University of Alberta to mandate rapid testing on campus for unvaccinated
Three Alberta universities say they will adopt a new set of protocols for campus visitors that include masking for all public indoor areas and rapid testing for those who are unvaccinated.
The University of Alberta, University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge are all adopting the plan, citing "the shared goal of offering a safe teaching, learning, living working, and research environment."
"We recognize the urgent need for additional measures within our campus communities," said Bill Flanagan, president of the University of Alberta.
The new protocols outline new rules around rapid testing, masking and isolating:
- Regular rapid testing for all campus visitors except those who are fully vaccinated
- Masks to be worn in all public indoor areas on campus where physical distancing is not possible
- Those with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result must isolate for 10 days or until a negative test
The new policies come into effect in September.
"I think most students are incredibly relieved," said Rowan Ley, president of the University of Alberta Students' Union.
"A lot of students were scared honestly. Many didn't feel comfortable coming."
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Macewan University said Tuesday they are still finalizing health measures for the upcoming term.
Universities in Ontario have taken on stricter measures by making vaccinations mandatory for those returning to campus.
The University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina have adopted similar policies for campus access.
Post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada are maintaining policies encouraging students to be vaccinated, stopping short of making it a requirement.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.