Thank you,
Glen Magel
Director, Safety, Security and Emergency Management
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