Health FAQs

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found mostly in animals. In humans, they can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

In January 2020, a new strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the cause of an outbreak of the disease COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan, China

Learn more about COVID-19 on BC Centre for Disease Control's website.  

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is continuing efforts to prevent the virus from spreading in the community and break the chains of transmission. The BCCDC is monitoring the global situation and is preparing and planning for more widespread transmission in B.C. and Canada to mitigate the impact of the virus on individuals, the health care system and the community.

The evidence to date shows that the virus is spread by larger droplets which are produced primarily during coughing and sneezing. The virus can transfer to someone through these droplets (through the eyes, nose or throat) if you are in close contact with someone infected. Currently, health experts believe that coronavirus cannot be transmitted through airborne transmission. More information can be found on the BCCDC website.

Various health authorities have now created websites listing recent public exposure events. Please click on the links below to see the most recent public exposure events.

• Vancouver Coastal Health
• Fraser Health
• Interior Health
• Island Health 

Remember to follow all health advice and guidance from the BC Centre of Disease and Control (BCCDC).

Information on the prevention, transmission, symptoms, and treatment of COVID-19 can be found at the Government of Canada website Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

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. 

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. 
The College is following directions from the direction of the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and the BC Centre of Disease Control. If you have symptoms, we are asking that you self-isolated and get medical advice. 

• Call 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse. Please note that there may be a long wait to get through. The BC Centre for Disease Control now has a self-assessment tool.
• The province has created a phone service to provide non-medical info 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 or text at 1-888-268-4319.

The College closely follows health and safety measures as outlined by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and Vancouver Costal Health Authority (VCH). These messages are shared on our website, social media, and additional signage around campus.

For the latest health updates, including information on risk and prevention of COVID-19, please visit the BCCDC website or VCH website. 

There is still a lot we don't know about COVID-19 and studies are underway to better understand the virus. There have been a few instances of transmissions before the person became sick or the symptoms were mild and the person did not know they were sick. Those are exceptions, as most people became ill from being in close contact with someone who showed symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, therefore transmitting the virus through droplets. This is why BC health officials are focused on putting protection around people who are ill and showing symptoms, in order to decrease the spread to others.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a COVID-19 a pandemic. The word pandemic can be a scary word for people, but it simply means the world-wide spread of a newly identified virus. We often use it for newly identified influenza viruses. The word pandemic is not an indication of how severe the virus might be. It's a prudent time to start planning in the event that this does become a pandemic and that work is underway at federal, provincial and local health authority levels. On March 6, BC announced it has activated its advanced COVID-19 response to protect British Columbians. For more information, visit the province's pandemic preparedness plan. Vancouver Coastal Health's pandemic plans are also posted publicly.

Information is available at HealthLink BC including advice on how best to treat cold/flu symptoms.

• If you have symptoms, we are asking that you self-isolate for 14 days and get medical advice. Call 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse. Please note that there may be a long wait to get through.
• The province has created a phone service to provide non-medical info 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 pm at 1-888-COVID19 or text at 1-888-268-4319. The BC Centre for Disease Control now has a self-assessment tool.

Students: Please email your instructor and follow directions from your primary care provider. Employees and contractors: Please email your manager and follow directions from your primary care provider.