Island Health says there have been 181 cases of COVID-19 associated with the outbreak at UVic, which started near the end of the semester earlier this month.
According to healthcare officials, the spike in cases has been largely attributed to off-campus parties and the men’s rugby team’s trip to Kingston, Ontario for the national championship tournament.
There have been no hospitalizations or deaths associated with any of the reported cases at UVic, according to Island Health, and 179 of the infected individuals have since fully recovered and are no longer considered infectious.
As a result of the recent rise in COVID cases — including a collection of Omicron variant cases — UVic has announced they will start their next semester online for all courses which are able to facilitate online learning. The decision comes despite a recommendation from B.C.’s provincial health officer for post-secondary schools to continue with in-person learning.
The University of Victoria says, at this time, it intends for courses to be held online until Jan. 24, at which point the plan is to return to in-person learning.
“This approach provides certainty for students and instructors for the beginning of term, allows for our ongoing coordination and collaboration with Island Health and provides flexibility for our campus community, allowing for safe travel and transition for students back to campus,” UVic posted in a statement on the website.
Student housing and dining services, registrar’s office, student services — including mental health and wellness services — research facilities, and libraries will resume normal service on Jan. 4, despite this move to online learning.
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