OCNews

The B.C. Government has published a new COVID-19 Return-to-Campus Primer to assist post-secondary institutions in planning for a safe return to on-campus teaching, learning and services this fall.  

The Primer outlines key public health planning assumptions and safety measures that Okanagan College will be heeding as we continue careful planning and preparations for the return to campus. On that note, huge thanks to everyone involved in the planning process, which is now well underway. 

The Primer was developed by a team of experts from the public post-secondary sector in partnership with the ministry and representatives from the BC Centre for Disease Control, regional health authorities and the Office of the Provincial Health Officer. It anticipates core measures expected to remain in place for the fall and outlines initial guidance on campus planning and logistics, including faculty and staff considerations, cleaning protocols, flow of traffic in indoor common areas, mask wearing, daily self-assessments, housing and food service, COVID-19 safety plans and more. The Primer also conveys initial guidance on educational activities, student supports and accommodations, mental health supports and other student health services. 

You can read more in the Province’s media release and read the Primer online. 

We know employees and students will continue to have many questions about the return to campus throughout the weeks and months to come, and that uncertainty around this – as COVID-19 conditions fluctuate in the province – is challenging for us all. If you need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisor or Human Resources to learn more about the supports available to you through the College’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). 

Additional guidance will be released in the coming weeks in the revised Go-Forward Guidelines for B.C.’s Post-secondary Sector, with implementation planned for Aug. 1. The College will continue to share updates through all the channels and means at our disposal, so stay tuned for more information.  

Thank you for all you are doing to keep our OC community safe and healthy. 

Respectfully, 
Neil Fassina 
President, Okanagan College