Here we are in the midst of a massive effort to once again flatten the curve in B.C. In the wake of my update to you last week, I received some questions that I’ll answer in today’s update. I also thank each of you who have reached out to me with ideas, questions and concerns. Your feedback is helpful.

In today’s update:

• Masks in indoor public spaces
• Contact tracing and communication of an exposure
• Decision making considerations

Non-medical masks in indoor public spaces

As I indicated last week, as a result of the new Provincial Health Officer orders, non-medical masks are now required to be worn in all indoor public spaces, which includes our hallways, stairwells, elevators, washrooms, the Library, Winter Garden, atriums, and retail and common spaces on UNBC campuses. This requirement applies to the entire community, including students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors to our campuses, except when eating or drinking. 

Safety is a responsibility we share as a community. It is incumbent upon us all to gently and kindly remind each other of the requirement to wear a non-medical mask when in common areas; this is not an enforcement role to be left to security. If you notice that someone isn’t following COVID-19 safety protocols and not wearing a mask, be kind and give them a gentle reminder. Please do not be confrontational, as some members of our community cannot wear a mask for medical or other reasons. For those who don’t have a mask, non-medical masks are available by donation at the Security Office, the Library, the T&L atrium, and Northern Sport Centre foyer (donations will go toward the student food bank).  Masks are also available for use at our Regional Campuses (Terrace, Quesnel and Fort St. John). 

Contact tracing and communication of an exposure

I want to provide you more information about how UNBC would respond to a positive case within our community. When there is a confirmed case anywhere in the North, public health is notified so they can do the required contact tracing. 

Anyone who is identified as a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case, regardless of the setting (workplace or otherwise) will be notified that they have potentially been exposed and be supported in the appropriate measures they need to take.

UNBC does not have a role to play in this public health process. Unless the risk of a public exposure exists, UNBC will not be notified of any positive cases within the University community. Why? Because contact tracing puts a high priority on maintaining the privacy of individuals and their close contacts; it is important that our students, faculty and staff reach out to us should they have a presumed or confirmed case of COVID-19 so that we can ensure supports are in place for them and their families. We want people to feel comfortable coming forward if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and require testing, and we want them to provide information about close contacts.

There are many avenues by which UNBC could be notified that a member of our community has tested positive for COVID-19; through Northern Health, through the community member self-reporting to us directly, or by someone connected with that community member reaching out. Remember that although someone within our community may have tested positive for COVID-19, they may not have been on our campuses and therefore no-one else may have been exposed. To date, UNBC has not received notification from Northern Health that an exposure or outbreak has occurred within our community.                            

Again, it’s important to be kind to one another, and not contribute to stigma for people diagnosed with COVID-19, their caregivers or contacts. Stigma hurts everyone by creating fear or anger toward other people, and negatively affects the mental health of stigmatized groups and the communities in which they live. UNBC needs to be a safe place for all and we as the UNBC community all contribute to that safety.

I understand that this may leave you anxious or concerned about your safety when on campus. But rest assured that our team is fully engaged and working tremendously to support each and every one of you throughout the UNBC community. There are fully developed communication protocols in place for the community should broader notification be required. 

Decision-making considerations

So within a few minutes of the new PHO orders last week, the questions began to be asked and I fully respect that – you want answers! There are a number of things that have to happen, however, before we can make decisions and communicate effectively. We must thoroughly understand the PHO’s orders and not hastily misinterpret them. We consult with our colleagues across the post-secondary sector to ensure that one institution isn’t setting precedent for others that may have unintended consequences. We consult with our partners in provincial government, WorkSafeBC, and Northern Health as well. Once all those steps are taken, we can roll out information to the community. This takes time, but it is done out of an abundance of caution to ensure we don’t provide incorrect information while also keeping the health and safety of our community, which remains our top priority.

In short, we will provide information and updates as soon as we can, but sometimes it may take a little bit longer than you might hope for!

If you are looking for the most current information, we regularly update our Coronavirus (COVID-19) website with the latest on our ongoing response. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for there, let us know at unbccommand@unbc.ca.

Stay safe, and thank you!

Geoff Payne
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor