B.C. students say universities haven't done COVID-19 testing on unvaccinated as promised
Students and staff at Metro Vancouver’s two largest universities say not enough is being done to keep them safe from COVID-19, and their concerns revolve around testing protocols for the unvaccinated.
Both Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia decided against making vaccination mandatory for work and study on campus this semester.
“The decisions that SFU makes around the safety of our community have consequences,” said SFU Student Society president Gabe Liosis, in an interview with CTV News Vancouver.
All students, faculty and staff at both schools were directed to declare their vaccination status through an online portal but not everyone has done that.
Those who are unvaccinated, or who choose not to declare, are supposed to be subjected to regular rapid COVID-19 testing. But students and staff at the schools say nobody is checking to make sure they do.
“There’s no actual enforcement and no consequences,” said Derek Sahota, with the SFU Teaching Support Staff Union. “And so that means at the moment, about 15 per cent of the community, we have no idea whether they’re vaccinated or not or whether they’ve been tested or not.”
In a statement to CTV News, the University of British Columbia said it is about to begin an audit of its vaccine declarations.
“It is our hope that through education and communication we’ll be able to resolve any issues, however continued non-compliance may lead to significant repercussions. The determination of outcomes will be reviewed on a case by case basis,” reads the statement.
SFU also sent a statement from Vice-Provost Elizabeth Elle.
“We are very proud of the work and due diligence that our community has taken to follow COVID-19 safety precautions and protocols,” she said. “Any continued non-compliance will be reviewed and followed up on a case-by-case basis. An audit will also be conducted in November to ensure the accuracy of proof of vaccine submissions.”
But neither school has said how they will enforce the rapid testing mandate for the unvaccinated – or what consequences there could be.
“From our perspective, it has been a bit disappointing to see that the rollout has taken this long,” said Cole Evans, president of UBC’s Alma Mater Society. “Especially when the University made those commitments that they would have this up and ready to go for the start of the school year.”
With the last day of classes just six weeks away, it’s not clear if SFU or UBC will take any action before then.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in 'all public spaces,' marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.