Dear colleagues,
As we approach the last half of the fall semester, I want to thank you.
You have responded incredibly well by adapting to the pandemic and I’m very pleased to see UFV students, faculty, and staff doing our part to ensure that our university remains healthy and safe.
I know if you have been on campus, you’ve been wearing masks and have been observing physical and social distancing guidelines. You have been avoiding large social gatherings where physical distancing is not possible. Thank you. I know it’s not easy, but your efforts mean we will get through this together.
Please remember to take care of yourself. Take time to rest, exercise, and rejuvenate. Working in this new, and sometimes demanding, environment can be stressful and draining. So look after yourself and recharge your resources. I know you’re dedicated and driven, but your mental and physical well-being should be your first priority.
We are very fortunate that UFV has many health and wellness resources available to assist you. Please utilize these resources to help keep you and your family well.
Second wave:
Dr. Henry and Dr. Elizabeth Brodkin, the Fraser Health Authority’s interim chief medical health officer, have indicated we are in the midst of the second wave and that we must limit our fall celebrations to our safe six, preferably in a COVID-safe environment, or with an abundance of caution, to reconsider social interactions outside of the people in our own household.
It is vitally important we continue these efforts to slow the spread during this second wave. The top five things you can continue doing to help are:
- Assess your own health daily. If you think you may have COVID-19, the BC government COVID-19 self-assessment tool is available to guide you on what to do next.
- At UFV we expect you to wear a non-medical face covering or a mask in all public spaces on UFV campuses.
- Stay home if you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Maintain at least two metres of physical distance from people in public spaces and keep social gatherings very small.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
For more information on UFV’s response to COVID-19 please check the UFV COVID-19 information hub.
Thank you again for your diligence and for carrying on the mission of UFV. Under this new reality, you continue to inspire by engaging learners, transforming lives, and building community.
Sincerely,
Joanne MacLean, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor