Thompson Rivers University responds to provincewide pandemic-related health orders

Thompson Rivers University is tightening restrictions in the wake of new provincewide health orders due to surging COVID-19 case numbers.

Like all indoor public spaces in B.C., there is now mandatory mask use indoors on campus, including in hallways, stairways, building entryways, washrooms, study spaces, classrooms, labs, studios, shops, common areas in residences and other high-traffic areas.

In a letter to students, university brass said exceptions will be made for people with underlying medical conditions that inhibit their ability to wear masks. In addition, masks may be removed if a person is working in a cubicle space in an open office that is physically distant from other cubicles and/or engineered controls are in place to create separation or if a person is taking part in certain athletic or fitness activities.

The university has also suspended all indoor and outdoor social gathering and events until further notice, including planned holiday events. 

In addition, TRU is reducing its on-campus numbers, with departments scaling back their on-campus presence to limit on-campus activity to those who need to be there. Beginning on Monday, Nov. 23, adjustments will be made to the hours in-person student services are available. Students can go online here for updates on accessing services remotely and in person. The university is not making changes to approved on-campus learning activities. 

And, as the pandemic persists, TRU is reminding those coming to campus of the need for daily self-assessments, with all visitors expected to self-assess using the BC COVID-19 self-assessment tool before stepping foot on university property.