UBC students, representatives worry about spread of COVID-19 at in-person exams

Students and their representatives at the University of British Columbia are calling for the cancellation of in-person exams as the province deals with a surge in cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

The university’s Alma Mater Society issued a public letter to the administration saying students have come forward expressing concerns about the lack of distancing in exam halls that hold hundreds of students, as well as symptomatic students attending these exams.

The university did not immediately return a request for comment on the issue.

“To be honest, I’m just looking for the university to demonstrate some leadership at this point. I do want them to move all exams online or cancel — just no more in person exams, as well no half measures,” Eshana Bhangu, a vice-president with the Alma Mater Society, says.

She adds the group has heard from an “overwhelming” number of students worried about limited social distancing and symptomatic people showing up to write exams.

“Certainly had some people really really coughing in my exams and I know you shouldn’t make assumptions but it’s quite clear there’s a lot of students who are symptomatic and still going to write their exams,” Bhangu says.

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Ava Peacock, a second-year student, says she has written several exams during this period with roughly 900 other students, which has left her feeling worried for her health.

She says the lack of clarity on how many students are vaccinated against the virus and if people are attending after contracting COVID-19 is concerning.

Third year student Justin Kim says although he has completed his exams, he had a close call with a COVID interaction while attending in-person review session.

“On Friday, the professor announced that one of our classmates had tested positive for COVID and was currently isolating but wasn’t able to share any further details about the timeline of when they tested positive. A bunch of us got together and emailed the professor saying we don’t feel we don’t feel safe is there any chance that you can move it online? He said no, the only reason you can miss an exam is if you test positive,” explains Kim.

With little information as to whether or not Kim came into contact with the person, he says he is planning on getting tested before returning to Toronto for the holidays.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, announced new restrictions to come into effect on Monday over fears of the Omicron variant overwhelming hospitals.

They include a 50 per cent capacity limit on venues that hold more than 1,000 people, a ban on youth and adult sports tournaments over the winter holiday period, and the cancellation of all New Year’s Eve parties.

With files from Crystal Laderas