For HLI, in accordance with UBC, PHC and PR, masks are still required to be worn on site, until further notice. If you are alone in an office area or (for eg) drinking beverages, you can temporarily remove it with physical distancing measures. We also have a supply of rapid antigen test kits from UBC available at reception. If you are offsite and need to take a test, there are free kits available at many local pharmacies.
Thank you,
HLI Operations
As you know, BC recently lifted its mask mandate for indoor public spaces and the use of vaccine passports will no longer be required in the coming weeks.
The latest changes indicate that while face coverings will be optional for people in all indoor settings, individual organizations can choose to require mask-wearing on their premises. UBC has announced they will continue with the current approach, which requires masks to be worn in public indoor spaces on both campuses until the end of the 2021/2022 Winter Session on April 30, 2022. PHC requires that all people at care sites continue to wear masks while on that site.
Providence Research is asking that you continue to wear your masks in common areas if you are located at administrative sites including Hornby, Howe and Comox. As with UBC, we will reassess the situation on April 30, 2022.
If you are located at 1190 Hornby, Concert Properties has advised that while masks are no longer required in the common areas in the building such as lobbies, stairwell and elevators, it is highly recommended that you continue to wear a mask in these areas.
We understand that these recent announcements may make some staff members uncomfortable. We must respect that individuals will move at their own pace. To this end, Providence Research has bought a large number of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) which can be used for self-testing. We ask that researchers provide the number of tests required, number used, number positive and number negative to their operations leaders, if in the Research Centres, or to Jo-Lynn Mervyn. We do not need names or photographic evidence. Reporting this data to the Federal Government is a requirement of Providence Research being provided with the tests.
Thank you all for your patience as we (hopefully) come to a conclusion with COVID-19. Your support is truly appreciated.
Best wishes,
Dr. Darryl Knight
President, Providence Research