Recognizing those still on campus working to keep us safe

It’s hard to bring people together when you have to physically distance

In Vancouver, the emergency management team enacted the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) — a unit that would lead the coordination of UBCV’s central response to COVID-19 on campus. The EOC helps ensure that decisions can be made quickly and efficiently. Processes that would normally take weeks to finalize can be mapped out and agreed in record time.

The EOC team needed a workspace where they could share information, coordinate central planning initiatives and set priorities. The challenge was setting it up in a way that allowed everyone to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres at all times.

“We managed to convert an existing learning lab into a collaborative workspace with 15 separate dynamic video conference calling stations,” explains Hailey Maxwell, Advisor in UBCV’s Emergency Management team. “This involved running new network cabling for audio and video and setting up webcams and microphones — something that Network and AV Services were able to do in record time.”

“We have over 100 people involved in the EOC,” explains Hailey. “It’s been incredible. I’ve been keeping a list of everyone I need to thank. I’m truly grateful to all those who have helped coordinate our response over the last few weeks.”

Coordinating UBC’s response to COVID-19 has been a team effort

The UBCO Health, Safety and Environment team have been coordinating their response through the Infectious Disease and Pandemic Planning Committee. They follow similar practices as UBCV. Both teams have been in regular communication with each other to share resources and learnings.

One of the first priorities both teams had to focus on was coordinating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on campus. Teams had to work fast to come up with new processes for dealing with the increase in demand, supply and distribution.

“We had to quickly find out what PPE people had across the campus to ensure we had accurate inventory and supplies,” explains Adrian Hingston, Associate Director, UBCO Risk Management Services. “It’s been a challenge for everyone. But I’ve been really impressed with the way people have rolled up their sleeves to help out.”

Physical distancing can be a bit easier when you work outside

For both UBCO and UBCV Security, the work hasn’t slowed down since the COVID-19 outbreak — but it has changed. Teams have been taking additional measures as they go about their work. For example, Acting Associate Director of UBCV Campus Security Ali Mojdehi has been focusing on scaling up patrols and identifying potentially insecure buildings.

“We’ve been making use of PPE,” explains Troy Campbell, Associate Director, UBCO Campus Security. “We’ve also been taking the opportunity to remind students on campus about the importance of physical distancing — providing education and handing out leaflets where necessary.”

Troy and his team maintain all security systems and controls on campus, such as, security patrols, first aid/medical response, fire panels, critical building systems, intruder alarms and CCTV.

“Less people on campus does give our security team the opportunity to maintain physical distancing as they go about their work,” explains Troy. “As the weather has improved, we’ve also been taking the opportunity to do some of our group briefings outside.”