Communicable Disease Prevention Plan

KPU is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working and learning environment for its employees and students. Our Communicable Disease Prevention Plan details the infection control practices and protocols that are in place to minimize the risk of communicable disease transmission on our campuses. This plan applies to all employees, students, contractors and visitors engaged in any university-related activity.

Examples of communicable diseases include measles, mumps and respiratory illnesses such as seasonal influenza and COVID-19. Additional information about specific communicable diseases can be found at HealthLinkBC.

Your Responsibilities

KPU has implemented preventative measures to reduce the risk of communicable disease transmission in our campuses. You can help by:

Following the established Communicable Disease Prevention Plan
Monitoring your health daily with the BC Government’s COVID-19 self-assessment tool to see if you should get tested, and contact 8-1-1 or your medical practitioner if you require medical advice
Staying home when sick. Some symptoms of communicable disease may include the following:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Coughing
Staying home until you feel better and notify your supervisor/instructor of your absence
Practicing regular hand washing, sanitizing and cough/sneeze etiquette to minimize disease transmission. Refer to the BCCDC handwashing guide for more information.
Wearing a non-medical face mask or any other required personal protective equipment (PPE) when required to do so on campus. Additional information on non-medical masks is provided by the BCCDC.
Getting vaccinated, if you are eligible and able to do so.

The Communicable Disease Prevention Plan lays out additional responsibilities for deans, department heads, supervisors, and Occupational Health and Safety.

If You Become Sick on Campus

If you are on campus and start to feel ill, contact your instructor, Student Services or supervisor immediately. If you are well enough to transport yourself home, you should do so immediately and contact 8-1-1 or your primary care provider for further guidance. If you are not well enough to transport yourself home, contact first aid who will follow applicable safety procedures and arrange for transportation.

Supporting Vaccinations

KPU strongly encourages everyone to get fully vaccinated, if you are eligible and able to do so. Evidence-based immunization information and tools for B.C. residents are available from the BCCDC and ImmunizeBC. Visit how to get vaccinated for COVID-19 to book your vaccine appointment.

What happens if there is a case on campus?

In the event of a confirmed case of a communicable disease on campus, KPU will follow the guidance of the appropriate health authority. Diagnosis of a communicable disease must be treated confidentially at all times. KPU will work closely with the public health authority on guidance for communications.

Monitoring Risk

The level of risk of certain communicable diseases may elevate occasionally, or on a seasonal basis. Additional measures that could be re-introduced during periods of elevated risk, as directed by public health, include but are not limited to:

Enhanced cleaning and disinfection
Limiting building occupancy
Physical distancing and limiting close interactions
Mandating use of non-medical masks on campus

Routine Cleaning and Disinfecting

The university is committed to maintaining a clean working and learning environment through routine cleaning and disinfecting practices. During periods of elevated risk KPU will follow enhanced cleaning protocols as directed by public health.

Please contact Facilities for any questions or concerns about the cleaning schedule or practices, or to request refilling of hand soap, paper towel dispensers or sanitizer stations.

Building Ventilation

Mechanical systems and filter changes are maintained under comprehensive maintenance routines that meet the manufacturer’s recommendations as well as industry best practices and recommendations by WorkSafe BC, Technical Safety BC, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

Additional Information for Employees

More information for employees – including plan review information, resources, and how to report health and safety concerns – is available in the full Communicable Disease Prevention Plan.