Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, QUSA's plans for 2020-21 focus on protecting the health of our community while delivering any kind of support and remaining a valued student government in our small community.

Recent Updates for the Quest Community (Sept 2020)

There is debate among epidemiologists whether the novel coronavirus is airborne and, if it is, if the airborne route is an important source of infection. The science keeps evolving, so please stay current. Public health officials are advising caution as British Columbia continues with its phased reopening. We are currently in Phase 3. Stay up to date on BC’s Restart Plan.

If you need help or if you can help others (e.g, with supplies, masks, groceries, other assistance), visit the Sea-to-Sky Covid-19 Mutual Aid Facebook group created by a visiting tutor, Tobias van Veen.

The US-Canada land border is closed to all but essential travel and may remain closed for an extended period. International students are able to enter Canada and are expected to honour the Quarantine Act.

Travel restrictions are in place for people who exhibit any symptoms.

Quest's Phase 1 Exposure Control Plan

https://questu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Quest_ECP-Phase-I_Final.pdf

Student Information

ACADEMICS AND EVENTS

• We will begin the Fall term with remote learning.
• 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.

ADDITIONAL

• Quest 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.

Guidelines on Prevention and Social Responsibility

• 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.

Resources

Covid-19 Quick Sheet: Government of Canada Announcements

Covid-19 self-assessment tool

Vancouver Coastal Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Info sheet for students with a guard.me policy (March 6)

Revised Equitable Life policy on travel coverage (March 17)

Toll-free Government of Canada info line: 1.833.784.4397