COVID-19 convention protocols

**Note: The BC Federation of Labour follows the guidance of the BC’s Provincial Health Officer with regard to COVID-19 safety protocols. The BCFED reserves the right to change our COVID-19 protocols, outlined below, at any time.

Before heading to convention:

• Self-monitor for symptoms of a communicable disease, including COVID-19 or influenza.
• The BCFED strongly encourages delegates to perform a COVID-19 rapid antigen test prior to traveling to Vancouver for the convention.
• Do not attend convention if you have a positive test.

Masks

We strongly encourage every delegate to wear a mask at all times during convention. This strong encouragement extends to all convention events and even when seated in the convention hall. We know that masks are the most effective way to keep yourself and others safe. This simple act of masking up will ensure that others around you can fully participate.

Daily health check

Each delegate should do a daily self-health check – and if you have any symptoms associated with COVID-19 do not enter the convention hall or attend convention events (unless the symptoms are related to a known health condition (e.g. allergies) or within 48 hours after a COVID-19 or flu vaccine). Do not return until symptoms have cleared.

It is critical that we each do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19. We encourage delegates to bring rapid tests with you to convention (they are free at pharmacies in BC). But note, even if a rapid test shows a negative result, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms you cannot attend convention events.

To review the daily health check visit: covidcheck.gov.bc.ca

Social distancing

Be mindful of other people and maintaining social distance when possible.

Green/Yellow/Red stickers: Delegates will be encouraged to place a sticker on your convention badge to let people know your comfort level when greeting:

• Green = happy to shake hands
• Yellow = we can elbow bump
• Red = let’s just wave and say hello

Hand washing / sanitizer

There will be hand sanitizer stations readily available at all convention events. We strongly encourage all delegates to wash their hands frequently and use the provided hand sanitizer before and after touching common areas (re: water stations).

Ventilation

The Vancouver Convention Centra have MERV-13 air filters and will have it operating at highest capacity possible, based on the temperature outside. The VCC follows the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineer) Standards and have achieved the NAFA (National Air Filtration Association) Clean Air Award. The Westin Bayshore operates its HVAC system at its highest capacity, possible based on the outside air temperatures and follows ASHRAE Standards. Our smaller meeting rooms have portable HEPA air purifiers based on square footage to increase air exchange.

Enhanced cleaning

GDI are onsite ensuring enhanced cleaning in the convention area of the Vancouver Convention Centre. GDI cleaners have completed Cleaning for Health training and follow operational guidelines and procedures specific to COVID-19.

**Please Note: Symptoms of COVID-19 include: