Yesterday, new public health measures were announced that impact staff and students in the Coast Mountain College (CMTN) community. A summary of the measures that affect CMTN are below. It’s important that all staff, faculty, students and anyone who has an essential need to be at any Coast Mountain College campus adhere to these measures. In addition to the new measures, we have included the most important COVID-19 measures that are in place at all of our CMTN campuses.
As we have done since the pandemic began, we continue to be guided by the Provincial Health Officer in close contact with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. The health of our college community, students and employees is always our top priority. Please remember that these orders are in place to keep all of us safe. Please refer to the resources at the bottom of this message for the most up to date COVID-19 information from the BC Centre of Disease Control, Coast Mountain College COVID-19 updates, mask wearing information and resources for taking care of your mental health in the context of the pandemic.
We are so proud of the resilience and tenacity of our staff and students since the pandemic measures began in March of this year. These are exceptional times. We are grateful to the entire CMTN community for their dedication to student success and for their support for one another. It is critical that as we move into this second wave of the pandemic that we continue to be kind to one another.
NEW: Mask wearing mandatory at all CMTN campuses
In accordance with the orders from Nov. 19, it is now mandatory to wear masks for indoor, public and retail spaces in British Columbia. That means that staff, faculty, students and anyone with essential business on CMTN campuses must wear a mask or face covering any time they are indoors, when physical distancing of at least two meters cannot be maintained. If you need support accessing a mask for use, or if you are unable to wear a mask, please connect with your instructor or supervisor for support.
NEW: No social gatherings
No person may have someone in their private residence or vacation accommodation who does not reside with them.
NEW: Restrictions on social gatherings in the workplace
Provincial recommendations indicate that people who do need to go to a workplace should minimize social interactions with their colleagues before, during and after work. For CMTN employees and students, you should only be on campus if absolutely necessary. When on campus interactions should only take place if necessary for conducting work and learning.
Self-assessments
How are you feeling? Only come to campus if you are healthy and not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
Wash your hands
People are encouraged to wash hands with soap and water frequently, particularly before and after entering new spaces.
Physical distancing
Stay 6 feet - or ONE MOOSE - apart.
No visitors please
Our campuses remain closed to the public and are open only to staff and faculty approved to work on campus, and prospective and registered students.
If you are ill, please stay home
A reminder that anyone who is feeling ill should stay home and communicate with their manager. This also applies to students – any students who attend face-to-face classes should stay home and communicate with their instructors.
For more information
BC Centre for Disease Control:
bccdc.ca/about/news-stories/stories/2020/information-on-novel-coronavirus
HealthLink BC:
healthlinkbc.ca/services-and-resources/about-8-1-1
Coast Mountain College COVID-19 updates and information links:
coastmountaincollege.ca/COVID19
Mental health well-being during COVID-19:
bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/mental-well-being-during-covid-19
How to wear a non-medical mask or face covering properly:
youtube.com/watch?v=gvLA--hGU70&feature=youtu.be
BC now has fines in place for individuals that break rules related to COVID-19 safety:
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/violation-tickets#individuals
Media contact
Sarah Zimmerman, APR
Executive Director, Communications
Cell: 250.641.2206
szimmerman@coastmountaincollege.ca