Huge party at UBC frat house shut down for violating COVID rules

Officers shut down a party at a UBC fraternity house Sunday night where hundreds of students were gathering in contravention of COVID-19 public health orders, RCMP say.

Mounties received several calls about the party at the fraternity village on Wesbrook Mall and found the students gathering in the courtyard and inside several homes.

Few were wearing masks, the crowd was bigger than the allowable 50 people, and physical distancing was not possible, police said in a statement Wednesday.

The event was also advertised on social media, and a video of the partygoers was posted online.

Officers issued $5,000 in fines for hosting a non-compliant event.

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“We are asking that students ensure they observe all public health orders. We have worked hard to get this far over the past (18) months. Let’s stay safe and healthy,” Const. Christina Martin said in a release.

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In a statement Thursday, Ainsley Carry, the vice president of students, said all UBC students are expected to follow provincial and campus rules regarding COVID-19.

“Last weekend, multiple Greek letter organizations at UBC were issued fines by the University and RCMP for noise and public health violations. This behaviour is not acceptable,” he said.

“While I understand the value of social gatherings to connect students at the beginning of the new school year, large social gatherings have the potential to trigger COVID-19 outbreaks. I am urging fraternities, sororities, and all student organizations to strictly follow public health orders related to COVID-19. Furthermore, I strongly urge students to report and avoid large indoor social gatherings that violate public health orders.”

Carry said everyone must take responsibility for their own health and the health of everyone around them.

The office of VP Students will also be holding a mandatory training session with all fraternity and sorority presidents, in partnership with the RCMP and Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, to make sure they are up-to-date on health guidelines and provincial health orders.