From Catherine Dauvergne | SFU’s COVID-19 safety measures for Spring Term 2021
This message is sent on behalf of Catherine Dauvergne, vice-president, academic and provost. It has been sent to all faculty and staff.
Spring 2021 may still look different than we imagined, but we are committed to moving forward and keeping the health and safety of the community our top priority. We continue to closely follow the direction of the BC Provincial Health Officer in our response to COVID-19. Last week, Dr. Henry extended the Public Health Orders currently in place until Feb 5, 2021, including restrictions on travel, social gatherings as well as the requirement to wear masks in all public indoor spaces. As a result, we will continue to operate at HIGH (H1) on the COVID-19 Impact Scale.
The key safety measures in place at HIGH (H1) include:
- Only essential on-campus research, teaching and services may be conducted at this time with a university-approved Safety Plan. Visit the SRS website for a Step-By-Step Guide to Working on Campus.
- Essential in-person instruction must be approved by the faculty.
- Supervisors are asked to accommodate staff to work remotely unless their work is related to essential on-campus research, teaching or service.
- Masks are required to be worn in all indoor common areas. Masks are also required in shared study, work and research spaces where there is more than one person present in the space.
- No in-person meetings, events or programs, except some essential academic meetings with approval, can proceed at this time.
- Non-essential travel outside of Vancouver and Fraser Health regions should be avoided. Travel for essential on-campus work is permitted.
- Limited study spaces remain open for individual use only.
- Access to campus buildings is limited to students, faculty and staff with an SFU ID as well as to approved contractors. Visit the SRS website for more information.
- Additional cleaning measures are in place on campuses to ensure high-touch points are disinfected regularly.
All faculty, staff and students returning to campus must complete COVID-19 safety training and daily self-assessments
- Faculty and staff Canvas module – COVID-19 Awareness and Safe Return to Work Training
- Student Canvas module - COVID-19 Awareness for Students
- A daily self-assessment is required before arriving to campus using BC’s Self-Assessment Tool. If the assessment identifies that you have possible symptoms, do not come to campus and contact your supervisor.
Campus services
Visit the COVID-19 Campus Services page for information on how to access services including student supports, the Library, food services and more.
What happens if Provincial Health Orders change?
We assess them against the safety measures in place and will inform the community if the COVID-19 Impact Scale and safety measures change.
Safety is a shared responsibility of our community
It’s important that we all do our part to take care of each other at this time. These restrictions are to comply with the regulatory requirements of BC’s Public Health Orders and they must be followed.
Thank you for ensuring our community stays healthy and safe so we can continue to do what we do best, deliver exceptional teaching and research.
Have questions?
Email covid19@sfu.ca
Learn more
- Read the SFU COVID-19 Go-Forward Plan for more details about the safety measures in place.
- Visit SFU’s COVID-19 FAQs for the latest info for the community, faculty, students and staff.
Catherine Dauvergne
Vice-President, Academic and Provost
Simon Fraser University