Health + Safety

Updated April 25

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 developed August 2020, 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

    Health monitoring (Updated July 2021)

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

    As of July 14, the self-assessment will be a personal responsibility. We will not be requiring a verbal confirmation of completion at the door. Please continue to do your daily self-assessment and follow the advice provided.

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

    Campus safety + operations

    Rapid testing (Updated February 2022)

    ECU is providing one box of rapid tests to all staff, students and faculty, to support in-person learning and operations. Learn more.

    Remote working and learning (Updated July 2021)

    With the upcoming Summer and Fall 2022 terms, staff and faculty will be gradually transitioning back on campus. This gradual return to campus will be safe and aligned with provincial guidelines.

    ECU has introduced a Telecommuting Framework (PDF) to provide our staff with flexibility. Staff may make telecommuting arrangements with their supervisor if appropriate for their role.

    Students can continue to take hybrid courses during Summer 2022 and Fall 2022. For more information, see our update.

    Food service

    Food services on campus are currently open, but we expect they will reopen by Fall 2021. This includes the Caf (Level 2).

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

    Enhanced cleaning protocols

    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 and spray to clean equipment before and after use.

    Masks

    Do I need to wear a mask on campus? (Updated March 2022)

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

    As of March 11, masks are no longer required in most indoor settings. However, at this time, we encourage you to continue wearing masks while on the Emily Carr campus until the end of the Spring term.

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

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

    What do I do if someone else is refusing to wear a mask on campus?

    Masks are required in all shared areas of campus. If someone is not wearing a mask, please respect their choice.

    Individual responsibilities

    Self-assessments

    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.

    Personal hygiene

    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.

    Travel restrictions (Updated April 2022)

    As of April 1, travel restrictions and testing requirements have been eased for all travellers. Review the new changes here.

    Vaccines (Updated June 2021)

    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.

    Potential or confirmed exposures on campus

    By encouraging everyone to do a daily self-assessment, and providing support and accommodation to allow students and staff to stay home if they feel ill, we hope to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus. However, we know it’s necessary to plan for every possibility.

    Maintain awareness

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

    Severe symptoms or emergencies on campus

    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 this is a difficult time, and that many individuals are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety due to COVID-19. Support is available.

    Staff + Faculty

    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.

    Students

    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.