Coast Mountain College has welcomed students back to another academic year and they are well into their course work. Staff have also returned to full-time work on campus. The excitement of the new semester is carrying us through a period of adjustment and a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Post-secondary educational settings, including teaching, learning, research, and student activities are all low-risk for COVID-19 transmission. We know from our experience that we can be safe on campus when we follow the layers of prevention directed by public health and WorksafeBC.
Safety remains a top priority and it is important to continue to show compassion and practice patience with one another.
Some things to know:
- There are many layers of protection in place that support safety.
- Vaccines are the most effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 on campus.
- Getting sick is normal, you can be successful in the face of disruptions and you need to put your health ahead of any learning and work commitments. You are not permitted on campus if you have new or worsening symptoms or if you are required to self-isolate or quarantine.
- Masks are mandatory indoors, including in classrooms. It is safe for instructors and presenters to temporarily remove their masks when behind a barrier or while maintaining safe physical distance from others in the space and when participants remain seated and masked.
- Wash your hands well and often. Cover your cough and sneeze. Hand sanitizer options are available at key points throughout campuses.
- Physical distancing is no longer required on campus. It remains important to be respectful of other’s personal space.
- Proof of vaccination is required for non-educational activities such as use of the Wellness Centre on the Terrace campus, for extra-curricular sports activities such as soccer teams or activities such as yoga or other types of health classes. The latest information is available on the BC Vaccine Card page.
- Proof of vaccination is required for students living in on-campus housing and for staff and students in health science programs.
- Cleaning of spaces, including high touch areas is completed on a daily basis. Cleaning between classes is not required. Cleaning supplies are available for anyone to use on shared surfaces throughout campuses.
- Ventilation: attention is given to ensuring that all mechanical heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are designed, operated and maintained in accordance with requirements and standards for indoor air quality, and that they are working properly.
- If you find your regular activities are disrupted by illness, if you are unable to wear a mask, be vaccinated, or require accommodation to ensure your inclusion in learning or at work, support is available. Students, please reach out to your instructor or accessibility; Employees please reach out to your manager.
As these requirements continue to evolve, access trusted sources for up-to-date information, including the BC Centre for Disease Control, BC Government, and Health Authorities (Northern Health Authority applies to the northwest coast region).