COVID-19 update: Implementation of rapid testing and vaccine status self-declaration.
On Thursday, August 26, 2021 it was announced that BC’s research universities; UBC, UVic, TRU, and SFU will be implementing a program for rapid testing and a vaccine status self-declaration plan. There are still many moving pieces and details to be finalized, however, the universities wanted to inform the communities as soon as able. This program will give students, staff and faculty who will be attending on-campus activities the choice to:
- confidentially and securely declare their status as being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or
- participate in periodic rapid testing until able to be fully vaccinated.
As you can imagine, this is a significant undertaking. In the coming days the university will be working to develop a platform and a process to manage your confidential data. The implementation of these measures will be discussed with faculty and staff associations and unions, as well as student societies.
As you are aware, our local ran a survey on August 17, 2021 asking members what they would support for the fall re-opening plan with the Delta variant causing the COVID-19 case count to surge. 86% of members who responded had agreed that CUPE 951 should advocate that the University ask the BC Government to allow UVic to mandate all members of the university community, who will be working or studying on campus, in the fall of 2021 be fully vaccinated, unless they meet medical or religious exemptions.
Our local worked with the Faculty Association, PEA and CUPE 4163 to issue a press release on August 24, 2021 advocating for further measures to be put in place by the University.
We understand that members were not 100% in favour and we will continue to represent the needs of all members as the University moves to implement this new plan. If you have any question, please feel free to contact CUPE 951 President or Chief Steward.
Kirk Mercer, President
presidentcupe951@uvic.ca
250-721-8245
Ted Godwin, Chief Steward
chiefstewardcupe951@uvic.ca
250-721-7087
Press Releases