COVID-19 Update – Return-to-Campus Guidelines Update + Border Crossing Requirements: Limited exceptions to border measures in British Columbia
Please note the following COVID-19 updates for December 22, 2021:
COVID-19 Return-to-Campus Guidelines Update:
An updated version of the COVID-19 Return-to-Campus Guidelines (“the RTC Guidelines”) was released today to reflect evolving public health guidance.
The December 22, 2021 version includes:
· New content: December 21, 2021 Guidance from BC’s Provincial Health Officer: Rationale and recommendation to continue on-campus instruction for post-secondary institutions in January 2022 (attachment 3).
· Updated BCCDC Return to Campus Public Health Guidance to provide clarity on unimmunized individuals (Attachment 2).
The RTC Guidelines will continue to be updated periodically, as necessary, to align with evolving guidance.
Border Crossing Requirements: Limited exceptions to border measures in British Columbia
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) sent out a news release and associated social media posts which includes information on the limited exceptions to the border measures related to the flooding in B.C. (Links below).
As of December 21, unless specifically exempted, all travellers must take a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test before arriving in Canada, regardless of how long they were away.
· Tests taken in-Canada will no longer be accepted. The pre-entry test must be performed in a country other than Canada within 72 hours of arrival at the land border or within 72 hours of a scheduled flight departure.
· Travellers must either have a negative pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test result taken no more than 72 hours before arriving in Canada or a previous positive test result taken between 14 and 180 days before departure to Canada.
· Antigen tests, often called “rapid tests” are not accepted.
In British Columbia: Given the ongoing situation in British Columbia, certain fully vaccinated B.C. residents will not have to take a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test before coming back to Canada. This refers to residents who must travel to the U.S. by land to access or purchase goods or services, and who are absent from Canada for no more than 24 hours. Those who attend social visits, events or functions are not exempt from the pre-arrival testing requirement. All travellers must continue to submit their mandatory information in ArriveCAN.
English: Travel Advisory: Limited exceptions to border measures in British Columbia – Canada.ca
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:
· COVID-19 Return-to-Campus Guidelines are hosted on government’s public website.
· Guidance and recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer are available online at the COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information website.
· If you require advice regarding a potential COVID-19 case, please contact your local Medical Health Officer.
· WorksafeBC guidance is available on communicable disease prevention plans.
