COVID-19: Update on safety measures on VCC campuses

On behalf of VCC’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), we would like to share an update on recent communications from the Provincial Health Office and how it impacts the VCC community.

On Thursday, March 10, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, announced an easing of several restrictions representing a further shift in the province’s public health strategy from risk elimination to risk reduction.

A highlight of the major changes is included below.

As of Friday, March 11 at 12:01 a.m.:

• Masks are no longer mandated in public indoor settings under a public health order.

On April 8, 2022 at 12:01 a.m., further restrictions will be lifted:

• Proof of vaccination will no longer be required to access businesses, events and services.
• Businesses, including post-secondary institutions, will no longer need a COVID-19 safety plan and can transition to communicable disease plans.

MASKS ON CAMPUS

As per VCC’s COVID-19 Exposure Control Plan, guidance on mask protocols is adjusted based on direction from the Provincial Health Office. As Dr. Henry stated, masks are no longer mandated in indoor public settings that are considered low risk, which includes post-secondary institutions. However, individuals may still choose to wear one, especially if you are older, immune-compromised or if your household is not completely vaccinated. You may also wish to continue wearing a mask in large crowds.

Please continue to implement your own personal safety measures. This includes monitoring your symptoms, staying home if you are unwell, washing your hands frequently and getting vaccinated and boosted.

We appreciate that for some, these changes are too fast and for others, not fast enough. Some people may choose to continue wearing a mask indoors and others will not. We encourage everyone to go at your own pace and be respectful of others.

At VCC, an easing of restrictions in low-risk settings is a welcome change as we move to this next phase in the pandemic. 

Sincerely, 

VCC Emergency Operations Centre

Surinder Aulakh, EOC Director
Clayton Munro, Deputy Director
Jen Hill, Communications Lead
Sladjana Borovcanin, Operations Section Chief
David McMullen, Planning Section Chief
Soleille Cyr, RTC Lead
Darlene Hodgson, People Services Resource
Robyn Wood, CUPE Representative
Taryn Thomson, FA Representative
Jo-Ellen Zakoor, VCC Admin. Dean of Health