Today, the Premier of British Columbia and the Provincial Health Officer announced amendments to the Provincial Public Health Orders in efforts to address the rising COVID-19 case count and to help break the chain of transmission. The following new and amended orders are in effect midnight tonight, through April 19, 2021:
- Restaurants, pubs and bars are closed for indoor dining. People dining on patios should do so with their immediate household or core bubble.
- Indoor, adult group fitness activities of any kind are paused. Gyms and fitness centres are restricted to individual or one-on-one activities only i.e. one-on-one personal training.
- The previously announced class variance for limited indoor worship services has been suspended. Outdoor worship services under the current variance may continue.
- Travel continues to be limited to essential travel – for work or medical reasons only.
- Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort is closed through April 19, 2021.
- Public health guidance for schools has also been amended to support and encourage students Grade 4-12 to wear masks while at school.
- Up to 10 people can continue to gather outdoors, but do not gather with several groups of new people. Stick to the same people. Continue to use COVID-19 layers of protection and maintain physical distancing.
Read the full announcement from the Province and learn about amended and existing provincewide restrictions.
Reminders when visiting a BCIT campus:
- Please do not come to campus if you are feeling unwell. Attending class with even mild symptoms can threaten the safety of our community.
- Use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool prior to arriving on campus each day to assess for COVID-19 symptoms.
- Wash your hands frequently, continue to physical distance, and strictly follow your department’s Safety Plan.
- BCIT students, faculty, staff, and visitors are required to wear a mask in all common areas on campus. This includes, spaces shared by other people, such as study areas, meeting rooms, open offices, cubicles, and stairwells. It also includes anywhere physical distancing of two metres may not be consistently possible.
- Download the BCIT Safety Wise app for convenient access to campus safety information and updates, as well as the Self-Assessment Tool, found in the “Safety Toolbox” section.
I understand that these restrictions may present challenges to many within our community but it is important that we all continue to do our part to keep each other safe while maintaining our own mental health and well-being. Counselling services for students are available virtually or by phone. The Province of BC’s Here2Talk Program is also available to connect students with mental health supports.
Thank you for your patience, support, and cooperation. Please continue to visit the BCIT COVID-19 website for information and updates on the BCIT response to the pandemic.
Stay safe and well.
Glen Magel
Director, Safety, Security and Emergency Management