September Planning Update: June 30, 2021 - 1:30 p.m.

June 30, 2021

I hope you are all staying safe and keeping hydrated as Prince George and the province experience an unprecedented heatwave this week.

It’s important that we all take frequent breaks, stay indoors where possible and avoid tiring work or strenuous exercise in this hot weather.

Despite the hotter than normal temperatures, the provincial government announced on Tuesday that nearly 80 per cent of B.C. residents have achieved the adult Dose 1 vaccine coverage and COVID-19 cases continue to decline.

On Thursday, the province will move into Step 3 of its Restart Plan, which means some of the more restrictive public health measures that have affected both our personal and professional lives will be relaxed. It means that at UNBC from a high level that:

  • Mask wearing recommended for indoor public spaces for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated.
  • Return to normal for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings with increased capacity for both indoor and outdoor organized events and gatherings.
  • Return to normal capacity for sports and group exercise facilities, although restrictions remain in place for the number of spectators allowed and communicable disease plans in place.
  • We are beginning the transition away from COVID-19 specific control plans back to the institutional occupational health and safety plan, which includes principles surrounding communicable disease prevention.
  • Daily self-administered health checks are still a requirement for all persons attending campus or site but this is now a personal responsibility. Anyone experiencing symptoms should stay home and not attend campus or site.

We have included what Step 3 means for UNBC on our COVID-19 webpage.

It is reassuring to see that we are all doing our part: getting vaccinated and following all provincial health guidelines as we transition from one step to another in the B.C. Restart Plan and ensure a safe return to campus for September.

If you haven’t already done so, you can register to receive your vaccine at the Get Vaccinated BC website. Tell your friends. Spread the news.

When you register, you’ll receive a confirmation number. Please keep it handy. However, don’t expect to be able to book a vaccine appointment on the same day you register. You’ll receive a text, email or phone call when you’re eligible to book an appointment.

Vaccines are a safe and effective way to fight against COVID-19 infections that can occur in people of any age.

I know you have questions, and we want to hear them. Please send them to unbccommand@unbc.ca - we are collecting them, gathering the information, and will send out frequent updates as our planning continues through the summer. But don’t wait for updates. The best source of information remains on our COVID-19 website.

Sincerely, 

Geoff Payne 
UNBC President and Vice-Chancellor (Interim)

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