Brighton College COVID-19 Safety Plan

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Opening Safety Message

Brighton College recognizes that these are challenging times for all students, particularly those who are arriving from other countries to study in Canada. While our institution is not currently offering in-person, face-to-face classes, we have developed a comprehensive plan to operate our school facilities based on the guidelines provided by Work Safe BC COVID-19 Safety Plan and in compliance with all Government of Canada Guidance for post-secondary institutions during the Covid-19 pandemic guidelines and as published in the COVID-19 Go Forward Guidelines for BC’s Post-Secondary Sector.

We are continually monitoring these procedures to update and revise our strategies for the health and safety of the school’s students, staff, and faculty. Our plan is flexible and adaptable to changes in government policy, and the students’ demographic and social conditions.

Brighton College has developed a COVID-19 Safety plan that outlines the policies, guidelines, and procedures that everyone must follow to keep faculty, staff, and students safe and to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This plan was developed according to procedures required by the Provincial Health Officer, to protect our students, faculty, staff, and those with whom we must interact daily.

The development of this plan follows WorkSafeBC’s six-step process.

  • Assessment of the risks in our workplace
  • Implementation of Protocols to reduce risks
    • Elimination by limiting the number of persons in the workplace
      • Establishing Occupancy Limits for all workplaces
      • Ensuring 2 m separation of workers from:
        • Coworkers
        • Students
        • Members of the public
    • Installation of plexiglass barriers where necessary to separate people
      • Front Desk Reception
      • Workstations that cannot be socially distanced
    • Administrative Controls
      • Established rules and guidelines including
        • Posted occupancy limits for:
          • Shared spaces
        • Designated Delivery areas
    • Personal Protective Equipment
      • Masks are always required to be worn on school premises


COVID-19 Safety Plan Overview

Scope

The COVID-19 Safety Plan applies to all students, staff, faculty, contractors, and sub-contractors working for or on behalf of Brighton College (“Brighton” or “the College”). For this document, any person working in the employ of Brighton will be referred to as “worker”.

Purpose

Brighton College is committed to providing all students and workers, with a safe and healthy work environment. By providing the resources needed and by cultivating a culture of health and safety, through established procedures and protocols Brighton will adhere to the requirements of WorkSafeBC’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations including those related to COVID-19.

Through a combination of preventative measures and effective control techniques, the College will minimize its exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. This will be established and communicated to the College’s community through safe work procedures, training, and awareness campaigns. The College will follow direction and controls as specified by the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), the Ministry of Health, and the Provincial or Vancouver Coastal Health.

Definitions

BCCDC: British Columbia Centre for Disease.

Control COVID-19: A mild to severe respiratory illness that is caused by a coronavirus. It is transmitted chiefly by contact with infectious material (such as respiratory droplets), and is characterized especially by fever, cough, and shortness of breath and may progress to pneumonia and respiratory failure. Also known as SARS-CoV-2 or the coronavirus.

EFAP: Employee and Family Assistance Program

Influenza: A common respiratory disease caused by a highly contagious virus that changes slightly from year to year and has symptoms similar to COVID-19.

MHO: Medical Health Officer

N95 Respirator: A personal breathing device (respirator) that provides a barrier to protect workers from a variety of communicable diseases (airborne and droplet).

Pandemic: An epidemic over a wide geographical area or even throughout the world.

PHO: Provincial Health Officer

Physical/Social Distancing: Maintaining 2 metres/6 feet between people.

SUPERVISOR: Any person, who instructs, controls or directs a Worker or Student in the course of their work, regardless of title.

SWP: Safe Work Procedure

WHO: World Health Organization

Responsibilities

Brighton College

  • Ensure that the cleaning and sanitizing supplies, PPE, and other resources needed to implement this plan are readily available as required and as determined by departmental risk assessments. If any of these resources become unavailable, Brighton will advise the appropriate emergency agency and re-evaluate this plan and the ability to continue to conduct activities that rely on those supplies for safe operation.
  • Select, implement, and document the appropriate site or scenario-specific control measures.
  • Ensure that workers are educated and trained to an acceptable level of competency.
  • Ensure that employees use appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Conduct a periodic review of the plan’s effectiveness.
  • Maintain records, as necessary.
  • Ensure that a copy of the exposure control plan is available to all Workers.
  • Through the Health and Safety Committee modify service models and levels, using a risk-based approach, unless otherwise ordered by the national, provincial, or local health authorities.

Health and Safety

  • Review and update the Brighton COVID-19 Safety Plan, as necessary.
  • Support the development of support resources (such as Brighton support resources).
  • Assist with the risk assessment process and consult on risk controls, as needed.
  • Ensure a system for documenting instruction, training, and fit testing isin place.

Supervisors

  • Assess the risk(s) related to COVID-19 for the positions under their supervision.
  • Ensure that awareness and information resources are shared with Workers.
  • Ensure that training, Safe Work Protocols, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other equipment are provided.
  • Ensure Workers have been trained on the selection, care, maintenance and use of any PPE.
  • Direct work in a manner that eliminates and, if not possible, minimizes the risk to Workers.
  • Ensure Workers follow safe work procedures and use PPE.
  • Share information regarding worker concerns with their department manager.

Workers

  • Read awareness and information resources, ask questions, and follow-up with the Supervisor to ensure understanding and adherence
  • Take part in the training and instruction provided by the College.
  • Review and follow related safe work procedures.
  • Selection, care, maintenance, and use of any assigned PPE as trained and instructed.
  • Understand how exposure can occur and when and how to report exposure incidents.
  • Contact 8-1-1 as appropriate and follow the directions of Vancouver Coastal Health and/or the Provincial MHO.


COVID-19 Safety Plan for Brighton College – Burnaby

Our campus and all in-person facilities and services are currently closed to students, and all interaction with them is and will remain virtual, with rare exceptions. This plan deals with the procedures related to workers’ occasional interactions with students on campus. In this case, students will attend our campus only by previously arranged appointment. The staff will be present at the college according to schedules that are designed to limit face to face interaction.

This plan also deals with incoming students arriving from international countries and their health assessment monitoring and clearance. It reduces the risk of infection to students and their inbound communities and it protects any faculty and staff who might need to interact with the incoming students on a face to face basis. If students do arrive experiencing symptoms or develop symptoms during their attendance at Brighton College, our comprehensive action plan provides communication and support to help them both physically and academically. Following the guidelines of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, and the B.C. Ministry of Health, we have outlined precautionary measures needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

These measures include:
  • Effective cleaning procedures
  • Protocols limiting in person interaction and to ensure social distancing
  • Mandatory wearing of masks on campus
  • Procedures and protocols to deal with any outbreak on campus

Brighton College anticipates that all instruction will be offered virtually until the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. No in-person classes or services will be offered while the threat of the pandemic remains. Most school documents and textbooks will be provided in digital format or via links sent by email. When necessary, physically distanced document pickup from the college may be arranged by appointment. This COVID-19 safety plan covers the protocols for the staff, faculty, and the students, as they work and learn remotely.

Currently and for the foreseeable future, all classes at Brighton College will be offered virtually. Most staff and faculty are working from home, interacting with each other and with the students by telephone or via online meeting software. A very limited number of workers (less than 5 at a time) are on campus and these, only as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

All staff, faculty, and students are responsible for safely conducting themselves to protect the communities in which they are involved. Brighton College is committed to maintaining informed best practices and educating its community members regarding changes to ministerial and provincial guidelines and mandates, at all times. The assignment of duties and responsibilities is as follows:

  • This plan was developed in coordination with the Director of Operations and Student Services staff and will be continued to be updated accordingly.
  • Faculty education plans are in place, to inform students of best safety practices and college response mechanisms.
  • The Director of Operations ensures that incoming numbers of international students and cases of COVID-19 are reported weekly to the Ministry of Advanced Education Skills and Training.
  • The Facilities staff ensures that the necessary signs are posted, and all staff are trained on best safety practices and procedures.
  • Custodians are responsible for thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

All staff and faculty are committed to reducing the risk of COVID-19 through education protocols and monitoring of the college website for updates to COVID-19 best practices.

Risk Identification and Assessment COVID -19

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a global pandemic and a public health emergency in British Columbia. This illness can lead to hospitalization and death. The effects of COVID-19 are expected to be much more severe than for seasonal influenza because most people will not have any immunity to the virus. Seniors and people with underlying health issues (including heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, and obesity) are at a higher risk of hospitalization and death, but young and healthy people are also at risk.

Symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms are likely to include fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and loss of smell. Other symptoms include fever, chills, shortness of breath, stuffy or runny nose, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Transmission

Exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 can occur by:

  • Breathing droplets in the air that are generated when people cough or sneeze or speak.
  • Close contact with other people (shaking hands or hugging).
  • Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, mouth or eyes.
  • Surface to surface transfer may occur by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching another surface

The risk of person-to-person transmission is increased in direct proportion to the number of other people you interact with, the closer you come to these people, and the length of time you spend near them. The risk of surface transmission increases when many people contact the same surface and when those contacts happen within short periods.

COVID-19 can be transmitted even by people who are not displaying symptoms of the disease. People who may be infected with COVID-19 should not come to work. This includes people who:

  • Have or have had symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 10 days.
  • Have travelled outside of Canada within the previous 14 days.
  • Live with or have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 (presumed or confirmed) within the past 14 days.

Process of Assessment

  • We have involved frontline workers, supervisors, and the joint health and safety committee to assess the risks on campus.
    • Our frontline workers are the Receptionists and Custodians.
    • Our supervisors are the Director of Operations, Campus Manager and Enrollment Manager.
    • The Health and Safety Committee is composed of supervisors and frontline workers. This committee is involved directly with the development of the COVID-19 Safety Plan
  • We have identified areas where people gather (common areas, offices break rooms and meeting rooms)
  • We have identified job tasks and processes where workers might need to be close to one another, or members of the public, and have completed risk assessments for these areas.
  • We have identified the equipment that staff and students share and have removed some common touchpoints where possible.

We have identified surfaces that people touch often (doorknobs, elevator buttons, light switches), and we have regular cleaning protocol in place.

Protocols to Reduce Risks

We have selected and implemented protocols to minimize the risks of transmission, and looked to the following for information, input, and guidance:

  • We have reviewed industry-specific workplace protocols on worksafebc.com to determine relevance to the campus environment.
  • We have consulted frontline workers, supervisors, and the joint health/safety committee for input.
  • We are following the orders, guidance, and notices issued by the Provincial Health Offices and others.
  • We have reviewed guidelines from health and safety associations or other professional and industry associations.
  • As per the November 7th Provincial Health Officer’s directive, any staff that steps onto campus will complete an active daily in-person screening by our Director of Operations, Polly Zheng, until further notice.

Different protocols offer different levels of protection. Wherever possible, Brighton College will use the protocol that offers the highest level of protection. We will consider controls from additional levels if the first level is not practicable or does not completely control the risk. We have incorporated controls from various levels to address the risk at the workplace.

Risk Assessment

RISK LEVEL LOW RISK MODERATE RISK
EXPOSURE CONTROL Workers who typically have no contact with infected people. Workers who may be exposed to infected people from time to time in relatively large, well ventilated areas
HAND HYGIENE Washing with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, or using hand wipes that contain effective disinfectant Washing with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, or using hand wipes that contain effective disinfectant
DISPOSABLE GLOVES NOT REQUIRED NOT REQUIRED, unless handling contaminated objects on a regular basis
MASKS Mandatory Mask Wearing requirement on Premises Mandatory Mask Wearing requirement on Premises

Elimination

Limit the number of people at the campus and ensure physical distancing whenever possible.

  • We have established and posted an occupancy limit for all rooms throughout our premises. Limiting the number of people in the workplace is an important way to ensure physical distancing is maintained. At least 5 square metres of unencumbered floor space per person allows for variation depending on the size of the facility. This is a sensible approach for determining maximum capacity.
  • To reduce the number of people at the campus, we have implemented work-from-home arrangements for all staff and faculty. Students also complete coursework and access college services from home. We also reduce in-person interaction by using virtual meetings, by rescheduling work tasks, and by limiting the number of customers and visitors in the workplace through the requirement of previously arranged appointments for on-campus visits.
  • We have established and posted occupancy limits for common areas such as break rooms, meeting rooms, washrooms, and elevators.
  • We have implemented measures to keep workers and others at least 2 metres apart wherever possible. Options include revising work schedules and reorganizing work tasks.

Measures in place

Control measures for maintaining distance at the campus

  • Staff work from home whenever possible.
  • We require all staff, students, and faculty to always wear a mask or face covering while on campus.
  • Meetings and tasks completed in each department are encouraged to be virtual.
  • Faculty are teaching courses virtually. All students have virtual access to complete coursework and access college services through various digital services.
  • Students can attend campus by appointment only and they must follow strict protocols on physical distancing and cleaning and disinfecting while on campus.
  • Campus facilities are restricted to only those who need to access the campus. Alternating schedules are in place for those working on campus. The front doors remain closed to the public. Visitors to the campus, unless necessary, are prohibited.
  • Occupancy limits are posted on every door to control the number of people in one room.
  • In-person events (such as convocation) are conducted virtually.
  • To reduce crowding in common areas, furniture has been removed or designated with a sign “do not use”.
  • Washrooms have designated floor markers to control spacing within line ups.


Engineering Controls

Barriers and partitions

  • We have installed barriers where workers cannot keep physically distant from co-workers, students, and others.
  • We have included barrier cleaning in our cleaning protocols.
  • We have safely installed the barriers, so they do not introduce other risks to workers.

Measures in place

  • Plexiglass barriers have been installed at the front desk area, and in offices offering services to students.
  • Masks and gloves are readily available to all staff.
  • We require all staff, students, and faculty to always wear a mask or face covering while on campus.
  • Hand sanitizer (most containing ethyl alcohol) is purchased according to official guidelines, and readily available throughout the campus along with sanitizer wipes or spray.
  • HVAC filters in place are of MERV-13 standard or higher, to reduce airborne particles and viruses.

Rules and guidelines

  • We have identified rules and guidelines for how workers should conduct themselves.
  • We have communicated these rules and guidelines to workers through combined training and signs.

Measures in place

  • Staff invited to campus for meetings have been advised to follow the safety protocols and wear a mask when inside, and wash hands/use hand sanitizer.
  • All staff, faculty, and students on campus must complete COVID-19 safety protocol training.
  • All staff, faculty, and students must self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms regularly.
  • We have signage posted throughout with communication on handwashing, cleaning, physical distancing, self-assessing using the BC thrive Health app.
  • Staff and faculty wipe down high-touch surfaces before use and supplies are available for this.
  • Staff and faculty on campus are required to check-in each day they enter the campus.
  • Students’ on-campus attendance is tracked electronically.
  • Risk assessments have been completed for each department or course requiring physical presence on campus.

Rule of Masks

Mandatory use of masks on campus in addition to other control measures

  • We have reviewed the information on selecting and using masks, and instructions on how to use a mask.
  • We understand the limitations of masks to protect the wearer from respiratory droplets. We understand that masks should only be considered when other control measures cannot be implemented.
  • We have trained workers in the proper use of masks.

Measures in place:

  • Wearing masks is mandatory at all times, except during the consumption of food and beverage.
  • Masks can be medical/non-medical disposable or made of cloth.
  • Masks must cover both the nose and mouth of the wearer.
  • Workers must complete mask training on the safe and proper use of masks.

Other Control Measures

Reduction of risk of surface transmission through the implementation of effective cleaning and hygiene practices including:
  • We have reviewed the information on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
  • Our workplace has enough handwashing facilities on site for all our workers. Handwashing locations are visible and easily accessed.
  • We have policies that specify when workers must wash their hands and we have communicated good hygiene practices to workers.
  • Workers are advised that frequent handwashing and good hygiene practices are essential to reduce the spread of the virus.
  • We have implemented cleaning protocols for all common areas and surfaces (e.g. washrooms, tools, equipment, share tables, desks, light switches, door handles.) This includes the frequency that these items must be cleaned (number of times per day) as well as the timing (before and after shift, after lunch, after use).
  • Workers who are cleaning have adequate training and materials.
  • We have removed unnecessary tools and equipment to simplify the cleaning process (e.g. coffee makers, and shared utensils, and plates).

Cleaning Protocols

  • Cleaning supplies are provided throughout the campus.
  • Students and faculty will wipe down desks and chairs after use.
  • Cleaning protocol posters have been posted throughout the building.
  • We have a full-time custodian working from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm on campus. In addition to the regular cleaning duties, this custodian is responsible for cleaning the high-touch areas every 30 minutes, including the front desk where students come to pick up or drop off documents.
  • We have a part-time custodian on campus from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, responsible for cleaning all high touch areas, and washrooms.
  • After 5:00 pm, night cleaners are on campus for all common areas and washrooms.
  • Disinfectants are purchased according to official guidelines for disinfects for use against coronavirus.
    • Benzalkonium Chloride (Brand name: Lysol)
    • 5% hydrogen peroxide (Brand name: Oxivir)
    • Sodium Hypochlorite (Brand name: Clorox)


Policies

Our workplace policies ensure that workers and others showing symptoms of COVID-19 are prohibited from entering our campus. This includes:

  • Anyone who has had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 10 days. Symptoms include fever, chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and new muscle aches or headache.
  • Anyone directed by Public Health to self-isolate
  • Anyone who has arrived from outside of Canada or who has had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case must self isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.
  • Visitors are prohibited or limited in the workplace.
  • First aid attendants have been provided OFAA protocols for use during COVID-19 pandemic.
  • We have a “working alone” policy in place.
  • We have a “work from home” policy in place.
  • We ensure workers have the training and strategies required to assess the risk of violence as customers and members of the public adapt to restrictions or modifications in the workplace. An appropriate violence prevention program is in place.

Development of Symptoms on Campus

Our policy addresses staff, faculty, and students who may start to feel ill at work. If faculty, staff, or students develop symptoms while at the institution we will:

  • Expect them to report to first aid, even with mild symptoms
  • Separate the symptomatic individual from others in a supervised area and direct the symptomatic individual to return to their place of residence.
  • Transportation arrangements will be coordinated if required.
  • Staff will follow up with the individual to monitor their condition
  • The BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool should be consulted by the individual and if symptoms persist, the individual will be instructed to contact 8-1-1 or their local healthcare provider for further direction on testing and self-isolation.
  • If the individual is severely ill (difficulty breathing, chest pain), call 911.
  • Staff responsible for facility cleaning must clean and disinfect the space where the individual was separated and any areas used by them (e.g., classroom, bathroom, common areas).

Communication plans and training

We ensure that everyone entering the campus, including workers from other employers, knows how to keep themselves safe while on our premises.

  • Our training plan ensures all staff and faculty are trained in Brighton College policies and procedures.
  • All workers are aware of the Brighton College policies for staying home when sick.
  • We have posted signage at the workplace, including occupancy limits and effective hygiene practices.
  • We have posted signage at the main entrance indicating who is restricted from entering the premises, including visitors and workers with symptoms.
  • Supervisors have been trained on monitoring workers and the workplace to ensure policies and procedures are being followed.

Workplace Monitoring and Updating of Plans

The COVID-19 situation will change over time. However, employees and students will not return to campus under normal circumstances until the virus is no longer considered a threat. Brighton College will continue to monitor and identify any new areas of concern. Where necessary the college will take steps to update policies and procedures. College staff will be involved in this process.

  • We have a plan in place to monitor risks. We make changes to our policies and procedures, as necessary.
  • Workers know who to go to with health and safety concerns.
  • When resolving safety issues, we will involve a joint health and safety committee or worker health and safety representatives (or other workers).

Assessment of Risks from Ongoing Operations

We will continue to identify and manage risks as the campus continues limited operations.

We have a training plan for new staff and faculty.

We have a training plan taking on new roles or responsibilities.

We have a training plan around changes to our business, such as new equipment, processes, or products. We have reviewed the ongoing maintenance requirements for vehicles, equipment, and machinery that have been out of regular use.

Our campus facilities are maintained daily by custodians and building workers. Any arising safety concerns are brought to the facilities department and immediately addressed.


International Students

Incoming Response Procedure

Brighton College is following the guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. Monitoring for changes in these guidelines ensures the safety of its incoming international students both in advance of travel to Canada as well as on their arrival. Since many of our students are international, these policies apply widely and remain the focus of the institution.

Pre-Arrival

Upon registering with Brighton College, students and their co-arriving immediate family are provided with the Brighton College 14 Day self-isolation plan (see appendix 1). This plan is distributed before the international students’ departure from their home country and it is available on the college website.

Policy

  • outlines the responsibilities of the student upon arrival into Canada
  • provides the necessary procedures in terms of duty of care.

Measures in Place

Included in the pre-arrival package are instructions on how to complete the student’s self-isolation plan for presentation to CBSA and directions to the ArriveCAN download and installation.

Students are encouraged to contact Brighton College and are provided with direct contact numbers for the student services. They are also provided with extensions of the information available on the Brighton College Self-Isolation plan. Included here are guidelines on safe travel procedures from the port of entry to their place of isolation stressing the requirement to avoid public transit while connecting. While Brighton College does not provide transportation, instructions are included on how to connect to the many single-rider services (Uber, taxi) to avoid contact with Canadian society.

Entry Procedures for Canada

Travellers must provide a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before your scheduled departure.

As of February 22nd, 2021, all travellers arriving to Canada by air are also required to reserve a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel before their departure to Canada. Upon arrival to the airport, travellers will take a COVID-19 test before being able to leave to their 3-day stay location to await results of the arrival test.

The 3 days stay in a government-authorized hotel is required. The cost is expected to be around $2000 which includes the room, food, security, transportation, as well as infection prevention and control measures. Brighton College acknowledges that this is an additional expense that may be a burden to students. To financially help our international students, Brighton College is offering a grant of up to $2000 to full-time diploma students. Contact our Educational Advisor for more grant details.

Self-Isolation Plan

International students are provided with a detailed list and contact information for several prearranged accommodations that offer contactless check-in and that adhere to the Federal requirements for Quarantine and self-isolation. All efforts are made in advance to confirm that the student is bound for a private quarantine location that meets the requirements set out under 14-Day Quarantine Requirements. Arrangements are made before arrival and assessed to be acceptable by the Government of Canada at the time and point of entry. These procedures are explained to the student before arrival, as well as their significance and the consequences for failure to abide by these regulations.

Arrival

International travellers are required to take a COVID-19 molecular test upon arrival in Canada before exiting the airport. A 3 day stay in a government-authorized hotel is required until they receive clear test results. Then travellers can proceed to their designated quarantine location, as detailed in their self-isolation plan.

Before departing the airport, travellers will be given a take-home COVID-19 test to be taken on day 10 of their 14-day quarantine period. Once this test is cleared, they will have completed their mandatory quarantine protocol.

On arrival in Canada, students are required to connect immediately with Student Services, when possible in the student’s first language. The Student Services will update the student’s contact information and ensure compliance with all mandatory self-isolation procedures. Student Services will update the students’ profile, noting the place of isolation, mode of transportation, acknowledgment of any symptoms as well as the importance of registering for MSP.

Once isolated, Brighton College provides robust and consistent wellness checks throughout the students’ 14-day isolation. The current procedure includes contact by the Student Services Administrator every other day, by telephone when possible, during which students are questioned on:

  • Whether the student is exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 or is feeling unwell
  • Whether they have signed up for MSP as per the quarantine plan and instructional video
  • If there is anything that they are lacking in terms of necessities
  • If they have any general questions about Brighton College and their next steps

All efforts are made to ensure that the student is comfortable, has access to all necessary resources. We determine if there is any information that they require during this period – and when there are particular instances of need, the student services administrator offers specialized support such as grocery delivery and communication with various businesses on the student’s behalf.

Student Services connects with the student to confirm their physical wellbeing, questions about courses, and interaction with the institution. All incoming students are also contacted a minimum of twice, checking for feelings of anxiety, frustration. Every effort is made to mitigate any social barriers and to support student compliance with individual COVID-19 infection control practices. When there is a language barrier, students are guided to the Brighton College KeepMeSafe program and the mySSP app to receive 24 hour telephone access to clinical counsellors.

All wellness checks are recorded and held by the institution for Ministry reporting which, at the current time, occurs weekly. During these wellness checks, students are monitored for symptoms and provided with information on testing centers available to them locally. Notes on the student’s condition are scrupulously maintained, and any anomalies are immediately reported.

During isolation, all quarantined students are also contacted by Student Services to address any questions they have about the college and initiate social contact. We also encourage access to the college’s comprehensive manual of operations, conduct, policies, and classroom instructions.

On the conclusion of the student’s isolation, each student must visit a medical professional as defined by BC Health Authorities for screening and clearance – a list of locations is provided, and provisions for transportation are arranged for when necessary. To pass this final check, students must provide a photo or scanned evidence of being symptom-free, which is then retained by the college for potential future reference.

Continual Care

All international students, upon completing their isolation, are monitored for symptoms by the institution, and documentation is provided indicating contact information for Fraser Health Authorities. Students are educated through consistent updates to the College’s website and FAQ page for COVID-19, which outlines the various support services that are in place including mental, physical, and social care. All students who exhibit symptoms are instructed to immediately inform the institution and to follow Ministry guidelines for care and isolation.

Continuous Monitoring During Study: Response Procedures

Though Brighton College continues at this time to offer its courses solely online, all care is given to continually monitor student wellbeing in their homes or other places of residence. Health and safety instructions are communicated via consistent updates on the college website, through course syllabi, and the Health and Wellness communique. Students are required to report if they are developing symptoms of COVID-19, and when these symptoms are announced, college efforts are mobilized to assist the student and protect the community.

Verification and Assessment with COVID claims

When COVID-like symptoms, or COVID itself, are communicated to the institution via staff, faculty, or other persons, all student correspondence is redirected to Student Services for centralized response efforts. All students who self-report or who are identified by instructors as visibly exhibiting symptoms are recorded for continual assessment and to inform others, including Provincial health authorities, family, and other stakeholders as necessary.

Students who claim COVID-19 symptoms are followed up immediately by Student Services via telephone who then direct them to the nearest testing centre for assessment. Via eHealth (or other measures when not available), students are required to submit either positive or negative results, as and intentionally false claims of COVID-19 are met with behavioural misconduct measures. Once a case has been confirmed or denied, all instructors, college administration, and wellness officers are informed regarding the update. This list is reported at various administrative meetings.

Negative Outcomes

In the case of a negative outcome for COVID-19 testing, students are instructed to visit a local medical practitioner for regular treatment and are invited to access all college deferral and appeals processes that are available for those suffering from common ailments. The Student Services staff then follow up with a courtesy check in to ensure the student’s physical and mental wellbeing, and online instruction continues as normal.

Instructors are contacted regarding the results of the test and are informed to offer only regular classroom affordances for illness as outlined in their individual syllabi. All college standards regarding wellness and illness are applied.

Positive Outcomes and Accommodations

In the case of a positive outcome for COVID-19 testing, both continuing and already isolated students (whether due to recent arrival or other) are directed immediately to self-isolate and are provided with the College’s isolation plan. Wellness checks are provided daily by Student Services, and the student’s record is updated to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are made aware of the outcome. These include:

  • The student’s immediate family and emergency contacts as identified on their intake form
  • All instructors for classes the student is currently attending
  • College administration
  • Provincial health authorities through continuing reporting measures

The Student Services staff, under direction from the student’s medical practitioner, then offer individualized accommodations plans to ensure equitable treatment across the institution while the student recovers, which current estimates regarding timeline indicate are anywhere from between two to six weeks. These accommodations, dependent on the severity of the symptoms, may include exam deferrals, attendance appeals, grade appeals, and late withdrawals, among others.

Mental Health

While the Student Services connects with the students to confirm their physical wellbeing, questions about courses, and interaction with the institution, all incoming students are also contacted a minimum of twice by the College’s Student Services, checking for feelings of anxiety, frustration, and mitigation of social barriers to support student compliance with individual COVID-19 infection control practices. When there is a language barrier, students are guided to the Brighton College KeepMeSafe program and the mySSP app to receive 24 hour telephone access to clinical counsellors.

All wellness checks are recorded and documented by the institution for Ministry reporting which, at the current time, occurs weekly following the Ministry template. During these wellness checks, students are monitored for symptoms and provided with information on testing centres available to them locally. Notes on the student’s condition are scrupulously maintained, and any anomalies are immediately reported as per requirements.

Non-Compliance to Quarantine Act

Violations of the Quarantine Act are taken seriously by Brighton College. If a student is found to be non-compliant to quarantine measures, specific information regarding the situation will be gathered. The time and location at which the incident occurred, and any supporting evidence will be collected. The Student Services will immediately report the violation incident to the local bylaw officer to ensure compliance.

The Burnaby RCMP enforces the Quarantine Act.

For violations, call the Burnaby RCMP non-emergency line at (604) 646-9999.

For quarantine violations occurring in other areas of Metro Vancouver and B.C., local bylaw offices should be contacted.

The list of by law offices’ non-emergency phone numbers is below:
https://www.ecomm911.ca/non-emergency-calls/find-your-local-non-emergency-numbers/

In all cases, local B.C. Medical Health Officers should also be made aware of any issues of non-compliance:

Burnaby campus: Fraser Health Authority, Fraser North.
Dr. Ingrid Tyler, Ingrid.tyler@fraserhealth.ca ,
Phone: 604-587-7890, Fax: 604-930-5414, After Hours: 604-527-4806
#400 – 13450 102nd Ave Central City Tower Surrey BC V3T 0H1


Exposure Control Protocol

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Self-Isolation Plan


Appendix 1

COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Procedures

The following list of procedures is mandatory for attendance on campus.
1. Self assess daily for COVID-19 symptoms. Guidance for all symptoms is posted at the doors of the campus and on the BC Thrive Website.

2. Do not enter the campus if you are experiencing the following symptoms, if you are under mandatory travel quarantine, or if you have had contact with a COVID-19 case and are under isolation orders.

Most common symptoms:

  • fever
  • dry cough
  • tiredness

Less common symptoms:

  • aches and pains
  • sore throat
  • diarrhea
  • conjunctivitis
  • headache
  • loss of taste or smell
  • a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes

Serious symptoms:

  • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • chest pain or pressure
  • loss of speech or movement

3. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, call 811 for further guidance on testing and self-isolation. Any individual that develops COVID-19 symptoms while on campus must isolate and make arrangements to leave the campus.

4. Wearing of masks is mandatory at all times, at all times, except during the consumption of food and beverage. Masks can be medical/non-medical disposable or made of cloth. Masks must cover both the nose and mouth of the wearer. Ensure masks are selected and cared for appropriately.

5. Temperature check upon entering the campus is mandatory. Stand at the wall-mounted thermometer with your forehead approximately 2 inches from the sensor. A temperature reading will appear.
a. Individuals with a temperature reading 38˚C (100.4˚F), or more, will not be permitted to stay at the campus. Employees with temperatures at or above 38˚C (100.4˚F), should return home, self-isolate, and call their regular doctor or local public health authority to discuss their symptoms, treatment options, quarantine requirements, and for an assessment regarding the next steps.

6. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer upon entering the campus. Continue to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day.

7. After steps, 1-5 are completed, report your attendance at the campus. Employees should send a short email from their work account to facilities@brightoncollege.com, indicating which campus they are at. These emails will be forwarded and automatically stored in a folder, to have in any situation should we need to use them later for contact tracing.

8. Faculty must record students’ class attendance daily and report any student signs of illness either verbal or visibly expressed.

9. Visitors (business contacts, contractors, etc.) to the campus must sign in at the front desk, including the date, their name, and phone number.

10. Follow directional arrows inside the campus, stay to the right when walking down hallways.

11. Keep a 2-metre distance from others at all times. If interacting with students at the front doors, stay behind the plexiglass.

12. Before entering an office or washroom, check the posted Occupancy Limit on the door. If Occupancy is at the maximum, wait for others to leave before entering the room.

13. Keep your work area clean. Discard waste in the properly designated areas.

14. Custodian coverage is generally 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, and night cleaners are on-site from approximately 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (variable hours).

15. If you have questions or concerns, contact the Director of Operations, Polly Zheng, at operations@brightoncollege.com or 604-430-5608.