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BC Public Health Update: Provincial Government announces new BC Vaccine Card and indoor mask requirement

Health and safety remains a top priority at TWU

Trinity Western University looks forward to commencing the 2021 Fall semester. In this season, the health, safety, and well-being of our community continues to be our top priority. We are working to ensure that our campuses operate under the most up-to-date health and safety measures, as we provide an excellent, life-transforming Christian liberal arts education for our students.

As part of our commitment to you, we are providing you with the latest information from BC’s Provincial Health Officer.


New BC Vaccine Card

On Monday, August 23, 2021, the provincial government introduced the BC Vaccine Card. The BC Vaccine Card provides proof of vaccination, and the program comes into effect on September 13. To read the full announcement, please visit the government website: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0053-001659.
 
Proof of vaccination through the BC Vaccine Card applies to certain settings, events and services, including some services offered by post-secondary institutions such as Trinity Western University.

  • By order of the Provincial Health Officer, post-secondary students who live on-campus will need to provide proof of having received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine by September 7.
     
    For more information on this public health order, please visit the government website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/proof
     
  • Other post-secondary services that will require proof of vaccination include indoor ticketed performances and sporting events, indoor organized events, as well as indoor fitness and recreation activities. Access to services covered under the BC Vaccine Card will require people to be fully vaccinated (at least seven days after receiving both doses), starting October 24.

 
​Proof of vaccination is not required to access in-person learning at post-secondary institutions, with these exceptions:

  • Health Sciences students in B.C. will have to be vaccinated due to the requirements to participate in practicum or clinical settings.
     
  • Varsity student athletes are also required to provide proof of vaccination to participate in their sport. We expect further details in the coming days, and are in communication with Trinity Western Spartans athletes and personnel.

 
These measures are part of a provincial health order related to the new BC Vaccine Card program.

  • The order will be in place until January 31, 2022, and may be subject to extension. It applies to all people born in 2009 or earlier (ages 12 and up).
     
  • To provide individuals with an easy way to show their proof of vaccination, the BC Vaccine Card and accompanying website will be available before September 13.

New Mandatory Mask Order 

On Tuesday, August 24, 2021, the provincial government introduced a new mask mandate that applies to post-secondary institutions. To read the full announcement, please visit the government website: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021AEST0053-001664 

The mask order will apply in all indoor public areas at all TWU campuses, including lobbies, hallways, stairwells, elevators, classrooms and labs. We will have updated signage at our campuses to reflect this.


Health, safety and community care at TWU

Trinity Western is fully abiding by, but not going beyond, what the provincial government has decided and issued as public health orders for the protection of community health and safety.

Like all post-secondary institutions, TWU is required to adhere to public health orders under the Public Health Act. We are committed to supporting our students, faculty and staff through this process, and will be reaching out to them directly with further information and guidance.

We are grateful for the support of our community, as together, we look forward to continuing to provide an excellent, life-transforming Christian education for the students at TWU.


For more information on TWU's Fall semester plans, please visit our Return to Fall page:​
 
TWU Return to Fall


About Trinity Western University

Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.

For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca