EDIT on 10:45pm 12/9/21 : CHEK News has confirmed the story that was first broken by this lil gossip rag. There's also now an official UVic statement saying that it was more than one social gathering.
COVID-19 is probably running rampant through the business program at UVic right now. At eight p.m. tonight, they abruptly changed announced "adjustments to our in-person exam schedules". Rumour has it that a party on Dec 3 was the nexus of the spread. Of course, the rest of the campus don't know jack shit because UVic clams up about any cases of infection on campus. It's bad PR, ya know? (Also, concerns about student privacy trumping the public's right kto now.)
But this incident is serious enough that they blasted this email to all business students on campus. I've quoted the important parts of the BCom announcement, sent out tonight around 8 p.m. on behalf of Business Dean Saul Klein . (The full letter is appended below this article.)
"You may have heard through informal channels today, that some of your fellow students have tested positive for COVID-19 [...] we are working closely with Island Health who has initiated contact tracing."
"[Cases will happen on campus so] for this reason we will be adjusting our in-person exam schedules [...] Please consider limiting your social contacts over the next few days until Island Health has conducted the contact tracing and notification process."
We'll never know officially how many people were infected, because of UVic's policies of sharing information only with university staff if "operationally required, and only then in strict confidence."* * The province of BC has also been painfully obtuse regarding COVID infections at educational institutes, so everything beyond this paragraph is conjecture.
Rumours abound: I've heard an alleged number of 10 that have been tested positive. This reddit thread alleges that close to 40 students were infected at an off-campus party last Friday (Dec 3), attended primarily by business cohort 1.
/r/AnonDriv, who claims that they are one of those who unfortunately caught the corona, said that most people started feeling symptoms on Sunday. "I generally feel fine during the day then fever at night. It ranges from some feel like it’s the worst illness they’ve experienced, others have no symptoms at all," they say. "It started with a cough and scratchy throat then at night turned into a fever. I’m double vaxxed."
Now, to be clear: "adjusting our in-person exam schedules" does not necessarily mean that the tests are going online. But since UVic has been asking faculty to prepare for a possibility of a sudden switch to online since the start of this semester, I feel reasonably confident about putting that in the headline.
UVic's policy of keeping an extremely tight lid regarding infections is not new: last year, there were infections on residence that were only reported to building residents (even though all 700 students eat at the same depressing cafeteria).
If COVID is spreading within the business students, that means its going to spread beyond it too. We all eat, study, work, and play in very interconnected circles. Thankfully, school's out, and UVic is taking the initiative this time to move things online (I hope).
I'm not bothering to contact UVic about further details on this incident because I feel like they are just going to give me the runaround. If you're reading this, UVic PR person, and want to comment, feel free to reach out. I'll gladly put your comment in.
It might be a good idea to keep a healthy distance away from the business kids for now. Stay safe, folks.
**This is assuming that operation procedures haven't changed between the last time I spoke to UVic's PR team.
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Good Evening,
You may have heard through informal channels today, that some of your fellow students have tested positive for COVID-19. Those who test positive for COVID-19 are required to stay home and follow guidance from public health. While we know that this information may be very concerning to you, and that you have many questions, rest assured that we are working closely with Island Health who has initiated contact tracing.
Island Health oversees the process of contact tracing and notification. In low-risk settings like UVic, broad public notification is not normally required. Contact tracing is used by Island Health to notify those who may be at risk of exposure. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be contacted by Island Health. Island Health will notify instructors, classmates and students if they've determined there is a significant risk of COVID-19 exposure. In these cases, UVic may assist with contact tracing or notifications. Island Health will determine, on a case-by-case basis, if self-isolation/self-monitoring is required by following the general guidelines from the BCCDC.
As COVID-19 continues to circulate in the broader community, there will be cases on our campus. Our plans and protocols are designed with this in mind. For this reason we will be adjusting our in-person exam schedules. You will receive more information shortly.
Please consider limiting your social contacts over the next few days until Island Health has conducted the contact tracing and notification process.
Please self-monitor for symptoms. If you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 stay home and let us know about your absence (bcomdira@uvic.ca). Call 811 for medical advice.
As you continue to prepare for final exams, I hope you find some comfort in knowing that we are continuing to do everything possible to safeguard your health while on campus so that you are able to successfully complete the term. As always, if you feel unwell, stay at home and do a self-assessment.
I look forward to communicating again with you shortly with more details. In the meantime, please know we are here to help you. Let us know how can support you through this time. Please contact Kate Donovan directly with any questions, concerns or requests (bcomdira@uvic.ca)
On behalf of Dr. Saul Klein
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