COVID-19 Safety Protocols at VGC

Class Structure: Blended Learning

VGC is now offering all of its regular classes in a blended format. This means as well as having the option to study online from the comfort of their home, students also have the opportunity to come into campus for face-to face classes.
Please ask your VGC representative for more information.

Safety while on Campus:

For a detailed safety plan regarding all VGC’s measures to prevent and limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus both on a personal level and at an institutional level, please download VGC’s Safety Plan:

DOWNLOAD VGC'S SAFETY PLAN

Before arriving to Canada:

International Students with a pre-approved study permit can voluntarily submit their immigration and permit information into the portal for the CBSA to review. By sending their information in advance, the CBSA will have time to process and prepare the student’s permit in time for their arrival at YVR:

INFORMATION ON THE VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE PORTAL

VGC also has a Pre-arrival package for all students planning to enter Canada. This document includes student responsibilities and preparations needed before travelling to Canada, while travelling and arriving in Canada. This document provides links and apps that are necessary for those travelling to Canada. Please download the Pre-arrival package:

DOWNLOAD VGC’S PRE-ARRIVAL PACKAGE

For students who will be in VGC’s Homestay, we have specific, detailed COVID-19 policies. Please download the document below:

DOWNLOAD HOMESTAY COVID-19 POLICIES

VGC has created a list of hotels in the Vancouver area that are accepting students who wish to self-isolate. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and the details provided are subject to change. Please contact the hotels directly for more information.

DOWNLOAD HOTEL OPTIONS

Publicly Available Resources:

Phone Applications

British Columbia

BC Centre for Disease Control
Vancouver Coastal Health
HealthLinkBC
To speak with a medical professional: Call 811 (available in 130 languages)
Walk in clinic finder
Non-medical hotline for COVID-19 questions: 1-888-COVID19(1-888-268-4319) or via text message at 604-630-0300

Government of Canada

Government of Canada Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Resources and Information
Government of Canada travel advisories
Government of Canada: Outbreak update
Toll-free phone line to answer Canadian’s general questions about COVID-19: 1-833-784-4397
Study permit: COVID-19 program delivery
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): International Students

Mental Health

Here2Talk: Offers confidential mental health counselling 24/7
‘BounceBack’: Provides free online, video and phone based coaching for non-crisis situations
Canadian Mental Health Association Self Check-In: Directs individuals to the most appropriate resources

Recent updates from Federal and BC Governments:

January 07, 2020 – BC extends COVID-19 regulations until February 05, 2021

The current restrictions have been extended until February 05th. As a reminder please see the regulations below:

• All events and social gatherings are suspended to significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission related to social interactions.
• Please avoid all non-essential travel. This includes travel into and out of BC and between regions of the province.
• Educational Institutions remain open while following safety protocols approved by the Government.

VGC International College will remain open as long as it is safe to do so and recommended by the BC Government.

Access to more information can be found on the BC government website: Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley restrictions

December 31, 2020 – IRCC News Release: Pre-departure COVID-19 testing and negative results to be required for all air travellers coming to Canada

Effective January 7, 2021, “all air passengers five years of age or older will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling from another country to Canada…Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada…. Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine.”

Access to the full government release: Pre-Departure COVID-19 testing and negative results to be required for all air travellers coming to Canada.

November 07, 2020 – BC updates COVID-19 regulations for the next two weeks:

Although these updates do not affect schools, including VGC, we would like to remind all students of the following:
• Self-Assess for symptoms every day before coming onto Campus
• No guests in your private residences and no indoor social gatherings of any size
• No indoor activities

Access to more information can be found on the BC government website: Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley restrictions

November 02, 2020 – IRCC News Release: Government of Canada announces new mandatory requirements for travellers to Canada starting November 21, 2020

The following is now mandatory for students travelling from their countries.

• Students must download the ArriveCAN phone application and submit their information electronically before they board their flight.
• Once they arrive in Canada, they must submit through ArriveCAN that they have arrived at their place of quarantine within 48 hours of arriving and they must complete a daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during their quarantine period.
• Consequences for not doing the above could lead to fines up to $1,000 and may be followed-up by law enforcement.

Access to the full article: Government of Canada announces new mandatory requirements for travellers to Canada.

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