UPDATE: Two of B.C.’s largest universities have announced they are moving all classes online amid concerns over COVID-19.
Simon Fraser University and the University of B.C. said all campuses will remain open, however classes will be hosted virtually.
UBC said the change will be effective beginning Monday, March 16 until the end of term.
“We understand this shift in delivery will have a significant impact on our community and you have many questions, UBC president Santa J. Ono said in a statement.
“I would ask for your patience as we seek to answer those questions.”
He added that the decision to transition to online classes is not due to any confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus, but instead in response to recommendations by B.C. health officials.
University of Victoria has not announced any similar moves, but has cancelled classes that include more than 250 attendees.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced Friday that a ban on large gatherings will be upgraded to a ministerial order, a day after the B.C. government announced the restriction.
UBC had originally planned to continue all classes with less than 250 people in attendance.
March 13, 12:50 p.m:
Classes and exams at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver and Kelowna campuses are continuing as usual amid numerous cancellations due to growing COVID-19 concerns.
In messages to students, the university advised against non-essential travel outside of Canada and to self-isolate for 14 days if they have travelled.
The university said enrolment services and faculty are now working to identify classes with more than 250 students and are considering ways to transition to broadcasting classes online. In the meantime, these bigger classes have been suspended until alternative arrangements are in place, but smaller classes will continue.
On- and-off-campus events with more than 250 people have been cancelled, including Chan Centre events in Vancouver. University staff said they will continue with graduation planning, but they are looking at alternatives should that be required.
The university’s president Santa J. Ono said campus operations continue as usual on the advice of Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and Interior Health.
“Decisions around classes, exams, and limiting access to campus will be made in consultation with our health care partners,” Ono said.
“We will, of course, continue to closely monitor the situation and communicate immediately should the situation and health agencies’ advice change.”
Schools in Manitoba and Ontario, including post-secondary institutions, have announced closures in addition to regularly scheduled spring breaks.
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