Covid-19 Updates

• 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

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

Vancouver Coastal Health

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