• About
    • A Word from the Director
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    • Diploma in Business Communications with Co-Op
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VGCVGC
Where The World Comes to Study
  • About
    • A Word from the Director
    • About Vancouver
    • Why Students Choose VGC
    • Awards
    • Ethics Guide and Statement of Purpose
    • Accreditations and Affiliations
    • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • VGC Blog
    • COVID-19 Safety at VGC
  • School of English Language
    • English Programs and Schedule
    • English Equivalency
    • Global English
    • IELTS Preparation
    • University Preparation
    • Cambridge Preparation (CAE)
    • Elective Choices
    • TESL
    • Teen Summer Camp – High School Preparation Program
    • VGC Virtual – Express English
  • School of International Business
    • Business Programs and Schedule
    • Diploma in Managing Customer Relationships
    • Diploma in Managing Customer Relationships with Co-Op
    • Diploma in Business Communications
    • Diploma in Business Communications with Co-Op
    • Diploma in Applied Communications
    • Diploma in Applied Communications with Co-Op
    • Four Week Business Certificate Programs
    • Business Seminars
      • Entrepreneurship: How to Create a Successful Business
      • Marketing Through Social Media
      • Leadership
    • Young Executive Program – Teen Summer Camp
  • Afternoon Classes
    • About Our Afternoon Plus Classes
    • Speaking and Error Correction Plus
    • Beginner Plus
    • Pronunciation Plus
    • Academic Preparation Plus
    • Grammar Plus
    • TOEFL Plus
    • Business English Certificate Program
    • Job Search
  • Summer Camp
    • High School Preparation Program
    • Young Executive Program
  • Services
    • VGC Activities
    • Extra Student Services
    • VGC Homestay
    • VGC Student Residences
    • Become a Homestay Family
  • Pathways
    • List of University Pathways
    • How University Pathways Works
  • IELTS & Cambridge Testing
    • IELTS Testing
    • Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing
  • Apply
    • Apply to VGC Virtual
    • Apply to VGC
    • Online Placement Test
    • Make a Payment
    • Start Dates
    • Price List
    • Policies
    • COVID-19 Safety at VGC
    • Agent Media Library
  • Contact

COVID-19 SAFETY
PROTOCOLS AT VGC
As of July 01, 2020, and following the BC Government’s re-opening
guidelines, VGC’s campuses are open and we are offering in-person
classes. This page includes all of the documentation necessary for
current and prospective students in order to educate themselves
about how VGC is responding to COVID-19 and creating a safe
learning environment.
COVID-19 SAFETY
PROTOCOLS AT VGC
As of July 01, 2020, and following the BC Government’s re-opening
guidelines, VGC’s campuses are open and we are offering in-person
classes. This page includes all of the documentation necessary for
current and prospective students in order to educate themselves
about how VGC is responding to COVID-19 and creating a safe
learning environment.
Recent travel and Covid-19 updates from the Federal and BC Governments:

2022-04-22: Government of Canada announces additional easing of border measures effective April 25

Effective April 25, 2022, at 00:01:00 EDT, the following easing of border measures will come into effect:

    • All fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. This requirement will also be removed for children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian, or tutor and travellers with a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine.

Furthermore, fully vaccinated travellers arriving to Canada on or after April 25, 2022, will no longer be federally required to do the following for 14 days after arriving:

    • mask while in public spaces;
    • monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms;
    • quarantine if another traveller in the same travel group exhibits signs or symptoms or tests positive; and
    • maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.

All travellers are still required to use ArriveCAN to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours of their arrival to Canada and/or before boarding a plane to Canada.

For the full update and latest information please refer to the Government of Canada Website. 

2022-04-08: BC lifting provincial COVID-19 Restrictions

Effective April 8, 2022, at 12:01 a.m., showing the BC Vaccine Card proof of vaccination to access non-essential events, services and businesses will no longer be required. Individual businesses and organizations can choose to continue to require the BC Vaccine Card proof on their premises.

Wearing masks in public indoor settings is no longer required by public health. Wearing a mask is a personal choice. Masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries, but not required.

For more information and updates on the current restrictions please follow the Government of British Columbia Website. 

2022-03-17: Pre-entry COVID-19 test no longer an entrance requirement starting April 1

The Government of Canada just announced changes to their border measures that will affect International Students travelling to Canada. Effective April 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to provide a pre-entry Covid-19 test result to enter Canada by air, land or water. Fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Canada before April 1, 2022, must still have a valid pre-entry test. As of April 1st, the following changes will come into effect:

  • Fully vaccinated travellers from any country entering Canada will no longer have to take a pre-arrival test (such as a PCR or rapid Antigen).
  • On-arrival molecular testing for fully-vaccinated travellers may still be conducted on a random basis.
  • Travellers who are randomly selected for arrival testing are not required to quarantine while awaiting their test result.

Please refer to the Government of Canada website to learn more about the accepted vaccines by the Government as well as the requirements to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller. All travellers continue to be required to submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN, including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan prior to arriving in Canada.

2022-02-15: BC lifting a number of provincial COVID-19 restrictions as of Feb 16

BC’s provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced changes to some of British Columbia’s wide-ranging COVID-19 restrictions.Starting February 16 at 11:59 pm, many restrictions will be eased. With proof of vaccination and masks, the following activities can return to normal:

    • No restrictions on indoor and outdoor personal gatherings
    • Full capacity allowed for:
      • Indoor and outdoor organized events
      • Indoor events at venues
      • Exercise and fitness, adult sports activities, tournaments and swimming pools
    • Full capacity and fewer restrictions in restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs:
      • No limits on table size
      • Normal liquor service hours
      • Customers don’t have to remain seated
    • Dancing is allowed when wearing a mask indoors

Please note that those restrictions are only lifted for fully vaccinated individuals. BC Vaccine Cards are still required for indoor organized gatherings and masks continue to be mandatory in all public indoor settings for all people aged five and over. The measures are scheduled to be reviewed in mid-March and again in mid-April.

For more information and updates on the current restrictions please follow the Government of British Columbia Website. 

2022-02-15: Government of Canada to ease border measures as of Feb 28

The Government of Canada just announced changes to their border measures that will affect International Students travelling to Canada. Recent data indicates that the latest wave of COVID-19 has passed its peak in Canada. Due to Canada’s high vaccination rates, the increasing availability of rapid tests and decreasing hospitality rates, the government is easing the entrance requirements for fully vaccinated travellers.

As of February 28th, the following changes will come into effect:

    • Fully vaccinated travellers from any country entering Canada will no longer have to take a pre-arrival molecular test (such as a PCR)
    • Travellers now have the option of using a Covid-19 rapid antigen test result (taken the day prior to their scheduled flight or arrival at the border) or a molecular test result (e.g. PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border) to meet entrance requirements
    • In-home rapid tests will not be accepted. Rapid tests will need to be administered by a laboratory or health care entity.
    • On-arrival testing for fully-vaccinated travellers is no longer mandatory and will be conducted on a random basis only.
    • Travellers who are randomly selected for arrival testing are no longer required to quarantine while awaiting their test result.

Please refer to the Government of Canada website to learn more about the accepted vaccines by the Government as well as the requirements to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller. All travellers continue to be required to submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN, including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan prior to arriving in Canada.

Full announcement from the Public Health Agency of Canada. 

2022-01-18: Provincial health officer extends some COVID-19 restrictions

Due to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, current provincial health orders have been extended until Feb 16. Gyms and fitness centres will gradually reopen with additional safety measures, starting Jan 20.

Please refer to the previous post for more information on the restrictions. For more information and updates on the current restrictions please follow the Government of British Columbia Website. 

2021-12-21: Updated province-wide restrictions starting December 22

To help keep B.C. safe, the Public Health Officer has announced additional province-wide restrictions. They will be in effect from December 22, 2021 until January 18, 2022. The restrictions starting December 20th have not changed.

    • Indoor organized gatherings of any size are not allowed. This includes gatherings like New Year’s Eve parties, weddings or other celebrations
    • Indoor events at venues can only have 50% capacity. This includes events like concerts, sports or movies
    • Bars, nightclubs and lounges are closed
    • Restaurants, cafes and pubs can have a maximum of 6 people at each table
    • Adult gyms, fitness centres and dance studios are closed

Please refer to the previous post for the December 20 restrictions. For more information and updates on the current restrictions please follow the Government of British Columbia Website. 

2021-12-17: New province-wide restrictions starting December 20

To help keep B.C. safe, the Public Health Officer has introduced province-wide restrictions. They will be in effect December 20, 2021 to January 31, 2022.

    • New Year’s Eve parties: New Year’s Eve parties are not allowed. Events held on December 31 must be seated events. Standing, mingling or dancing is not permitted.
    • Getting together indoors: Indoor personal gatherings are limited to your household plus 10 visitors or 1 other household. Everyone 12 + must be fully vaccinated.
    • Organized events: Organized events require proof of being fully vaccinated to attend. Everyone must wear a mask.
    • Going to a restaurant or pub: Customers must remain seated and cannot move between or visit other tables at restaurants and pubs. Masks are required when not seated at a table.
    • Sports tournaments: All sports tournaments and related travel are not allowed.
    • Large events: Large events with capacity for 1,000 or more people can only use 50% seated capacity.

In addition to the orders, the Public Health Officer strongly recommends:

    • Keep gatherings small and only with those you know are fully vaccinated
    • Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor
    • Reduce social interactions
    • Ensure proper ventilation indoors by opening windows
    • Avoid all travel, if you’re not fully vaccinated
    • Follow the current federal travel advisory
    • Stay home if you feel sick

For more information and updates on the current restrictions please follow the Government of British Columbia Website. 

2021-12-16: Update on non-essential travel related to the Omicron- SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern

The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, to avoid non-essential travel internationally.

Do not travel if you:

    • have symptoms of COVID-19, even if mild
    • are in quarantine or isolation
    • have been diagnosed with COVID-19
    • are waiting for the results of a lab test for COVID-19
    • have been in close contact with someone who has or is suspected to have COVID-19

If you are well and must travel:

    • check for COVID-19 testing, vaccination requirements, as well as other entry requirements for your destination. Information on these requirements can be found on the Entry/exit requirements tab of your destination’s Travel Advice and Advisories page
    • ensure you will be able to obtain a COVID-19 molecular test in order to meet Canada’s testing requirements to return to Canada
    • frequently monitor and review Canada’s travel requirements and exemptions for your return
    • find the contact information for the Canadian embassy or consulate closest to your destination and keep the information with you, in case:
      • there is an unforeseen lockdown, or
      • local health services become overwhelmed
    • consider the availability and potentially high cost of adequate medical services in your destination, should you become ill
    • check with your travel insurance provider and make sure you’re covered for:
      • COVID-19-related medical expenses
      • other non-COVID-19 emergency-related expenses
      • trip interruption
    • make sure you meet the requirements to board a flight in Canada, if flying
    • plan for delays to your return home, including the financial implications and the practical arrangements (e.g. flight re-booking, extended accommodations at the destination etc.) you may need to make

VGC Students who wish to travel over the Christmas break should avoid leisure trips (e.g. to the USA) over the holidays, unless the trip is non-essential.

For more information on the current travel advisory related to the Omicron- SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern please refer to the Federal Government Update. 

2021-11-23: Canada expands list of approved COVID-19 vaccines for travel

Starting November 30, the Government of Canada will be accepting Covaxin, Sinopharm, and Sinovac as approved vaccines for entry into Canada. Students who received a full course of one of these vaccines 14 days prior to their tip will no longer need to quarantine.

As of January 15, 2022, international students who are 18 years and older will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the approved vaccines. After this measure comes into effect, unvaccinated travellers or travellers who do not fall under an exemption will be prohibited from entering Canada.

Follow all updates on the Government of Canada Website. 

2021-10-21: New federal Covid-19 vaccine passport

Canada is launching a standard federal proof of Covid-19 vaccination system. The federal vaccine passport will show your name, date of birth, and Covid-19 vaccine history — including which doses you got, and when you got them.

Effective October 31st, everyone 12 years of age or older will need to be fully vaccinated in order to board domestic or international flights departing from most Canadian airports , cruise ships or VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains.

There will be a one-month grave period in which BC’s vaccine card will be accepted as proof of vaccination for travel. After November 30 the federal vaccine passport must be used.

Get your proof of vaccination
Before arriving in Canada:
Check the latest entrance requirements

If you’re planning your trip make sure to follow the Government website for the most recent information on entry requirements, Covid-19 testing and quarantine information:

Government Website
Voluntary Compliance Portal

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
After arriving in Canada:
Homestay during the Covid-19 pandemic

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

DOWNLOAD HOMESTAY COVID-19 POLICIES
Getting your COVID-19 Booster shot

Everyone 12+ can get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from a local pharmacy in British Columbia for free. A booster dose is an additional shot of vaccine that helps you maintain and lengthen your protection against severe outcomes of COVID-19. When you get a booster dose, you help protect yourself and the people around you from COVID-19.

Getting your booster dose is simple and efficient. You can follow the steps on the Government of British Columbia resource page or ask VGC staff for help.

 

Government of BC Info Page
Safety on campus: VGC’s Vaccination Policy

The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. We want to ensure that students have the best possible study experience while feeling safe and comfortable.

On September 7 2021, VGC ‘s Covid-19 vaccination policy came into effect. VGC International College only accepts fully vaccinated students for in-person only classes. Learn more about our vaccination policy:

VACCINATION POLICY
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
Class Structure: Blended Learning and In Person Only

VGC is offering in person only classes as well as some 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 should they be required to isolate.

Since September 7, VGC has started a gradual move to in person only classes as the vaccination policy came into effect. Fully vaccinated students will be considered to take in person only classes. Please ask your VGC representative for more information.

Publicly Available Resources for our students:

Phone Applications

    • ArriveCAN Phone App
    • BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool
    • COVID Alert App

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
Continuing Studies STUDENT PORTAL VGC BLOG Covid-19 Safety

Contact Info

  • +1.604.688.9057
  • info@vgc.ca

Hastings Campus:
411 West Hastings Street | Vancouver, BC, V6B 1L4 | Canada

Granville Campus:
535 Granville Street | Vancouver BC, V6C 1X6 | Canada

Hornby Campus:
530 Hornby Street | Vancouver BC, V6C 2E7 | Canada

 

            

     

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