British Columbia Colleges and Universities Planning to Return to Campus as Guidelines Announced

Source: CBC News, the Government of British Columbia

As more Canadians get vaccinated to receive increased protection against the coronavirus, higher education institutions across the province of British Columbia are planning to welcome students, faculty, and staff back to their campuses for the Fall 2021 semester.

Post-secondary schools eye return to normal as B.C. government releases return-to-campus guidelines https://t.co/Vy9mL5JQnt

— CBC British Columbia (@cbcnewsbc) July 6, 2021

The provincial government is on track to remove the majority of their COVID-19 restrictions by early September. This means that schools will no longer need to have specific plans for how to handle potential COVID outbreaks. They will also be able to host students in residency without any limits on occupancy. Classes will be taught in person and masks will not be mandated as campuses all expect to return to what they were like before the pandemic.

For more than a year, we’ve kept our distance, stayed isolated, and confined to our bubbles. When we return to campus this fall, physical distancing won’t be required. However, some may be more comfortable with a bit more space between us. Watch: #ThisIsUNBC pic.twitter.com/xWXlXLHI0K

— University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) (@UNBC) July 19, 2021

This is wonderful news to those looking to regain a sense of normalcy after the last year and a half. However it is understandable that some individuals may be hesitant about physically returning to class. President of Camosun College Sherri Bell stated, “While some people may be a little nervous as well as excited, the health, safety and well-being of employees, students and campus visitors remains the priority.”