Our Strategy
As we move through this unprecedented time our focus at residence has remained to provide a safe environment for our students to study, engage and live.
All students and guests are required to stay up to date and follow the recommendations set out by the University, Student Residences and the Province of British Columbia as we progress through this epidemic.
Please see the most updated info at: COVID-19 measures, updates, and guidance issued by Transport Canada
As of March 25, 2020, it is mandatory that anyone arriving in British Columbia from outside of Canada self-isolates and monitors their symptoms for 14 days.
COVID-19 Information
The Government of Canada has announced that, effective January 7, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. EST, all air passengers five years of age or older will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling from another country into Canada. Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to the traveller’s scheduled departure to Canada. Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine. For more information, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website, which includes information about travel and the Quarantine Act.
Arriving from out of Country? You Must Quarantine
If you are traveling here from outside of Canada you will be required to quarantine & self isolate, we can help you with that. Apply here.
Our residence quarantine intake space is limited. You must check availability before you book your travel to Canada.
Other VIU Self-Isolation Information & Resources
As of March 25, 2020, the Canadian Government enacted the Quarantine Act which requires all travellers to Canada to self-isolate for 14 days. Please visit the VIU Self-Isolation Information & Resources page. There you will find helpful information on arranging quarantine (self-isolation) should you decide to come to Canada to continue – or begin – your studies at VIU.
The VIU Self-Isolation Information & Resources page includes important information regarding Federal and Provincial legal requirements and VIU’s expectations regarding Quarantine (Self-isolation). The page will be updated with current immigration information, COVID-19 expectations, pre-arrival planning, travel requirements, accommodation options, and more. Please carefully read this guide so you are aware of the information/documents that you must submit to VIU and to Canadian Government agencies.
The Government of Canada has announced that, effective January 7, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. EST, all air passengers five years of age or older will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling from another country into Canada. Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to the traveller’s scheduled departure to Canada. Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine. For more information, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website, which includes information about travel and the Quarantine Act.
Close Contact & Self-Isolation in Residence
For more information on what to do when you are considered a Close Contact for someone who has tested positive for COVID or to see what your Self-Isolation options are while you are in Residence follow this link.
Masks - Proper Material, Structure and Fit
Masks must be worn in all shared and common spaces on Residence. Well-designed and well-fitting masks or face coverings can prevent the spread of your infectious respiratory droplets. They may also help protect you from the infectious respiratory droplets of others.
How well a mask or face covering works depends on the materials used, how the mask is made, and most importantly, how well it fits.
A mask or face covering can be homemade or purchased, and should:
- Be made of at least 3 layers
- 2 layers should be tightly woven material fabric, such as cotton or linen
- The third (middle) layer should be a filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene fabric
- Be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping
- Allow for easy breathing
- Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops
- Be comfortable and not require frequent adjustments
- Be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty
- Maintain its shape after washing and drying
Filters
Filters add an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 by trapping small infectious particles. Consider wearing a mask that includes a filter or filter material as one of its layers, such as:
- Non-woven polypropylene fabric, which can be found as:
- A craft fabric
- The non-woven fabric that's used to make some reusable shopping bags
- A disposable filter inserted into a pocket on the mask
Check out how to make your own face covering with a filter.
Reusable masks with a non-woven filter layer should be washed daily, and can be washed multiple times. Disposable filters should be changed daily or as directed by the manufacturer.
COVID-19 : How We Are Adapting to Be Safe
We are still have rooms and are accepting applications for Fall 2020. For more information on our Covid-19 plan look below at the
