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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.