*The last update on this article was on October 8, 2021. Read the Ministry PHO mask guidance for BC post-secondary article for the most up to date information on mask requirements.
Following today’s announcement from the Provincial Health Officer, I would like to provide an update on the mask requirements on all BCIT campuses. Masks are now required in all indoor public areas on all BCIT campuses including classrooms, labs, shops, washrooms, study areas, hallways, lobbies, and stairwells.
Masks may only be removed:
- while actively consuming food or drink and seated in designated eating/drinking locations
- while actively participating in physical activity at the Fitness Centre or Gym
- while alone in a private office or teaching/learning space
- if there is a barrier separating the individual from other persons, for example a divider or cubicles
- briefly, in order to identify staff, faculty, or students
- when delivering a presentation or lecture – only if separated by a barrier or with 2m physical distance from audience or class
As part of the new provincial vaccine requirement announced as of yesterday, accessing some non-essential services on campus will require a proof of vaccination effective September 13. This will apply to on-campus indoor venues, including but not limited to gyms, restaurants, and a variety of indoor events, such as sporting events and concerts.
Students who are living in on-campus housing will also require proof of vaccination. Further guidance is being developed in the coming days in consultation with public health, including which types of student housing facilities will be subject to this requirement. This will come into effect on September 7, 2021.
Read the full Order of the Provincial Health Officer for additional guidance. As guidelines on masks and vaccination evolve, public health will continue to work with post-secondary institutions to ensure all students, faculty, and staff have quick and easy access to immunization. We are working to take a sector-wide approach on the requirement of proof of vaccination and will update the community as soon as more information is available.
Students requesting an accommodation to the mask requirement based on medical or disability status should contact Accessibility Services at accessibility@bcit.cato initiate their accommodation request process and will be required to submit valid medical documentation.
Faculty and staff requesting an accommodation to the mask requirement based on medical or disability status should contact Human Resources.
In order to help keep our community safe, BCIT strongly encourages all faculty, staff, students, and community members to get vaccinated. As a reminder, all members of the community can now drop in for their first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Burnaby Campus Vaccination site.
If you forget to bring your mask to campus, please visit your on-campus Security office to obtain one.
Thank you for doing your part.
Glen Magel
Director, Safety, Security and Emergency Management
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