Communicable Disease Prevention

Precautionary measures to avoid transmission of COVID-19 are similar to measures to prevent cold and flu. For specific questions related to self-isolation or COVID-19 please call 8-1-1 or visit the BCCDC website. Ensure you are also complying with any province-wide restrictions set out by the Public Health Officer to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Stay home when you are ill and avoid close contact with others. You may decide to use a Rapid Antigen Test to assess if you have COVID-19 but even if the test result is negative, you should stay home if you have symptoms.
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and water. If a sink is not available, 60-90% alcohol-based hand rubs (hand sanitizer) can be used if your hands are not visibly soiled. If they are visibly soiled, you can use an alcohol-based disposable hand wipe to remove the dirt and then use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with unwashed hands. When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow, and then wash your hands.
• Requirements regarding the use of masks, proof of vaccination status, and physical distancing are no longer in effect.

You can find answers to specific questions about COVID-19 from the BCCDC. If there is BCIT-specific information, we will continue to update our community through our regular communication channels and provide, when necessary, updates on our breaking news page.

For additional information, please visit the BCCDC website or call 8-1-1. You can also review the Canada Health FAQ webpage or call the Public Health Agency of Canada COVID-19 telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397.

Non-medical information about COVID-19 is available, in more than 100 languages, from the BCCDC, 7:30am-8:00pm, 7 days a week at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319).

• Do not attend classes or come to campus. If you are already on campus, please avoid others and return home.
• Follow the guidance provided by your health authority and the steps on the BCCDC’s page on If You Have COVID-19.
• You may let your close contacts know but you are not required to tell anyone that you have COVID-19. The BCCDC provides you with information on how to define and notify your close contacts.
• If you will be missing classes, contact your Program/Department Head or instructor to advise them that you are unwell and won’t be in class. Work with your instructor to determine how to make up any missed work during your self-isolation or upon return to study.
• If you are unwell or have tested positive, you are encouraged to submit an Early Assist referral if you or your instructor need assistance with academic accommodations.
• Students who are unwell or test positive are also welcome to contact Early Assist if they are looking for general support, resources, or referrals.

You do not need to report your test results to BCIT. If you are sick, please contact your instructor (for students) or your manager (for employees) and let them know you are unable to come to campus and make arrangements, as needed, for your absence.

BCIT, like all other post-secondary institutions, receives direction from health authorities and other agencies in government around protocols when/if a presumptive or positive case is identified by a health authority. In British Columbia, the health authorities are accountable for determining appropriate steps considering the health and safety of all British Columbians, the privacy of individuals and appropriate communication to citizens.

If you are a student and live on campus and have symptoms or a confirmed case of COVID-19:

• Contact Healthlink 811, BCIT Student Health Services – 604-432-8608 (call before attending), or primary care physician.
• Follow the BC Centre for Disease Control self-isolating protocols
• Contact Student Housing at housing@bcit.ca
• Students who are unwell or test positive are also welcome to contact Early Assist if they are looking for general support, resources, or referrals.