In-person, post-secondary education "strongly recommended" by BC CDC
The BC Centre for Disease Control has updated its guidance for in-person learning at post-secondary institutions, saying they continue to be low-risk settings.
In a release, the BC CDC says, “Given the low-risk nature of in-class learning, a highly immunized population, and significant social benefits of in-person instruction, on-campus instruction is strongly recommended.”
It goes on to say that enabling young people to “return to closer-to-normal learning and social activities is important for pandemic recovery” and says the prevention measures outlined will “help balance the benefits of on-campus learning while minimizing the serious outcomes of COVID-19.”
- You might also like:
- SFU walkout planned today to protest return to in-person classes
- Petitions for and against in-person learning at SFU are gaining traction
The guidance outlines some public health measures that should remain in place on campuses to keep them safe:
- Limits on non-educational gatherings and events
- Proof of vaccination to access a range of optional on-campus activities
- Masks to be worn in indoor public spaces, including within lecture halls and classrooms
- Providing vaccination status for those living in post-secondary housing
Further prevention measures on campus include:
- Strong promotion of vaccination
- Strong promotion of staying home when sick
- Effective ventilation systems
- Regular cleaning and disinfection
- Promoting and enabling regular hand cleaning
- Use of non-medical masks
The CDC says there is no longer a need to physically distance in indoor public spaces, although people should be encouraged to “spread out within available space and to consider and respect others’ personal space.”
Guidance/BC CDC
In recent weeks, there have been a number of petitions asking post-secondary schools to delay the return to in-person learning.
Meantime, students at Simon Fraser University held a walkout on Monday, demanding the same.