Nov 6, 2020

New Guidelines for Masks 

Recently, the BC Provincial Health Officer (PHO) advised British Columbians of her expectation that people now wear masks in all indoor public spaces and that all organizations review their COVID-19 safety plans. 

As such, the College’s Manager of Health and Safety  has reviewed Langara’s current COVID-19 safety plans and have determined that: 

  • strict safety protocols, that ensure physical distancing, are required for all face-to-face instruction and campus activities 
  • there should continue to be limited access and entry into all buildings 
  • prior to coming to campus, all students, staff and contractors must complete the COVID Awareness Safety Course 
  • everyone must do a self-health check each time prior to entry 
  • entrance check-ins and building monitoring for compliance have been implemented 
  • extra cleaning of all high touch points and regularly used areas has been implemented 
  • sick policies are in place – please consider others and stay home if you show symptoms of sickness  

Do we need to wear a mask in all buildings? 

At this time, masks are currently not required by WorkSafeBC unless identified through risk assessment; however, please think about protecting yourself and others when you are around those who are not considered to be in your “bubble”. It is expected that if you find yourself in, or going into a high traffic area where there are many others (such as a hallway), and you cannot maintain six feet (two meters) of physical distance, you should wear a mask.   

Mask wearing does not exempt you from maintaining the six feet (two meters) physical distancing requirement. Masks add a layer of protection; however, they do not stop transmission of all particles and are limited in the amount of protection provided. 

We thank you again for doing your part in helping to keep our community safe.

New Guidelines on Use of Private Residences from PHO 

We wish to draw your attention to the fact that the Provincial Health Order on Gatherings and Events was updated to prohibit gatherings in private residences of more than six guests in addition to the occupants. Further, guests may only gather in a private residence if there is space for non-residents to maintain a distance of six feet (two metres) from one another. Noting that many of the new COVID-19 cases are concentrated in the Fraser Health Region, public health officials there are asking residents of the Fraser Health Region to “avoid all social gatherings” in private homes at this time.

While this update may not directly impact activities on campus, we ask that you note these guidelines as a way of continuing to keep our community safe so we can continue essential instruction and services on campus.  

Lest We Forget 

As we take time away from our work and studies on November 11 for Remembrance Day and Aboriginal Veterans Day (observed on November 8), please note that the City of Vancouver and other regions have changed their public ceremonies this year to ensure health and safety. To learn how to acknowledge our veterans safely, the BC Centre for Disease Control has some helpful information.   

As always, your feedback and questions can be sent to us at covidquestions@langara.ca. Our latest updates for students can be found on langara.ca/covid, and our latest updates for employees can be found on My Langara Employees.