COVID-19
Latest News
VanArts is currently offering our programs in-person on campus, and has a safety plan in place. Game Art & Design, Visual Effects, and Web Development & Design programs have an option for online study. All other programs are in-person only.
PHO Announces Removal of Mask Mandate – March 10, 2022
Starting March 11, 2022 at 12:01 am, because of B.C.’s lowered hospitalization and transmission rates, many activities can return to normal:
- Masks no longer required in public indoor settings under a public health order
- Masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries, but not required
- Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises
- Masks are still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel
The decision to continue wearing a mask will be at the discretion of each individual. The removal of more restrictions is expected April 8, 2022.
For more information, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions
Letter from Dr. Bonnie Henry – January 21, 2022:
Dr. Henry, the BC Provincial Health Officer (PHO) responsible for directing our province’s COVID-19 response, sent a letter to post-secondary institutions strongly recommending the continuation of on-campus instruction, even during the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and the emergence of the omicron variant.
The letter stated that their “advice strongly recommending the continuation of on-campus instruction at post-secondary institutions is rooted in the goals of pandemic response, which are to reduce serious illness and death, protect the health care system and minimize societal disruption.” Dr. Henry noted that they “continue to see lower rates of COVID-19 incidence in the post-secondary population, and this reflects the high vaccination rates and comprehensive safety measures in place.”
VanArts continues to align our COVID-19 response with the PHO’s recommendations and we are delivering in-person instruction where possible.
International Student Travel Update – January 15, 2022:
Effective January 15, 2022, all travellers to Canada must be fully vaccinated, with very limited exemptions.
For more details, visit our International Student Travel & Quarantine page.
COVID-19 updates – August 25, 2021:
VanArts is excited to announce a return to in-person instruction for all programs starting September 7, 2021.
The option to attend online will continue to be offered for Game Art & Design, Visual Effects for Film & TV, and Web Development & Digital Design.
Though we expect most of our COVID-19 restrictions to be eased over the coming months and lifted entirely in September, we will continue to support any students and staff unable to travel or needing to isolate themselves to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
Communicable Disease Prevention Protocols (starting September 7, 2021)
- Students and staff are to:
- Conduct daily health checks,
- Remain or go home if they have any symptoms of a communicable disease (e.g., fever, chills, new or worsening cough, sore throat, diarrhea) and get tested,
- wash/sanitize their hands upon arrival to school and frequently thereafter, and
- wash/sanitize their hands before/after using shared equipment;
- Wearing masks is required (per public health order effective August 25, 2021);
- Vaccination for COVID-19 (and other communicable diseases) is expected;
- Hand sanitizer is to remain available for student and staff use; and
- Cleaners are to continue regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces.
These new protocols have been developed in accordance with BC’s Restart Plan (developed by the Office of the Provincial Health Officer), the COVID-19 Return-to-Campus Guidelines (produced by BC Post-Secondary Institutions with the support of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training), and Communicable disease prevention: A guide for employers (from WorkSafe BC).
VanArts is committed to the safety of our students, staff, and guests. We will continue to monitor and review health notices issued for our region and additional safety measures may be implemented under the guidance of public health officials during periods of elevated risk.
Government of Canada easing restrictions on international travel
Starting July 5, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers who meet specific conditions may qualify for certain exemptions to quarantine and testing requirements. Please consult the Government of Canada website for full details and use their ‘travel wizard’ to find out if you can enter Canada.
If you do need to follow quarantine and testing requirements, more details may be found on our International Student Travel & Quarantine page.
Safety Plan, Outbreak Response, and Quarantine Information
Following WorkSafeBC’s guidelines on planning for COVID-19 preparedness, and in accordance with the BC Restart Plan and Go-Forward Guidelines, a review has been conducted of risks of exposure or transmission at the school. We have developed and implemented protective measures and policies to mitigate those risks.
We’ve also developed a robust case management and outbreak response plan that is initiated in the event any suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 is reported within the VanArts community.
For international students travelling to Canada, any family accompanying them, or anyone returning to Canada from abroad, it is required they quarantine/self-isolate for 14 days immediately upon arrival to Canada in order to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This requirement is enforceable by emergency orders under the Quarantine Act.
Additional Resources
For all students, please check the sites linked from the page below for up to date information and alerts from the Provincial and Federal governments.