The UBC Okanagan campus in Kelowna is pictured in this undated photo.
Image Credit: UBC Okanagan
March 16, 2020 - 3:00 PM
University of B.C., including the UBC Okanagan campus, has implemented a computer-based work program for staff and students for the next three weeks, while Okanagan College classes are currently still in session.
“As UBC continues to navigate our response to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and in support of social distancing protocols, we are beginning a three-week pilot of remote work arrangements. The duration of the pilot will be reassessed based on new information about COVID-19 that would change the situation,” according to a statement issued by interm vice-president Marcia Buchholz.
“Starting this week, those faculty, staff, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and student employees, who are able to work from home should do so, in conjunction with job appropriateness and in discussion with their manager, research lead, or principal investigator. For those unable to work remotely, they should come to their normal place of work,” she said in the statement.
UBC made the announcement last week that classes would be moving online and events would be cancelled.
READ MORE: UBC, UBCO to move classes online due to COVID-19 concerns
Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops is also moving its classes online and has cancelled events at its campus.
"The events of the past weeks have been challenging as we all adjust to the realities of COVID-19 and its impact on our communities. Many of our TRU family have expressed concern about the current situation, and as a university, we have actively been monitoring and making decisions based on evidence-based information, including the expert guidance provided by the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry," Brett Fairbairn, TRU president, said in a statement posted to the university's website.
"Of primary importance is the safety and well-being of our university community," Fairbairn said.
Okanagan College classes are still in session as of March 16, according to its website.
“There are no reported cases of COVID-19 in the Okanagan College community,” a statement on the website reads. The B.C. Ministry of Health advised event organizers to cancel any gathering larger than 50 people at this time and Okanagan College is following those procedures, the statement said.
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