TABLE OF CONTENTS Travel to Canada Important Documents
Quarantine Planning Packing your suitcase Airlines luggage rules Navigating the YVR Airport Transportation Quarantine Accommodation Self Isolation UFV Support during Quarantine Monitoring your symptoms Health Insurance Necessities for Self Isolating Support Services
Connect with Us
page 1 page 2
page 3-4 page 5 page 6 page 7 page 8 page 9-10 page 11-12 page 13-14 page 15 page 16-18 page 19-20
page 21-23 page 24
If you plan to travel to Canada to take online classes, it is critical that you know the following. On March 16, 2020, the Prime Minister of Canada announced travel restrictions that limit air travel to Canada. However, there are exemptions in place for certain, but not all, international students. If students already have a valid study permit (or were approved for a study permit before March 18, 2020), they may be exempt from these restrictions and may be permitted to travel to Canada. All international students will need to pass a health check before being allowed to board flights to Canada. Anyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19 will be denied entry to Canada. If students successfully arrive in Canada, they will be subject to a mandatory health assessment at the airport and then required by law, to quarantine (self-isolate) for 14 days and complete a self-isolation plan, even if they show no symptoms of COVID-19.
This plan is mandatory, even if you have no symptoms.
If you do not have a plan, you should not travel to Canada. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to enter the country. A border services officer will determine if you can enter the country. Your quarantine plan will include information such as, but not limited to: Where will you stay? How will you get groceries and medication without going to the store? Whether there will be vulnerable people where you are staying? Provincial officials must review self-isolation plans before students can move to their designated quarantine location. This 14-day self- isolation is mandatory for everyone; not doing so could lead to penalties of up to six months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines. More information is available here and by visiting Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada online.
1
The first step to planning your journey to Canada is ensuring you have all necessary documents to clear Immigration as stated by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). a valid study permit, or a port of entry letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit, if you’re coming from the United States, or a port of entry letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020, if you’re coming from any other country Before you travel, you can contact the Border Information Service for more information.
2
Travellers must submit a B.C. Self-Isolation plan and complete the federal ArriveCAN application for approval prior to their return to B.C., or upon arrival.
Use the ArriveCAN mobile app to speed up your arrival process in Canada and spend less time with border and public health officers. Submit your information easily and securely using the app within 48 hours before arriving in Canada. The app helps you to: Provide mandatory information that's required for entry into Canada Reduce your wait time and points of contact at the border Provide the Government of Canada with voluntary updates on your quarantine compliance and the development of any symptoms during the 14 days after arriving in Canada
Download the app or use the accessible web-based form to submit your traveller information! Provide traveller contact information through the ArriveCAN mobile app
or an accessible web-based form
Your plan should be completed and submitted online before, or when, you arrive back in British Columbia. A self-isolation plan is a legal commitment to self-isolation, enforceable under the Public Health Act.
Your self-isolation plan must consider: The location of your 14-day self isolation
Social or family support
How you will travel to your isolation location
Arranging the necessary supports such as food and medication.
Submit Your Self-Isolation Plan
3
QUARANTINE QUARANTINE PLANNING PLANNING
COVID-19 COVID-19
BE PREPARED If you decide to travel to Canada, then you must also be prepared to answer a number of questions issued by a Border Services Office during customs. We recommend you to have a copy of your complete travel and quarantine plans in order to answer relevant questions such as: Do you have suitable plans for 14 days quarantine or isolation
During your 14 day mandatory quarantine, you must be sure that you will not be in contact with people who are: 65 years or older Have underlying medical conditions Have compromised immune systems Does your plan ensure you have access to basic necessities? Such as: Water Food Medication and heat during the winter months
4
PACKING YOUR SUITCASE THE FRASER VALLEY CLIMATE Abbotsford is located in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia (BC). We are known to be the warmest region across Canada but do not be fooled it still gets wet and cold here too!
Fall Semester September - December
Expect to see a mix of sunshine, clouds and rain between September to mid November. In late November and December, the temperature begins to drop. Cold rain, and snow is quite common. So be sure to wear warm clothing.
Winter Semester January-April
It remains cold in the Fraser Valley between January to February. It isn't until March and April when the temperature begins to warm up. The golden rule is to always prepare for rain. It rains a lot here in B.C.
BC Weather Essential Checklist Now that you have some basic knowledge on what kind of weather to expect here, we thought it would be beneficial to provide you an essential clothing checklist that should make it to your suitcase. Umbrella: No joke! It really does rain a lot in BC! That is why we are so green! Jacket: We may not be the winter capital of Canada but don't underestimate our cold. If you don't wear layers of clothing underneath your jacket, you can get a chill to your bone.
5
Know how much baggage your airline allows and be aware of weight limits. Airport staff will weigh your baggage. There are additional fees if your bags exceed the limits. Some items are not allowed into Canada in your luggage. There are restrictions on alcohol, tobacco, guns, food as well as animal and plant products. Travellers cannot bring in prescription drugs that aren’t approved in Canada. Do not carry another person’s bags or their things in your luggage. During your flight, you’ll receive a card to declare what you are bringing into Canada. Remember that Canadian customs agents can choose to search luggage. When you are packing your baggage, only include liquids in containers less than 100ml. Attach an address tag to each piece of luggage with your name and the address of your destination in Canada. At airport check-in, ask whether your baggage will go directly to your destination in Canada, or whether you must claim and transfer baggage at stops along the way. Keep all important documents, medications and expensive items such as cameras, jewelry, laptops, phones, credit cards and cash with you in your carry-on bag, rather than pack them in your checked luggage.
6
Most of our students arrive in British Columbia at the Vancouver International Airport (locally referred to as YVR). Find your way around YVR with these terminal maps. Below you can find general guidelines that will help you navigate the airport. Some processes may have temporarily changed due to COVID-19. Please refer to posted signage in the terminal when you arrive for more information.
If YVR is your port of entry into Canada and you are arriving from an International city (e.g. Hong Kong); these steps are for you! Arrive at your gate Proceed to Arrivals Level 2 and follow signs for "All passengers". Canada Border Services and Immigration Wait in the designated areas to see a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer who will inspect your passport. After inspection, follow the signs to Immigration. Claim your baggage Pick your luggage up at the Baggage claim section after you have passed through Canada Border Services and Immigration. You can check the display screen to see which baggage carousel corresponds with your flight. After you claim your checked baggage, hand your customs declaration card to the CBSA officer. Tip: There are free baggage carts located in the baggage claims area for your convenience. Enter the international reception lounge After you exit the baggage claim area, you will enter the international reception lounge area where you can find tourism information if you wish. Public greeting area and exit Walk through the automatic glass doors to the public greeting area. From there you will need to find transportation to the hotel where you will carry out your 14 day quarantine.
7
TRANSPORTATION
COVID-19
TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT International students arriving at Vancouver International Airport from their home country are required to go directly to their 14-day quarantine locations and are restricted from using public transportation. UFV will arrange your transportation from YVR to your quarantine location through the Language Limousine Airport Service. Please review the information and instructions provided below.
Language Limousine Airport Service Booking Booking is made through UFV International. You will need to provide your complete flight information by completing this Booking Form in advance. Pick-up Prior to your flight, you will receive an Arrival Letter from Language Limousine that contains important information and instructions about your airport pick-up service. You will need to print this letter to show to the Language Limousine staff. You will find them holding a yellow sign that says “Language Limousine” at the public meet and greet area. Their male staff wear bright yellow ties or yellow shirts and their female staff wear yellow scarves or yellow shirts. Cost The cost of the transportation service will be based on your drop-off area or your 14-day quarantine location. Please see below the price set for different areas. $76.65- North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster & Richmond $97.65- Delta, Surrey, Coquitlam, Pt. Coquitlam, Pt. Moody, Delta & Maple Ridge $178.50- Abbotsford & Chilliwack Payment Payment will be made to UFV International. There is no need to pay the driver during your ride. The amount will be charged automatically to your UFV student account. Travel Time 1.5 hours depending on traffic in the area Covid-19 Protocol Passengers are asked to wear a face mask or face covering. Drivers diligently follow Covid-19 cleaning protocol.
8
Those arriving in Canada are subject to mandatory 14-day quarantine before you arrive to campus as required by law. Hotels can provide you with a temporary solution if you need short term housing or are looking for somewhere to stay during your 14-day quarantine. Keep in mind, you will also need to find long-term stay accommodation which can be either on or off campus.
The Sandman Hotel Group offers preferred rates to all staff, faculty, alumni and visitors of UFV. Sandman Hotel and Suites Abbotsford is conveniently located near shopping, parks, and major bus routes. To receive the special quarantine rate of $99+ tax per night you can either call or send an e-mail to secure your reservation. +1-604-556-7263
reservations@sandman.ca
The Sandman Hotel Group has COVID-19 Health & Safety protocols in place for guests who are selfisolating for 14 days. These protocols include the following: Sanitize check-in Floor decals to indicate appropriate social distance Hand sanitizing stations at primary entrances and key high traffic areas Touchless express check-out Hotel rooms are left vacant and sanitized for up to 72 hours prior to the next check-in Room services to help make your stay as comfortable as possible Staff available to bring prepaid online orders sent to the front desk such as groceries, Skip the Dishes, Doordash or other local restaurant food orders to your room. If you are staying in a hotel, here is a suggested guideline for being a guest in self-isolation; procedures may vary from different hotels
9
The Ramada Surrey & Langley Hotel is currently offering a special quarantine rate for any students needing accommodation for this purpose. Please contact them directly at 604-5768388 or toll free at 1-888-576-8388 for further information or to reserve rooms. Book with Ramada Surrey & Langley Hotel
Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel and Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel Both the Sheraton Vancouver Airport and Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel are offering quarantine accommodation for any students requiring accommodations for the 14 day quarantine prior to attending school. In addition, they are offering 14 day rates along with meal plans. Book with Sheraton Vancouver Aiport Hotel
Book with Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel
If you are staying in a hotel, here is a suggested guideline for being a guest in self-isolation; procedures may vary from different hotels
10
"Self-isolation is done by people who have confirmed COVID-19 or are likely to have it. It means separating yourself from others, including staying at home, to avoid situations where you could infect other people. The goal of self-isolation is to lower the chance of spreading the virus." -
Anyone who has: New onset symptoms, however mild. For a full list of current up to date symptoms, please go to page 12. International travellers arriving to Canada. People diagnosed with COVID-19. Close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases (who have been instructed by Public Health)
11
"The Government of Canada will use its authority under the Quarantine Act to ensure compliance with the order. Failure to comply with this Order is an offense under the Quarantine Act. Maximum penalties include a fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months. Further, a person who causes a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person while wilfully or recklessly contravening this Act or the regulations could be liable for a fine of up to $1,000,000 or to imprisonment of up to three years, or to both. Spot checks will be conducted by the Government of Canada to verify compliance."
In addition, 14 days is the time it can take for COVID-19 to go from initially infecting you to making you feel sick. This is called the incubation period. There is a chance that you can spread germs in the incubation period, and so people who do not have symptoms but are at higher risk of having been exposed to the illness are asked to self-isolate in addition to those who are showing symptoms. If you are concerned please complete BC's Online Self Assessment Tool to determine if you should self isolate. To get tested, find your local collection centre by following these links. You can also call 8-1-1 to find the nearest centre. Collection centre finder (Mobile and desktop) Collection centre finder for Internet Explorer users If you have no symptoms, even if you are a contact of a confirmed case or a returning traveller, you do not require a test.
12
In order to mitigate barriers students may face during the 14-day quarantine period, we will provide each student with a ‘quarantine handbook’ that includes all of the information contained in this document as well as basic instructions to utilize the ARRIVECAN application for recording daily health self-assessments (see page 14 for more details) UFV International will create a daily monitoring schedule to check-in with students. The daily checkin will consist of a standard set of yes/no questions based on ThriveBC as well as addressing questions related but not limited to: meals, general well-being, online social engagement opportunities, sleep, mental health, etc. The Global Engagement Team has created a closed Facebook group for all students in quarantine to connect with each other and will also offer virtual online engagement activities. Join the UFV COVID-19 Support Group
Do you have any symptoms of COVID-19? (Use ThriveBC website) If yes, call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1
Are you sleeping normally? (Address jet lag) Are you eating?
If no, do you require medical care for any other reason? Have you left your hotel room? If yes, for what reason(s)?
Are you facing any racist comments or stigma? Are you feeling lonely?
If yes, did you wear a mask?
Do you notice any symptoms of culture shock? (provide examples)
If yes, did you practice physical distancing?
Do you have feelings associated with depression?
13
UFV SUPPORT DURING QUARANTINE
COVID-19
PROCESS OF CARE AND CONTINGENCY OF SUPPORT Should you self-assess and report symptoms of COVID-19 as outlined on the Thrive BC website, UFV staff will provide you with instructions to call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1. Daily check-ins will increase to twice daily and staff will support you in following the recommendations of the health care professional. In the event that symptoms progress, staff will again direct you to contact HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 for another health check and associated recommendations, if different than before. If you require testing and receive a positive test for COVID-19 but do not require hospitalization, the university will support you by ensuring appropriate resources are available to you. Staff will also increase daily check-ins and if necessary, assist you in meal selection and delivery as well as other living needs, as required.
FINAL HEALTH CHECK UFV staff will direct students to contact HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 for a final health screen within 24 hours of the last day of quarantine. Students will be instructed to report the final check to the UFV staff member for reporting purposes.
14
During your self isolation period, it is important to monitor yourself. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses including the flu and common cold. It is important to monitor the symptoms of COVID-19 as they can appear up to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. For a complete and up to date list of COVID-19 symptoms please review the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) symptoms webpage.
Read the BCCDC COVID-19 Symptoms Webpage
We recommend that you track your health daily throughout your MANDATORY 14 day quarantine. You can do so by providing voluntary updates on your quarantine compliance and the development of any symptoms during the 14 days after arriving in Canada by using the ArriveCAN app. Please review page 3 for more details.
15
Find help with acquiring provincial health care coverage, or identifying providers that will offer comprehensive health insurance that will cover outpatient and inpatient treatments and include consultations, medical tests and hospital stays during COVID-19 As an international student, you are required to have medical insurance for the entire duration of your studies at UFV. Now, more than ever, we want students to know that they will have access to the appropriate health care coverage upon arrival in BC, Canada. Here is a breakdown of the various medical insurance plans that may be applicable to you as a new UFV student.
guard.me International Insurance is a private health care plan that is provided as a temporary plan to new international students during the 3-month wait period until they are eligible for provincial health care coverage. This plan covers all new and emergent conditions and medically necessary treatments, including those related to COVID-19. guard.me International Insurance does not cover any services related to pre-existing conditions.
If you are staying in the province of British Columbia (BC) for more than six months, you are required to enroll in the provincial health care plan called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). The waiting period to receive MSP coverage is approximately three months. MSP provides coverage for medically required services including services related to COVID-19. In addition, MSP also pays for diagnostic services including x-rays. Other services that may be covered by MSP include supplementary benefits provided by other health care practitioners. For more detailed information about what services For more detailed information about what services are covered by MSP, click here. For more detailed information about MSP and COVID-19, click here.
As a full-time student (9 credits or more) in the fall, you will be automatically enrolled in the SUS Health and Dental Plan provided by StudentCare from September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021. This plan provides extended health and dental coverage to fill the gaps in the provincial health care plan (MSP). For more information, including information about how to opt-out, please click here.
16
Depending on your situation, your medical insurance needs will vary. Are you a new UFV student as of Fall 2020 but have been in BC, Canada for more than 3 months? If this is the case, you are likely eligible for the provincial health care plan (MSP) and should have already applied shortly after your arrival to BC. If this is not the case, please apply immediately by clicking here. Are you a new UFV student as of Fall 2020 and will begin your online studies from your home country?
If this is the case, you do not require any Canadian medical insurance at this time. Once you do eventually arrive in BC, please contact international@ufv.ca to enquire about private medical insurance (guard.me International Insurance) until you are eligible for provincial health care coverage (MSP). Are you a new UFV student as of Fall 2020 and plan to arrive in BC, Canada prior to the start of classes?
If this is the case, you will be advised to apply for the provincial health care coverage (MSP) upon arrival in BC. If you are not eligible for MSP coverage immediately and are required to wait three months until your coverage becomes active, UFV International will enroll you on a private medical insurance plan (guard.me International Insurance). This process will be dependent on you completing the International Online Check-In process upon arrival in BC and providing accurate information regarding your arrival date.
If you are having non-emergency health issues, please call a local walk-in clinic to enquire about accessing their services. Due to COVID-19, many walk-in clinics are limiting the number of patients that can enter their facilities and instead are providing virtual appointments. Whether you meet in person or virtually, the doctor will ask questions about your health concerns and provide the appropriate advice. To find walk-in clinics near you, click here.
If you are having a medical emergency, you should go directly to the emergency room (ER) at your local hospital or call 9-1-1. A walk-in doctor may also refer you to the hospital for various medical services, 11 such as diagnostic services or surgical services. Each community has their own hospital. For more information regarding hospitals in the Fraser Health region, click here. If you are unsure whether you need to visit a doctor or the hospital, you can call 8-1-1 to talk to a nurse.
17
HEALTH INSURANCE
COVID-19
ACCESSING HEALTH CARE IN BC Pharmacies To purchase medication or personal hygiene items, you can visit a local pharmacy. Some medications may require a prescription, which is a special note of permission that doctors give you so that you can get certain types of medicine. If you need medication that requires a prescription, please meet with a walk-in clinic doctor to request a prescription.
COVID-19 Resources If you have questions about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you suspect you have the virus, please click here.
18
Preparing for self-isolation requires knowing where to acquire the necessities for staying in your designated place of quarantine for 14 days. The quarantine means you should not be leaving your place of isolation, unless it is to seek urgent medical attention. Below are ways to still get your shopping done while staying at home.
There are Save-on-Foods and Walmart grocery stores across the Fraser Valley and the Metro Vancouver area. You can order the following for delivery: Groceries: Dairy Meat/Halal Bakery Fruits & Vegetables International Food Vegan/Vegetarian Food Beverages
Health, Wellness & Beauty Products: Flu, Cold and Allergy medication Feminine Care Pain Relief Bath & Shower Oral hygiene
There are London Drugs stores across the Fraser Valley and the Metro Vancouver area. You can order the following for delivery: Groceries: Snacks Beverages
Health, Wellness & Beauty Products: Flu, Cold and Allergy medication Feminine Care Pain Relief Bath & Shower Oral hygiene
19
Skip is Canada's leading and largest food delivery network. You can easily order food from local restaurants in the Fraser Valley. You can order online or download the app in your Google Play Store or App Store. Skip the Dishes offers contactless delivery on all food orders, limiting unnecessary contact between customers and couriers. Payment options: Credit Card Interact Online Door Dash is a food delivery company similar to Skip the Dishes. You can easily order food from restaurants local to the Fraser Valley. You can order online or download the app in your Google Play Store or App Store. Door Dash also offers contactless delivery. Payment options: Credit Card Debit Card Paypal
20
Provision of information on physical and mental health supports, and other supports available to international students
Here at UFV International, we offer both international and domestic students a variety of intercultural global engagement programs in a virtual setting in light of COVID-19 restrictions. View below for a complete list of the current virtual engagement programs. Located in myClass, the Global Lounge HUB is the place to join events like Virtual Game Night, Language Exchange, or just hang out and engage with your peers. The Global Lounge HUB is open to all UFV students (international and domestic)! Sign up for the HUB
Friends Without Borders is one of UFV's most popular programs that promotes global citizenship through cross-cultural exchange and intercultural/inter-personal communication. Friends Without Borders
Learn more
STEP Cafe is a weekly drop-in Settlement, Transition, and Engagement Program that helps new international students navigate questions about academics, accommodation, working, self-care, community engagement, and more. Any question is a good question! Register for STEPCafe
21
To help UFV follow government recommendations regarding physical/social distancing, all student services at UFV now operate remotely, either online or via the telephone. A complete list of these services can be found here.
Campus Recreation's goal is to provide students, staff and faculty with opportunities to actively participate in programs that foster enjoyable leisure experiences, healthy lifestyle practices, meaningful connections with peers and colleagues, and holistic learning. .
UFV REACH This virtual wellness initiative is a collaboration between the Coast Capital Savings Peer Resource & Leadership Centre (PRLC), UFV Athletics & Campus Recreation, and Student Life departments. REACH stands for Recreation, Engagement, Awareness, Connection, and Health! The group hopes to explore wellness through a holistic lens that touches on all the parts of REACH . Join UFV Reach
22
Provision of information on physical and mental health supports, and other supports available to international students
Students can also find support within the local community. The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC (Crisis Centre) is a non-profit, volunteer organization committed to helping people help themselves and others deal with crisis. The Centre offers the following services: 24/7 Distress Phone Services In addition to four regional distress lines, the Centre also provides two provincial 1-800SUICIDE lines, two Mental Health Information lines, and a designated Seniors’ Distress Line. The provincial 1-800-SUICIDE lines and Mental Health Support Lines are available in over 140 languages using a language service. Online Distress Services (YouthInBC.com, CrisisCentreChat.ca) Provides youth and adults with an opportunity to talk openly yet confidentially when in distress, or crisis, seek emotional support, and locate referral services in their community.
Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and social service centers for young people ages 12-24, providing a one-stop-shop for young people to access mental health care, substance use services, primary care, social services, and youth and family peer support. Phone & Online Chat Whether it's by phone, online chat or text, connect with a counsellor or trained volunteer to ask questions, help you understand what's going on for you and find resources online or in your community.
23
The UFV International team is here to support you on your way to success! We welcome you to reach out to us anytime you have a question. We are happy to point you in the direction and provide you support anyway we can. Here is how you can remain connected with us!
Have a question but unsure who to direct it to? We will be happy to answer or direct you to someone who holds the answer. international@ufv.ca
international.ufv.ca
Give us a follow and stay connected with us on social media! It is the best way to remain up to date with the latest events at UFV! UFV_International
University of the Fraser Valley - UFV International
The Global Engagement team are always ready to have a good time with you! We are the masterminds behind engagement programming at UFV International! We also welcome you to reach out and chat. Receiving a message from students always makes our day. So connect with us! Adrian Bontuyan Coordinator, International Student Success
adrian.bontuyan@ufv.ca
Adrian Bontuyan Ufv
@adrianbontuyanufv
Sarah Gabor-Martinez Coordinator, Global Engagement & Contract Training
sarah.gabor-martinez@ufv.ca
Sarah UFV Gabor-Martinez
@sarah.ufv
Savannah Waite Assistant, Global Engagement
savannah.waite@ufv.ca
@savannah.ufv
24