Covid-19 Updates
→ Read Quest University’s detailed Communicable Disease Plan.
Update: March 11, 2022 – Changes to Mask and Vaccination Requirements
Today the Provincial Health Office made changes to the province-wide COVID-19 restrictions. The PHO announced that as of March 11 at 12:01am masks are no longer required in indoor spaces. The PHO indicated that individual organizations can choose to require masks on their premises.
Quest will move forward with a hybrid approach. Students, staff and faculty will no longer have to wear masks in indoor spaces, except, we will ask that you continue to wear masks in the classroom until further notice.
On April 8, 2022 at 12:01 am, further restrictions will be lifted. Proof of vaccination will no longer be required to access restaurants, local businesses and events, including Quest graduation events. Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for Quest residences.
Please note, if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you are asked to stay home and isolate for 5 days. Rapid tests are readily available from your RA/RC, at reception, in the faculty lounge and in the RecPlex.
For more details, please review the most recent PHO announcement.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions#changes
Update: Jan 21st, 2022 – Block 2, Return To In Person Teaching and Classes
Our COVID-19 Taskforce has been closely monitoring the BC Public Health advisories pertaining to COVID-19 and adjusting our plans, as needed, to protect the health and safety of the Quest community.
Given the recent update from the Public Health Office, which did not include new directives for universities, we have decided to return to in-person teaching and learning on Monday, February 7, 2022, the first day of the second block of our Spring term. While our intent is to resume classes on campus, some courses may be delivered online during block two. Specific course information will be provided by the Office of the Academic Dean.
I know that for some of you, a return to in-person classes is a circumstance of some concern. Many of us return to our families each evening and what we do during the day has potential effects at home. Our commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of our university community continues to guide all our decisions. We have given priority to what we consider to be in the best interest of our students. The conversations, learning, and relationship-building that happens on the campus and in our classrooms, is what makes Quest unique. In-person interactions and engagement supports the mental health of our students.
As we return to in-person learning, your continued commitment to campus health and safety is essential. Please continue to adhere to the Public Health guidelines, including wearing masks while indoors on the campus. If you experience COVID-like symptoms (even mild ones), please stay home and isolate for 5 days regardless of whether you receive a positive test for COVID-19, and contact your tutor and Student Life. Together we can continue to ensure our campus community’s health, and well-being.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation during these challenging times.
Please do not hesitate to contact our COVID-19 Taskforce if you have any questions or concerns.
Update: Jan 04th, 2022 – Block 1 Classes Move Online
With the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and our public health teams, Quest is planning for a return to campus for our students, staff and faculty on January 8th, with a return to classes on January 10th.
The health and wellbeing of the Quest community remains our first priority. Over the winter break, the Quest COVID-19 Task Force, the Executive Team and the Board of Directors have been closely monitoring the current situation in the province, reflecting on our unique situation at Quest and planning for a safe return for all.
Given the distance many of our students travel to get back to Quest campus, the rapidly evolving challenges associated with the Omicron variant and the impact on students missing classes in our block system, Quest will move Block 1 courses online. This decision will provide space for students travelling to campus to continue their studies if they are asked to isolate. It allows students to rejoin their community on campus and get back to learning together with no delay in your studies.
Classes will begin as scheduled on January 10th with instruction provided online for all of 1st Block. Residence, the Meal Hall, the Library and other campus spaces will remain open to students. We welcome all students to move back to campus. Our intention is to move into in person learning for Block 2. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will update the community by January 24th if anything changes for Block 2 and beyond.
Detailed communication will be sent to students living on campus to answer any questions you may have. Move in will be January 8th as per the original plan. We encourage our community to move back to campus and settle back in with the community.
For health and COVID-19 vaccine-related guidance, you should visit the Health guidance and vaccines section. Students travelling to Canada/Quest should stay current regarding the Canadian governments requirements for COVID 19 testing, quarantine and border requirements. https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid
Please see below for a full Q&A – for any further questions, please contact:
Housing: Housing@questu.ca
Residence Life: Julie.miller@questu.ca
Academics: academicdean@questu.ca
Update: May, 2021
- Quest is planning a return to campus for Fall 2021.
- Quest is in Level II of Campus Operations, with the campus closed to all but essential staff.
- Quest requires everyone to wear a mask while on the campus, unless they are alone in their private workspace.
- All those working from campus must complete a daily health check before entering campus buildings.
- See our updated COVID-19 Safety Plan for more details on measures being implemented on Quest’s campus.
Update: March 8, 2021
B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, advised post-secondary institutions to begin planning for a full return to on-campus teaching, learning and research in September 2021. It is very important for everyone’s health and well-being to get back on campus. Dr. Henry expressed deep confidence that the combination of mass immunization contributing to community immunity, the application of revised health and safety protocols, and the regular review and updating of multilayered institutional safety plans will support the safe resumption of on-campus activities.
Quest’s top priorities remain ensuring a high-quality academic and student experience and safeguarding the health and wellness of our community members.
Following the COVID-19 Go-Forward Guidelines for B.C.’s Post-Secondary Sector and the COVID-19 Return to Campus Primer provided by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Training; consultation with local public health officials; and dialogue with our Quest community, Quest has designed prevention and response measures to support the re-opening of campus residences and the gradual increase of in-person teaching, learning, and administrative and support services.
Flexibility and adaptability based on scientific evidence and epidemiology to manage the COVID-19 virus will continue to be important as Quest returns to on-campus activities. Quest will continue to demonstrate flexibility. We will be responsive to the needs of those students who may face barriers to returning to campus and we will continue to adapt our planning to align with the evolving COVID-19 public health information and direction.
The COVID-19 Safety Plan is a detailed and living document outlining Quest’s COVID-19 health and safety measures and plans.
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