Langara is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and is following directions from the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and the BC Centre of Disease Control. We will continue to post new information as it becomes available. If you have a question that's not on our list, please email us at covidquestions@langara.ca. 

Don’t forget to check out our Mental Health & Well-being page to see the supports available to you.

What is the College doing to minimize the risk of infection?

The College has convened an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to develop plans and responses to the evolving situation. The EOC is following directions from the BC Centre for Disease Control and Vancouver Coastal Health on how to detect and mitigate any potential cases on our campuses. We are working to ensure effective measures are in place if we are presented with someone in our community displaying COVID-19 symptoms. 

These steps are being taken to lower the risk from our campus environment:

  • We have transitioned to online and other alternative delivery methods.
  • Most services and spaces on campus have closed and moved online. 
  • Routine cleaning is scheduled daily and follows industry cleaning standards laid out by the Association for Higher Education Facilities Officers (APPA). Our cleaning standards comply with APPA’s best practices and are a blended approach designed to manage risk.
  • We have increased cleaning in high-touch areas (including door handles, water fountains, stair rails, and many shared spaces).
  • We have posted information to remind people of how to reduce the spread of infections online as well as around the campus. Soap in bathrooms is stocked up and checked frequently throughout the day.
  • We are encouraging the campus community to follow the best practices in self-care being shared by the BC Centre for Disease Control and Vancouver Coastal Health.
  • We are working hard to ensure that students, faculty, and staff receive reliable and up-to-date information on preventive measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
Are there any confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at the College?

In the event of a confirmed case with our faculty, students or staff, information would be provided to the public by the relevant health agency, according to their protocols. 

What should I do if one of my students or colleagues shows symptoms of COVID-19?

If you are concerned that you, or someone you have been exposed to, may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (for example dry cough or fever), please stay home and self-isolate for 14 days. COVID-19 presents as a mild illness in the majority of patients; testing is not recommended for those who have mild respiratory symptoms. The BC Centre for Disease Control has a self-assessment tool that you can assess symptoms. If symptoms worsen, please call 8-1-1 or your health care provider.

The province has created a phone service to provide non-medical information about COVID-19, including the latest information on travel recommendations and social distancing. Information is available in more than 110 languages, 7:30 am-­8:00 pm at 1.888.COVID19 (1.888.268.4319) or via text message at 604.630.0300.

For more information and the latest updates, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control. 

I have been asked to self-isolate, what does that mean?

The BC Centre for Disease Control has provided the following information for people who are self-isolating due to contact with a case of COVID-19 or travel to an affected area.

I am immunocompromised, do I have to attend class?

We have transitioned to online instruction in all situations where possible. Please talk to your instructors about making alternate arrangements for exceptional circumstances. If you are sick, contact your instructors to notify them of the situation and stay home. 

Should students, faculty, staff, or visitors who have travelled to affected areas remain at home for a period of time after returning to Canada?

Students, faculty, staff or visitors should avoid all travel outside of Canada, including to the United States. Anyone who has left Canada should self-isolate for 14 days, immediately on their return. They should monitor themselves daily for symptoms (fever, cough, muscle aches, difficulty breathing).

A new toll-free phone line has also been established for Canadians (1.833.784.4397) to answer general questions about COVID-19.

Is the College distributing masks to prevent the spread of infection?

The College is not distributing masks. Some members of our community may choose to wear a mask and we fully support their right to do so. We ask the community to be respectful of students, faculty, and staff who choose to wear masks.

Will exchange programs to other affected countries be cancelled?

The College is following the advice of The Office of the Provincial Health Officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control and avoiding all non-essential travel outside of Canada, including international exchanges and field schools. 

Canda's latest travel advisories are posted here.

Is the College cancelling work-related travel?

The College is following the advice of The Office of the Provincial Health Officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control and avoiding all non-essential travel outside of Canada.

Canada's latest travel advisories are posted here.

I am a faculty/staff/leader at Langara. Where can I get more information as an employee?

Please visit myLangara (Employees)'s COVID-19 section for employee-specific FAQs, remote working resources, teaching resources and more.