As winter break approaches, rising COVID-19 cases are causing many students to wonder if they will spend the holidays alone.
Public health officials announced sweeping new health orders on November 19, banning social gatherings of any size and mandating masks in public indoor spaces. The orders are in effect until December 7.
“Now is the time to stay small, stay local and do your part — at home, work, school and in your community,” Minister of Health Adrian Dix said on November 18.
The province has recommended avoiding all non-essential travel, including trips to different regions of BC and to visit those in different social bubbles.
As the severity of the second wave becomes a reality for students who live on campus, many are weighing the positives and negatives of going home for the holidays.
UBC’s winter housing will be staying open for those who wish not to go home over the break. In past years, first-year residences have closed over the break to ensure the safety of occupants.
Even though Orchard Commons will be open, first-year commerce student Ryan De Sousa is choosing to return home to Dubai for the break.
When coming back to Vancouver, he will have to quarantine for two weeks. Many students travelling to Vancouver have self-isolated in the Walter Gage isolation suites.
De Sousa believes the new rules and two-week quarantine are important measures.
“It’s just selfish if you don't follow it, because you will have a chance of passing it on to someone who might be susceptible towards and might die from it.”
On the other hand, third-year business student Ines Ngo usually reunites with her family in Paris for Christmas, but will be staying in Vancouver this year.
“I have to accept the reality that this year, Christmas ... will not be the same. And it is a reality for many families,” Ngo said.
Despite the fact that she won’t be with her family, Ngo reiterated it’s important to remember the impact of the virus on others.
“When we look at the [COVID-19] numbers, we just think, ‘Oh, it’s a number.’ It’s not even processing in our minds [that] there are people that are dying.”
Ngo added that she felt better knowing that her friends shared the same sentiment.
“Some of my friends started saying, ‘Hey, I’m staying too. I’m in the same situation as you are.’ And that made it so much better to know that you’re not alone in this situation and that other people made the decision to stay,” she said.
“So, we thought, why not do something cozy for all of us within our social bubble? And why not just appreciate the love that we’re having now?”