COVID-19 Update – Nov 26 2020 – Mask Requirements; Daily Screening of Workers; PPE supplies; and Go Forward Plan
Good day everyone,
Please note the following COVID-19 updates for November 26, 2020:
Non-medical mask requirements in all indoor public settings and workplaces
November 24th an Order in Council (OIC) and Ministerial Order were issued as the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced alignment of the Province’s measures under the Emergency Program Act with the Provincial Health Officer’s (PHO) guidance, mandating that masks must be worn in indoor public places.
· Masks are required in all indoor public spaces, including in all post-secondary institutions where people circulate freely, such as hallways, stairwells, elevators, etc. but they are not mandatory in non-public areas such areas as classrooms and enclosed office spaces where individuals can maintain physical distancing.
· Post-secondary institutions may implement more stringent mask requirements based on their individual situations.
· The mask requirement does not apply to people unable to wear a mask or put on or remove a mask on their own.
Clarification on daily COVID-19 health screening – WorkSafe BC Requirement
All employers, including post-secondary Institutions, have an accountability to ensure that every worker performs a daily COVID-19 health check before entering the workplace.
· Health checks are mandatory self-assessments conducted by workers (not by the employer). Workers are to confirm with their employer, in written or verbal format, that they have reviewed the complete list of entry requirements (included on this COVID-19 entry check poster) and that none of the prohibited criteria apply to them for that day.
· It will be up to individual institutions on how best to implement. However, the WorkSafeBC website provides a number of examples for consideration.
Evolving PHO guidance
Please note that the latest guidance and recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer are available online at the COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information website.
The Go Forward Guidelines for BC’s Post-Secondary Sector are being updated to reflecting the evolving PHO guidance.
Please cross-reference both locations for the most current guidance and information.
Thank you for the important role you play in supporting the provincial COVID-19 response. Please share this update broadly within your respective institutions.
COVID-19 Resources:
If you require advice regarding a potential COVID-19 case, please contact your local Medical Health Officer.
