Community health update from the PHO

We thank you for the tremendous collective effort over the first few weeks as we’ve returned to campus. While we continue to navigate the impact of COVID-19 on our community, we strive to support students and employees alike. We know that it has been challenging and some remain anxious, so we continue to be guided by the Provincial Health Office and an evidence-based approach. Today we share with you a recent letter from Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, to the Presidents of post-secondary institutes, the majority (25) of which are teaching in-person. We’d like to highlight some of that letter here: 

• B.C.’s pandemic response continues to be guided by the epidemiology of COVID-19  
• Lower rates of incidence continue in the post-secondary population 
• Where post-secondary students or employees have been infected, investigation has shown these to most often be associated with the home or social setting 
• The lower rates of COVID-19 incidence in post-secondary populations reflects our high vaccination rates and comprehensive safety measures
• A study that illustrates the significant negative consequences for students who report poor and worsening mental health where in-person learning is limited 

As a community, we want to take a collaborative approach towards the health and well-being of our peers while also providing in-person learning. There are steps we can all take:

• Get vaccinated
• As always, self-assess your health and stay home if feeling unwell
• Wear a mask on campus
• Be kind, patient, and respectful