Health + Safety

Updated Aug. 2023

The health and safety of the ECU community is our highest priority. With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the end of mandatory masking in BC, there are still ways to keep each other protected on campus.

Our ECU COVID-19 Safety Plan was developed in August 2020, and transitioned to a Communicable Disease Prevention Plan (CDPP). Read it here.

It covers the safe work procedures that have been developed and implemented on campus to protect everyone, including physical distancing, occupancy limits, frequent cleaning, and additional hand hygiene stations.

Selected Appendices

    Below, we have important links and key points about health + safety. Read on to learn how we’re keeping you safe.

    Accessing campus

    Self-assessment is a personal responsibility. Check out the BC COVID-19 self-assessment tool created by the Government of BC.

    Campus safety + operations

    Food services on campus are open, including the Caf (Level 2) and the Tuck Shop (Level 1).

    There are several food options nearby, including Kafka's and Nemesis.

    We are following the BC CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting public settings.

    This includes frequent cleaning of high-traffic areas, and high-contact surfaces such as washrooms and counters.

    In spaces with shared equipment, you will find disinfecting wipes to clean equipment before and after use.

    Fresh air is brought into the building through a rooftop air handling unit through a MERV 13 filter. Ventilation air is not recirculated within individual spaces.

    The volume of air delivered to the individual space is per the ASHRAE requirement of 17 cubic feet/minute (CFM) per person. Airflow to rooms/spaces is adjusted based on the carbon dioxide (CO2) level. This is caused by more people occupying a room/space and the amount of fresh air moving through it. Airflow will increase if sensors detect that CO2 levels are rising. Indoor CO2 levels shall be no more than 650 PPM as measured above the local outdoor air CO2 level. ECU local outdoor air CO2 levels are 350-400 ppm.

    All of the ventilation air that is delivered into the building, the equivalent amount, is moved out and exhausted out of the building.

    Masks

    Wearing a face mask can help prevent others if you are infected with COVID-19 by creating a barrier that prevents droplets from spreading.

    Masks are no longer required in most indoor settings. However, it is a personal choice whether to wear a mask in shared areas on campus.

    It’s important that we continue to respect one another throughout and show compassion to those who have different levels of comfort and risk.

    For more information, see Mask Guidance from the BC Government.

    Individual responsibilities

    All ECU staff, students and faculty should do a self-assessment before accessing campus. We are using the BC COVID-19 self-assessment tool, created by the Government of BC.

    Cleaning your hands frequently and covering your coughs and sneezes will help to protect everyone.

    Wash your hands often with soap and water, then dry your hands with a paper towel. If soap and water are not accessible, use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout campus, and we encourage you to bring your own hand sanitizer.

    Cough or sneeze into your elbow, or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Dispose of the tissue in the trash immediately. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

    COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They are recommended to everyone over the age of 12 in British Columbia to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Vaccination is free and available to anyone living in BC, even those who are temporarily studying or working here.

    While vaccines are not mandatory, they are strongly recommended by BC's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and our public health organizations, including the BC Centres for Disease Control.

    To book a vaccination appointment and the follow-up booster shot, visit the BC COVID-19 Vaccination website.

    Report any potential exposures or circumstances that may impact the safety of others at ECU to your manager or supervisor.

    If you, or someone else, is experiencing severe symptoms including:

    • Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
    • Chest pain or pressure
    • Loss of speech or movement

    Call 911 for help. If you are contacting 911 on behalf of someone else, seek their consent prior to calling for help.

    Mental + emotional health

    We understand that many individuals are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety due to COVID-19 and its ongoing impacts. Support is available.

    ECU provides support to regular employees and their families via free access to the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) through Morneau Shepell. In addition, mental health and anxiety support is available to all British Columbians through www.bouncebackbc.ca and www.anxietycanada.com.

    Email and telephone support is available to all ECU students. They may contact Counselling between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, to arrange for a free and confidential counselling appointment.

    Mindshift and Headspace are helpful apps you can download to help with feelings of anxiety and worry.

    The BC Crisis Line is also available 24/7 at 1.800.784.2433.