Rationale
Life is a gift to all who are alive. Before we come face to face with our Creator, we use this gift until he demands from us an account for it. While on earth, we have the opportunity to sow what we will reap in heaven. It is from this appreciation of the relationship of life on earth to life in heaven that we derive the value of life. Life and health are not absolute goods, it is true, but natural law also binds us to make use of the ordinary measures for preventing disease, in order to preserve our own life and the life of others. St. Thomas Aquinas puts it this way, “It is by nature that everything loves itself, so that everything conserves itself in being and resists, as far as it can, any corrupting influences.” (ST II-II, Q. 64, a. 5) The Catechism of the Catholic Church prohibits exposing someone to mortal danger without grave reason, as well as refusing assistance to a person in danger (2269). This could happen if we were careless about COVID.
We live in close proximity and so need to watch out for each other. But there is also the wider community to think of. Many of us interact with local community services as well as with settings in the archdiocese as a whole. Our own Communicable Disease Prevention Plan assists those we meet to remain healthy.
The precautionary measures we all take to avoid the transmission of communicable diseases are good examples of how small acts of charity can go a long way in benefitting everyone. “The Lord loves a cheerful giver.” (RB 5) If we embrace these measures with a generous heart, they can be transformed from stumbling blocks to stepping stones.
The Seminary Setting and Preventing the Spread of Communicable Diseases
The Seminary of Christ the King is a community in which most faculty and students reside on campus. SCK has adopted a Communicable Disease Prevention Plan that replaces the COVID-19 safety measures which were required under the Pandemic State of Emergency. SCK is following the guidance and direction of the Provincial Health Officer, the BC Post-Secondary Institutions’ COVID-19 Return to Campus Guidelines and the WSBC Communicable Disease Prevention Guide for Employers.
Our Communicable Disease Prevention Plan outlines the ongoing prevention and response measures that everyone needs to follow to keep our community healthy going forward. 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.
The SCK Communicable Disease Prevention Plan is effective as of April 13, 2022 and replaces all existing COVID-19 Safety Plans. This plan applies to all employees, faculty, students, contractors and visitors engaged in any college-related activity.
Communication
The rector communicates guidelines pertaining to the Communicable Disease Prevention Plan in three ways, depending on the circumstances: by email, by printed notes on the seminary bulletin board, or by verbal announcements at common activities.
Preventing the Spread of Communicable Diseases
Precautionary measures to avoid transmission of communicable diseases are similar to measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. It is important to limit the spread of a communicable disease before it has the potential to cause serious illness/disease by implementing the following prevention measures:
Students, faculty, and staff:
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- are personally responsible to administer a daily health self-assessment prior to attending in-person activities though they are not required to confirm it with campus health authorities.
- must wash their hands upon arrival on campus. A hand sanitizing dispenser is located inside the front door of the residence.
Students are expected to follow regular pre-COVID handwashing and hygiene protocols.
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- Students will be briefed on the nearest hand washing station and encouraged to practice frequent hand washing, before and after common meals, for example.
- Hand sanitizers or washing areas are provided for the refectory and recreation areas. Wash your hands in your own room before coming to the gym.
- Do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with unwashed hands.
- When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow, and then wash your hands.
Students are expected to follow regular pre-COVID cleaning protocols in all indoor settings and on high touch surfaces
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- Common touch points such as door handles and washrooms will be regularly sanitized by seminarians designated by the Rector or Vice-Rector.
Protocols and directives outlined by the Health Office will be adhered to at all times.
What to do if you have symptoms
- Do not attend class if you are ill or have symptoms of a communicable disease including: fever and/or chills, diarrhea, fatigue, muscle aches or coughing.
- Notify your instructor of your absence.
- Avoid close contact with others.
Manage your symptoms
- Rest, drink lots of water, use a hot shower to ease cough or sore throat.
- For fever, take medicine like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
- If you do not improve after 5 or 6 days, call a doctor or 8-1-1.
What happens if there is a case on campus?
- In the event of a confirmed case of a communicable disease on campus, SCK will follow the guidance of the appropriate health authority. Diagnosis of a communicable disease must be treated confidentially at all times. SCK will work closely with the public health authority on guidance for communications.