COVID-19: Updates and Information

Provincewide public health orders relating to COVID-19 have been lifted. VIU has a Communicable Diseases Plan in place and continues to monitor the situation and we are prepared to adjust our approach on campus this fall if required. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself and others. Below you’ll find information, resources and updates about VIU’s response to COVID-19 and how the University is supporting you.

Be sure to bookmark this site to stay up to date on the latest in VIU’s response to COVID-19. We would like to thank our wonderful community for continuing to support one another.

Fall 2022 update

Do you have questions about COVID-19 as we head into the 2022-23 school year? VIU’s Communicable Disease Prevention Plan and the Post-Secondary Public Health Guidance can help! These documents outline the prevention measures that are in place at VIU and in BC to reduce the risk of exposure to communicable diseases, including COVID-19.

COVID-19 is now managed like other vaccine-preventable respiratory illnesses. This means that if you develop symptoms, please stay home until you are well enough to participate in usual activities or call 8-1-1 to determine if you should seek additional medical attention or treatment. Here are the general guidelines outlined in our Communicable Diseases Plan:

1. Stay home when you are sick

Please stay at home until you are well enough to resume regular activities on campus. If you become ill while you are at work or in class, go home immediately.

  • Students: Contact your instructors to let them know that you will be absent.
  • Employees: Contact your manager to let them know that you will be absent.
  • See details on BCCDC for more information on how to manage your illness.

2. Practice Good Hygiene

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or with hand sanitizer from stations that can be found at the entrances/exits to all VIU buildings and throughout our facilities.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze: Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, wash your hands after, discard the tissue.
  • Do not share food, drinks or utensils.
  • Consider providing physical distance between you and others where possible.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

3. Consider getting vaccinated

Vaccines are the most effective way to reduce the risk of serious illness from COVID-19. A primary series of vaccines provides effective protection against serious illness from COVID-19, including variants of concern. A booster dose enhances protection. Vaccines are available to all faculty, students, and staff, including international students and their families.

4. Consider wearing a mask

Masks are one of many layers of protection we can use to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. See additional details on mask use and care the BCCDC website.

Get Tested When Recommended: Use the BC Self-Assessment Tool app or the BCCDC questionnaire to determine When to Get Tested. Have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 but didn’t get tested? Stay home until you no longer have a fever and feel well enough to return to your usual activities. Rapid antigen tests are widely available on and off campus for those who wish to use them. If you want to be prepared, you can find test kits at the following locations:

Students

  • Building 170 – Shq’apthut (the gathering place)
  • Building 193 – VIUSU
  • Building 255 – International Reception
  • Building 300 – Welcome Centre
  • Building 305 – Campus Store
  • Cowichan Campus: Welcome Centre
  • Powell River Campus: Main Reception
  • Parksville Centre: Front Desk/Reception 

Employees

  • Building 305 (Human Resources office)

Please visit the BCCDC for more information on using a rapid test kit.

Email Safety@viu.ca if you have questions that you can’t find answers to on VIU COVID-19.