UBC, SFU to require rapid COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated students, staff

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Metro Vancouver’s two largest universities will require students, faculty, and staff who do not provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to undergo rapid testing.

UBC and SFU made similar announcements Thursday, adding a vaccine disclosure requirement to their return to campus safety plans. The announcement comes less than two weeks before the first day of the fall semester, and amid ramped-up measures aimed at containing the fourth wave — including mandatory masks in indoor spaces, and a “vaccine passport” required for entry to many non-essential businesses.

#SFU is working to implement mandatory self-disclosure of vaccination status for our entire campus community, accompanied by regular rapid testing for those who are not vaccinated or choose not to disclose. Learn more: https://t.co/Frat6Mccrt pic.twitter.com/MoaNLUHZUx

— Simon Fraser University (@SFU) August 27, 2021

SFU President, Joy Johnson, issued a statement explaining that everyone in the campus community will be required to inform the university of their immunization status.

“This would be a confidential process, accompanied by regular rapid testing for those who are not vaccinated or choose not to disclose their vaccination status,” she writes.

“I am part of active conversations with our partners to ensure access to the resources we need to implement this approach, including rapid testing kits. We are working to determine a process and platform to manage this confidential data.”

UBC to implement COVID-19 testing and vaccine disclosure process on campuses. https://t.co/peD3evB2Hp

— University of British Columbia (@UBC) August 27, 2021

UBC President, Santa Ono, outlined a near-identical requirement for that institution.

“We are working towards offering rapid testing for our community members who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, or who choose not to disclose their vaccination status,” he writes.

“As a result, UBC will provide COVID-19 testing for all students, faculty, and staff, with exemptions provided for those who are vaccinated against COVID-19.”

Ono also says a survey of students earlier this month indicated that 83 per cent had received two doses of a vaccine, and most of those who had not were set to get the jab before coming back to school.

Both schools say further details will be released soon. The University of Victoria, and Thompson Rivers University have announced the same policy.

Over the summer, students and staff have been advocating for increased safety measures on campus, including mandatory masks and vaccines.