Covid-19 Updates
Classes are currently being run remotely at Quest University, and the campus remains closed to everyone but essential staff. This page provides further information about our response to COVID-19 for staff, students, and faculty. We are doing our part to mitigate the risks and effects of widespread infection and are responding to a quickly evolving situation. Below are key points about changes at Quest as well as public health guidelines and links to resources.
Quest University COVID-19 Safety Plan (October 16)
- Quest will begin the Spring 2021 term with remote learning, and return to in-person studies when it is safe to do so.
- Quest remains in Phase I of Campus Operations, with the campus closed to all but essential staff.
- On November 19, 2020, the B.C. government introduced new measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, including a new mandatory mask policy.
- Quest requires everyone to wear a mask while on the campus, unless they are alone in their private work space.
- On November 13, 2020, the B.C. government introduced a public health order which restricts gatherings in private residences and outdoor spaces to only one’s own household.
- The US-Canada land border remains closed to all but essential travel, and all travellers coming or returning to Canada are expected to honour the Quarantine Act.
- The B.C. government has recommended in the strongest terms that individuals not travel outside of their home communities, except for essential reasons.
ACADEMICS AND EVENTS
- We will transition to in-person learning when it’s safe to do so, in accordance with public health advice.
- Field Studies and lab activities will resume once we return to on-campus learning.
- The Learning Commons space will be closed while classes are remote, but academic support will be available.
- Counselling, career advising, and international student support will be offered remotely.
- International exchange programs will also be offered remotely for the time being.
- With some exceptions, campus housing will not be available during remote learning; there will also be no meal services on campus during that time.
- Students should monitor their Quest email account for important updates from the CAO, Dean of Student Life, and other areas.
RESIDENCES AND CAMPUS
- The RecPlex is closed.
- The Academic Building is not accessible to students. The Services Building is closed. The Library Building is accessible to students during limited hours for mail (10am-2pm).
- There is no meal service or retail food available on campus.
- We understand that some students cannot safely move, and have made exceptions for students who continue to require on-campus housing.
- If you remain at Quest, do not bring guests to campus.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- Canada has issued travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Quest is on the list of Designated Learning Institutions with an approved COVID-19 Readiness Plan; Quest’s international students with valid study permits may be exempt from the travel restrictions if they can show that their travel to Canada is non-discretionary (i.e. essential).
- International students entering Canada are subject to a 14–day mandatory quarantine.
- Quest will assist students with their quarantine period if students are travelling to Canada for non-discretionary (i.e. essential) reasons.
- Given the current public health orders and measures, Quest does not recommend that students travel at this time.
- We advise international students to stay up-to-date on travel restrictions and Canada’s mandatory quarantine.
- Starting 11:59 (EST) January 6, 2021, air travellers 5 years of age or older will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test result to the airline prior to boarding international flights bound for Canada. More information may be found here.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility will not be affected for international students whose courses are completed remotely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- New international students may begin their classes while outside Canada and must still apply for a study permit in preparation for an eventual return to in-person studies.
- For more information about COVID-19 and its impact on study permits, post-graduation work permit eligibility, and more, visit the IRCC website.
- For questions, email the New and International Student Coordinator.
STAFF AND FACULTY
- For support during a challenging time Quest offers the LifeWorks program. Have a look at the LifeWorks FAQ and the LifeWorks Contact and Overview page.
- We ask that you try not to have packages shipped to campus, as we have limited ability to sort.
- Staff are telecommuting. We will transition to more on-campus work when it’s safe to do so, but will be respectful of individual circumstances.
- If you are planning to work in your office, please let HR know by Monday of that week. This is to prevent any high density workspaces and to determine cleaning requirements.
- If you are returning from travel outside Canada, you must self-isolate for 14 days as per the federal Quarantine Act; get in touch with your supervisor or HR if you need guidance on working from home, and ask IT for tech support if needed.
- If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, Quest will require a doctor’s note clearing you to return to work.
- Staff and faculty have received emails with updates from Quest’s extended health insurance provider (Equitable). The most recent travel policy update confirms that plan members retain coverage for COVID-19 also while they are traveling outside Canada.
- Please monitor your Quest email for updates from HR and Operations.
ADDITIONAL
- We will email the Quest community with updates.
- Please bookmark this page. We will do our best to keep it current, but things can change quickly.
- You can carry the coronavirus without having symptoms, and could transmit it to others who could become gravely ill or worse. Asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission can both occur.
- There is some evidence that the coronavirus may be airborne.
- Take physical distancing seriously and keep about 2m/6ft between yourself and people who are not part of your ‘bubbles.’ When in public or when distancing isn’t possible, wearing a mask may play an important role in reducing transmission.
- If you’re sick with anything infectious (even if it’s just a cold), quarantine yourself.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds in accordance with the W.H.O method.
- Use alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- If you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth with a tissue, then throw the tissue away immediately; if you don’t have a tissue, bury your cough or sneeze in your elbow. Wash your hands after you throw the tissue away.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
- If you are a caregiver to someone who is sick, follow advice for caregivers.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces, including handles, knobs, and electronics. You can mix bleach and water in various proportions to disinfect most items.
- Do not shake hands
- Do not hug people outside your ‘bubbles.’
- Don’t touch your face.
- If you are traveling back from outside Canada: the federal Quarantine Act requires you to self-isolate for 14 days. Please also fill out the Portal form. Travel of any kind should be followed by a period of self-isolation.
- Follow travel advisory guidelines.
Covid-19 symptoms include a dry cough, fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. If you have symptoms, or suspect you’ve been exposed:
- Isolate immediately.
- Testing is available at Squamish Hospital, and at a drive-through site at the old Shady Tree Pub location. Follow the Squamish Coronavirus Info Group on Facebook for daily updates about this option, including opening hours.
- Use BC’s self-assessment tool before proceeding to either test site.
- After using the assessment tool, follow the instructions. If you are still unsure of how to proceed call 811 (HealthLinkBC).
- Please fill out the confidential form on the Portal.
Government of Canada COVID-19 page
Covid-19 self-assessment tool
Info sheet for students with a guard.me policy
For employee support LifeWorks FAQ and LifeWorks Contact and Overview page.
Toll-free Government of Canada info line: 1.833.784.4397