Sent on behalf of VIU’s Senior Management Team
Earlier today, Thursday, March 10, the BC Public Health Office (PHO) announced changes to masking and vaccine passport restrictions. Starting tomorrow, March 11, at 12:01 am, masks will no longer be required in most public spaces, including post-secondary educational settings, workplaces, gyms, and indoor events. The removal of these public health orders is in response to decreasing rates of infection and hospitalizations across the province.
Vaccine passports will no longer be required to access businesses, events, and services as of April 8, 2022. At VIU, this applies to special indoor events such as indoor sporting events, concerts, and gatherings as well as the Discovery Room and the gym. Also, effective April 8, 2022, proof of vaccination will no longer be required for VIU Student Residence.
As we have done throughout the pandemic, VIU will follow the guidance of the PHO and no longer require masks to be worn in our educational settings or workplaces effective March 11. However, we understand that our community members will make personal choices regarding their decision to wear a mask, and VIU supports these choices.
The health and safety of the VIU community is a priority for the leadership team. VIU will continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and follow the advice of the PHO. VIU continues to support the use of vaccination as the best defense against serious illness related to COVID-19. In the days and weeks to come, we will be updating our FAQs, webpages, and other important documents to reflect these changes.
The VIU Communicable Diseases Plan continues to be a source of best practice in keeping our community healthy, and it includes the continued practices of proper hand hygiene and staying home when sick. In addition, members of the VIU community are reminded that rapid test kits are currently available at all VIU locations.
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