Health + Safety

All ECU staff, students and faculty must assess themselves daily for COVID-19 symptoms or possible exposures before accessing campus.

We are using the BC COVID-19 self-assessment tool, created by the Government of BC.

You must present your ECU OneCard ID to access campus.

To control the flow of traffic, individuals may only enter campus through the SW doors, indicated on the map below. Entry is limited to one person at a time, and you must maintain two metres (six feet) from others while waiting to enter the building.

For safety, you cannot hold the door for others or allow them to enter with you.

When exiting the building through the NW or East doors, do not allow others to enter the building as you exit.

As individuals are required to wear masks everywhere on campus, we ask that you put on your mask before entering the building.

Flexible start and end times will be considered for all staff who need to be on campus for critical functions, especially where they take public transit to provide less crowded commutes.

Students and staff who rely on public transit, and are concerned about the risks of exposure while traveling to and from campus, should speak to their instructors or supervisors about accommodations.

Some community members may feel unsafe on transit due to racism or racial profiling. Please contact the Threat Assessment Team or AVP Human Resources for support and accommodations.

At this time, ECU is closed to members of the public without special permission and pre-approval. For more information, see Info for the Public.

Every classroom, shop, studio, lab, and other space on campus will have a posted occupancy limit on the door. These limits have been calculated to ensure that a physical distance of at least two metres (six feet) can be maintained between occupants.

Only one person is permitted in an elevator at one time. If you are able, we recommend using the stairs as much as possible to leave elevators free for those who need them.

While waiting for the elevator, please stand back to allow those exiting the elevator plenty of space. Maintain two metres (six feet) between others who are waiting.

As of November 2020, stairwells can be used for up-down travel. Masks are required in all stairwells. Please use caution, stay to the right, and give others space to pass safely.

Wherever possible, staff and students are supported to work and study from home. The majority of courses for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 will be delivered in online formats. Staff are encouraged to continue working from home wherever possible.

Work and class schedules will be modified as required, to ensure we can maintain occupancy limits in all areas of campus.

For safety, food service on campus is currently closed. This includes the Caf (Level 2) and Mini Loafe (Level 1).

We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to campus. Touchless water bottle refill stations will be operating on each floor.

If possible, please take your breaks outdoors or eat at your desk to leave communal spaces free for others.

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.

Wherever possible we have removed appliances and surfaces where contamination is possible, including dining areas and water fountains.

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

Plexiglass barriers have been installed at face-to-face service locations where physical distancing cannot always be maintained.

They have also been installed in certain classrooms, labs or studio spaces to enhance safety when rooms are occupied by multiple individuals.

Barrier cleaning in our enhanced cleaning protocols.

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 required to enter the Emily Carr University campus, and must be worn in all common and shared areas. If you forget your mask, you can request one from Reception/Security on Level 2.

Masks must be worn in all shared areas of campus (including bathrooms, corridors, classrooms, studios, shops, and stairwells). This includes common areas even when you are the only individual present, such as elevators or bathrooms, and even in spaces where you can maintain social distancing.

You may remove your mask only when eating or drinking, or if you are in a single-occupant office with a closed door. When eating on campus, please ensure you have at least two metres of space between you and other individuals. Tables in the Caf and the Staff Room have been arranged to maintain this physical distance.

If you do not have a mask when you arrive at campus, you can get one from the Reception/Security area on Level 2.

If you see a community member who is not wearing a mask on campus, we recommend asking them to put their mask on if you feel safe doing so. If you do not, please speak to your instructor or supervisor for support.

If your instructor or supervisor is unable to resolve the issue, you may seek support and assistance by contacting our Security staff, who are trained in first aid response. Call 604.844.3838 or visit Reception/Security on Level 2 to reach the first aid attendant.

The first aid attendant will assist you by asking the individual to put on a mask, and offering one if needed. If they refuse, they will be asked to leave campus.

People who cannot wear a mask or who cannot put on or remove a mask on their own are required to request an exemption (see next FAQ). Be respectful of people who can't wear a mask.

The university has a duty to accommodate employees and students who have conditions or disabilities that prevent them from wearing a mask.

Staff and faculty requesting an exemption to our mask policy must contact Anthony Ki, HR Advisor, Benefits + Employee Accessibility (anthonyki@ecuad.ca) to initiate the accommodation process. Students should contact the Accessibility Office (accessibility@ecuad.ca).

All ECU staff, students and faculty must assess themselves daily for COVID-19 symptoms or possible exposures before accessing campus.

We are using the BC COVID-19 self-assessment tool, created by the Government of BC.

Keep space between yourself and others while on campus. This means maintaining a distance of two metres (six feet) at all times.

Greet others at a distance with waves instead of hugs or handshakes, and avoid crowded places where distance can’t be maintained.

While sharing a campus space with others, please maintain physical distance (two metres or six feet) from others. Occupancy limits have been developed to support this physical distancing.

Avoid side-by-side seating at adjacent desks and workspaces wherever possible, and avoid activities that require operating or handling equipment at the same time.

Disinfecting wipes and sprays have been provided so that you can clean shared equipment before and after use.

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.

Anyone returning to Canada from another country is required by law to self-isolate for 14 days.

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 symptoms of COVID-19 while on campus, please contact First Aid (Security) immediately by calling 604.844.3838.

Individuals who are exhibiting symptoms will be asked to wear a mask and isolate on campus. They will be assessed by First Aid for severity of symptoms and either transported to emergency care or to their home. The campus areas that they were in will be closed for cleaning and disinfecting.

We ask everyone to be vigilant about these guidelines, including staying home and self-isolating if you feel ill. Even those with mild symptoms must stay home.

If you have concerns about non-compliance, please report those to your supervisor or instructor in supportive, non-stigmatizing ways.

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.

If there is widespread impact due to a confirmed case on campus, the following actions will be taken:

• Relevant departments will be informed.
• Discontinue campus access and shut down the impacted areas for cleaning and disinfecting.
• Services would be triaged based on available resources.
• ECU will respond to health officials as required in the event that contract tracing is required.

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 09:30 a.m. and 3:30 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.