Consider staying in Lennoxville for Thanksgiving

Dear students,

As you know we are in the midst of a second wave of COVID-19. For the last several days there have been close to or more than 1,000 new cases a day in Quebec.

Thus far, we have not had any cases amongst the Bishop’s community. While there may be some luck in that, it is also because of the serious efforts everyone has made, and continues to make, to respect the rules that we have put in place.

Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and I’m sure that under normal circumstances, many of you would be planning to head home for the weekend.

The challenge that we face is that large areas of Quebec have been designated red zones, where there is significant propagation of the virus. These include Montreal and Quebec City.

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, has urged all Canadians to be extra cautious and to limit movements and gatherings this weekend, especially in provinces like Quebec and Ontario where infection rates are highest.

Bishop’s is one of the Eastern Townships’ institutions involved in the 28-Day Challenge – Break the COVID Wave – a mobilisation effort to reduce non-essential social contact to curb the virus’ propagation.

So my hope is that for your own health, for that of your family and for the safety of the Bishop’s community you will not travel unless it’s absolutely necessary to do so.

The SRC has planned some fun Thanksgiving activities this weekend.

• An outdoor fitness session to get you moving,
• trivia events,
• a trip to Foresta Lumina’s sound and light show,
• and discounts for local activities

are a few examples of what the SRC has planned to help you make the most of the weekend. Visit the SRC’s social media channels for more details.

The BUnited Peer Centre will also be open.

We all have a significant investment in being able to continue to enjoy the on-campus life that we have.

Even if our activities have been limited this year, we have been able to offer more in-person experiences than at many other institutions and I know how much everyone wants to preserve this.

We must continue to work together for the good of our shared community.

With best wishes for a happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving.

Michael Goldbloom, C.M.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor