COVID-19 information available here
COVID-19 information available here

COVID-19 Updates for Students

Latest Updates (Novem 19, 2021)

Updates to Hospital and Community (Health Care and Other Services) COVID-19 Vaccination Status Information and Preventive Measures Order:

      The Provincial Health Officer updated the vaccine mandate order for hospital and community settings on November 18, 2021 and published the order on November 19, 2021. 

·         Revisions include the addition of student health services in post-secondary institutions as a care location and requirements for staff of student health services to be vaccinated, along with specific timelines.

·         The updates extend the order to other health care settings not covered by the initial order, and provide further support for the full return to on-campus activities for post-secondary institutions.

·         This order does not have an expiration date.  

Extension of Region-Specific Gatherings and Events COVID-19 Order for the Northern Health Authority:

Public health measures were updated on November 18, 2021 for the Northern Health Authority

·         The order expiry date was removed.  Current measures will remain in effect pending further assessment of the region’s COVID-19 status.

·         NOTE:  This order does not apply to educational activities for students of post-secondary institutions in any location when provided by a post-secondary institution.

 

Thank you for the important role you play in supporting the provincial COVID-19 response.  Please share this update broadly within your respective institutions. 

 

COVID-19 Resources:

·         COVID-19 Return-to-Campus Guidelines are hosted on government’s public website.

·         Guidance and recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer are available online at the COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information website.

·         If you require advice regarding a potential COVID-19 case, please contact your local Medical Health Officer.

·         WorksafeBC guidance is available on communicable disease prevention plans.

 

Rapid Testing Support:

  • Support for BC post-secondary institutions setting up rapid COVID-19 screening programs is available through the Creative Destruction Labs Rapid Screening Consortium (CDL RSC).
  • Health Canada funds CDL RSC to support organizations (free of charge to the organization) in the setup of rapid point-of-care testing.  
  • CDL RSC currently has 12 post-secondary institutions across Canada that are able to provide a buddy system and a community of support for BC institutions

As you can understand, all schools need to alter travel and arrival protocols to ensure the safety of both students and all those around the student.

Please take some time to review the information on this page. It is crucial to follow these protocols; students may be denied entry into the country if they are not closely followed. Government authorities can also fine students for non-compliance in certain situations. It is important to work together for everyone’s safety.

Our top priority is the health and safety of our students, host families, schools and communities. We are obligated to follow the regulations and recommendations of Canadian Federal and Provincial Governments and the local public health authority. 

Please review the following documents:

COVID-19 Exposure Control Plan

COVID-19 Screening and Consent Form

COVID-19 Safety Plan: RBCo

COVID-19 Update

International Student Travel and Self-isolation Guide

Letter to Royal Bridge Community

Social Space

Keep at least 2 meters between you and others and avoid crowded spaces and places. Be sure to wear a mask to protect yourself and others from spreading the virus. 

Stay home

Stay at home whenever possible and especially if you are feeling sick. This will help to prevent exposing others and or yourself to COVID-19.

Self-monitor

Check for symptoms of the COVID-19. If you are feeling sick, stay home. Call HealthLinkBC at 811 if you have questions. They have a Self-Assessment and Resources on their website.

Pre-Departure

Contacts
Isolation
Medical
Packing
Arrival Plans

Contacts

Contact your host family to get to know each other. A video chat using Zoom or Skype is a good way to communicate. Remember to exchange emails and cell phone numbers with your host family and save the Royal Bridge College office number into your cell phone (604-474-3718).

Household Isolation

Before you leave your home country to come to Canada, it is recommended that you self-isolate in your home for 2 weeks and only meet your family during that time. Isolation locations such as hotels should be arranged well in advance of arrival. Some students elect to self-isolate in a local hotel. You must travel directly to your isolation destination.

Medical Check / Testing

Students should request/obtain a letter from the doctor within 72 hours before departure that confirms you are healthy and safe to travel. If possible, you should also get a COVID-19 test. Bring the letter with you when you go through immigration.

Packing

Include the following in your carry-on bag:

Passport, Study Permit or Letter (if you have one), Custodianship Documents, Letter of Acceptance, Host Family Profile with contact information, BC Self Isolation Plan Form, change of clothes and some snacks. Remember to pack your letter from the doctor and your COVID-19 test results. Remember to pack face masks and have at least 2 on your possession and a thermometer for temperature checks.

Arrival Plans

Before you leave your home country, you must download the ArriveCAN app from the Government of Canada and complete a mandatory Self-Isolation Plan for the Government of British Columbia. Both these need to be complete prior to your arrival to BC.

The ArriveCAN app is available for iPhone and Android and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. This app must be setup before you arrive at immigration in Canada because the immigration officer will provide you with a TOKEN NUMBER you will need to enter.

Getting to Canada

Self-Isolation Plan
Air Travel
Arriving in Canada

Self-Isolation Plan

Before you leave your home country it is very important that you complete the BC Government Support for International Travelers Self Isolation Plan form.  When you arrive at the airport you will be asked to show this form and the information must be correct.

Our office will fill in part of the form to make sure the information is correct. Once you receive the form from our office please fill out the “Travel Information” and the “Certify Declaration” section. On the next page you will see an example. Once you have completed the form:

  1. Send a copy to the International Education office at: info@royalbridge.ca
  2. Print a copy for your carry-on bag
  3. Keep a copy on your phone
  4. Complete an online version of the form at: https://travelscreening.gov.bc.ca/

Air Travel

Wearing a Mask/Hand Washing: Remember to wear a mask at all times. Wash your hands before you board the airplane. Use hand sanitizer frequently.

Practice Social Distancing: Try to keep your distance from other people. You must try to keep at least 2 meters from other people.

Keeping Safe: Make sure your cell phone charged in case you need to contact your host family. Bring some snacks in your carry-on bag because the restaurants in the airport may not be open. When you get to your airplane seat, remember to wipe down your area.

Arriving in Canada

You finally made it! We are sure you are excited to begin your authentic Canadian experience at Royal Bridge College. Please have do the following upon arrival into Canada:

  • Text your host family when you land
  • Have your BC Self-Isolation Plan printed and ready to give to the immigration officer
  • Have a copy of your host family profile including their home address
  • Very important – don’t forget to bring your Study Permit!
  • Meet your host family at the spot you decided with them, it is far safer to be picked up than to take public transit.
  • If not being picked up by your host family, we suggest using a private pick up service such as Language Limousine.

Self-isolation/Quarantine in Canada

Canadian Government
Student Responsibilities
During Self-isolation

Canadian Government

You made it through the airport and now are heading to your new home! In British Columbia, everyone has worked hard to keep COVID-19 manageable. We did this by following some important rules from the government. When you get to your new home, you must self-isolate for 14 days. This means you should stay in your room and avoid direct contact with your host family and others. 

The governments of Canada and British Columbia want to make sure all new arrivals to Canada are safe and healthy. To do this, they will call you or your host family to make sure you are self-isolating and following the law. You must be prepared to answer call from 1-855-906-5585 or 1-613-221-3100.

Student Responsibilities

To keep you and your host family safe while you are self-isolating, it is important that you stay in your room. You are able to leave your room to go to the bathroom. If staying in a local hotel, food can be delivered, dropped at your door and paid in advance using many food service delivery companies like Skip the Dishes.

Remember to keep your room clean and practice good hygiene. Some examples are washing your hands often, showering every day, cleaning the bathroom after using it, covering your mouth and nose with your elbow when you cough and sneeze.

What to do During Self-isolation

Stay Connected: Contact your family and friends when you are self-isolating. Check with you host family to make sure you have access to Wifi. It is important to check your email regularly because RBCo may be trying to contact you. 

Montior your Mental Health: Being in a new country is exciting but being in self-isolation may be challenging. Communicate with your host family regularly and let them know how you are feeling. We are all here to support you!

Physical Health: Staying active during self-isolation! This is a great opportunity for you to try a new exercise routine, such as yoga. It is important to make sure you establish a healthy routine as quickly as possible. Try to go to bed at a reasonable hour and don’t stay up all night.

COVID-19 Resources:

Other Resources:

Supporting Students’ Mental Health Throughout the Year

“Here2Talk” A Mental Health Campaign

Guidelines for BC’s Post-Secondary Sector

Physical Distancing Fact Sheet

Tips for Cleaning and Disinfecting

Tips for Proper Hand-Washing

Vancouver Airport TAKEcare Health and Safety Program

Vancouver Airport website for Travel Directives and Screening