Thank you to all those who have completed your online COVID-19 vaccination status declarations. By doing your part and completing the declaration, you are helping to protect the health and wellbeing of the UBC community.
As of September 28, it has been confirmed that 73,779 members of the UBC community, on both campuses, have completed their vaccination status declaration. 94.78% have declared they are fully vaccinated, with an additional 3.06% declaring that they are partially vaccinated.
For those who have not yet declared their status, a reminder was issued this week advising of the need to complete the process in order to be exempt from UBC’s required COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program. For those who declared they are fully vaccinated, further communication was issued advising of the requirement to verify their status, with proof of vaccination, at https://rapidtesting.covid19.ubc.ca
Listening to our experts
Last week, UBC’s Board of Governors met to consider the university’s approach regarding vaccination. The Board heard the advice of public health experts who provided detailed presentations, including information about current vaccination rates.
Informed by this and through careful consideration, the Board confirmed that our current approach — which requires all students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated or undergo regular COVID-19 rapid testing — is the most appropriate path forward. In addition to rapid testing, mandatory masking and other measures, we will continue to closely watch the impact of the pandemic and respond as changing circumstances warrant. Where necessary, appropriate accommodations will be made based on human rights considerations using our existing processes.
UBC’s COVID-19 rapid testing
Thank you to all those who helped develop UBC’s COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program. Rapid testing sites are now operational on both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. At UBC Vancouver, students living in residence were contacted this week with details about COVID-19 rapid testing. For our broader community of students, faculty and staff, we are contacting them directly and will continue this process through October. UBC Okanagan has offered COVID-19 rapid testing throughout the summer for students, faculty and staff. The testing site on that campus will continue to operate as part of UBC’s COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program.
Please note, you are required to take part in COVID-19 rapid testing unless you declare and verify that you are fully vaccinated.
Do your part Supporting a successful transition to campus means that we all do our part — by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, following public health guidance, conducting the daily self-assessment, staying home when we are sick and paying attention to our mental health. To all our community members, I strongly urge you to become vaccinated. You can learn more at https://immunizebc.ca You can also obtain your BC Vaccine Card at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/proof
Thank you for supporting a safe environment at UBC.
Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor