At present, the province of British Columbia health organizations list the risk of the coronavirus spreading as low for Vancouver (https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/public-health-alerts ) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) “has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada” (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html )

However, it is important to know that VGC International College takes the health of our students, staff and homestay families seriously.  That is why we have taken the appropriate steps recommended by the World Health Organization and Canada’s Health Ministry when it comes to preventative measures for COVID-19.

We have been working diligently to educate staff and students on the necessary measures to reduce the risk of infection as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). We are communicating these through open conversation with our teachers, staff and students as well as using signage throughout all our locations.  These recommendations include:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and hand sanitizer
• Maintain a social distance
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Practice respiratory hygiene (this includes covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing)
• Stay at home if you feel unwell even with mild flu like symptoms
• If you develop a fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical advice promptly

(https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public)

VGC is also intensifying the cleaning schedule for the school.  Making sure extra time is paid to disinfecting common areas and places of high contact such as door knobs and elevator buttons. We have also increased sanitizer stations around the campuses.

We are telling all students and staff to stay out of the school for at least 14 days if they have traveled to or come from a high-risk region.

Further to this we are notifying future students that if they feel any flu like symptoms before leaving their home country, to postpone their travels to a later date.  This comes at no cost to the student.

We want to assure our students, teachers, staff and homestay that the health of everyone who is involved with VGC International College is of the upmost importance to us and we will be diligently watching how this situation unfolds and will provide updates if necessary.

Please do not hesitate to ask our staff if you have any concerns.

Sincerely,

Dominic Walton

Executive Director