BC releases COVID-19 guidelines for post-secondary

The BC government has released its Go-Forward Guidelines for the BC Post-Secondary Sector to support the gradual increase of in-person teaching, learning, research, administrative and support services while reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

The guidelines provide an overall operating framework under the umbrella of advice and guidance from the Provincial Health Officer.

UVic has been working on COVID-19 health and safety measures since January and already has in place comprehensive plans that meet or exceed the minimum required standards for physical distancing, cleaning and hygiene, in-person and online protocols and supports.

The university has remained open and available for learners with a combination of innovative and flexible online courses, and a range of in-person academic programming. The university also continues to deliver services and supports either face to face in some circumstances or through different modes of remote delivery, with health and safety always a top priority.

In accordance with BC’s careful approach to increasing social and economic activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the university has moved forward with the resumption of on-campus activities, including research and creative endeavors, through a phased process.

UVic’s Safe Work Plans for departments and units are well underway and will continue to be consistent with the sector-wide Go-Forward Guidelines.

The provincial guidelines were developed in consultation with sector experts including two from UVic—Kane Kilbey, associate vice-president of Human Resources, and Andy Mavretic, director of Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE).

The guidelines, released July 31, are expected to be periodically updated, as required, to align with evolving guidance from the Provincial Health Officer.

More information on UVic’s plans, protocols and resources to protect the health and safety of all members of our university community is available on a dedicated OHSE site.