COVID-19 exposure
- University of Victoria
It has come to our attention that students have been impacted by an off-campus exposure to COVID-19 over the weekend of Feb. 27-28. We want to assure students, faculty, staff, parents and guardians that the university is working closely with Island Health to respond to this situation and support the university community.
Students voluntarily entered self-isolation immediately after learning of their exposure and are being supported by the university.
We understand that this news may cause concern and anxiety, not only to those directly involved, but to the broader community. Please be assured, UVic is working closely with and following the guidance of Island Health to respond to the situation and ensure all steps are being taken to protect the health and safety of students, faculty and staff.
At this time, Island Health has identified all those needing to self-isolate and contact tracing is ongoing. Island Health has confirmed there is no evidence of on-campus transmission at this time. It’s also important to note that no ongoing COVID-19 risk to staff and students at the university from this exposure has been identified by Island Health.
The students who were exposed are all enrolled in online classes and will remain in self-isolation under the direction of Island Health.
COVID-19 tests are being administered to any student in self-isolation who shows symptoms. Any positive cases identified will be given appropriate public health direction.
In order to protect the privacy of anyone who is self-isolating or becomes sick, no information specific to the individual or individuals will be released by Island Health or the university, including if they have contracted COVID. Our first priority remains to protect the health and safety of our campus and the wider community.
This situation serves as a strong reminder to everyone at UVic about the importance of strictly abiding by the orders and guidelines of the public health officer.
The university continues to do its utmost to protect the health and safety of the campus and wider community and is following established COVID-19 plans, protocols and resources that are based on guidance and direction from the provincial health officer, provincial guidelines for the post-secondary sector and WorkSafeBC.
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