The University of Victoria has cancelled all in-person exams for the remainder of the month due to a rise in COVID-19 cases on campus that includes the Omicron variant.
Four cases of the variant were confirmed on Monday in a joint release from the university and Island Health, among a cluster of 124 cases associated with people who attended off-campus events.
More cases of the variant are expected, said the release.
According to the university, the cases are occurring within a “highly vaccinated” population.
“As such, we are seeing mild illness and are not aware of any hospitalizations associated with this cluster at this time,” reads the Monday statement.
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“It is also important to emphasize that initial epidemiological data confirms that transmission is occurring in indoor household or social settings where few, if any COVID-19 controls are in place.”
At this time, there is no evidence of transmission in on-campus classrooms or workplaces, the university added.
In an effort to combat the rise in cases, however, students will be writing exams “online or in another format.”
The university and Island Health announced that decision Sunday, before announcing cases of the Omicron variant.
Instructors will be contacting students individually with information on how assessments will be proceeding, the university said.
Students are also reminded not to come to campus for any reason if they feel unwell.
Meanwhile, all on-campus student, administrative and support services, research centres, labs and on-campus study spaces will continue to remain open and operate with COVID-19 safety plans in place.
However, on-campus, in-person social events for employees and students, including holiday parties and other social gatherings, must be cancelled or postponed until further notice, the university said.
Island Health is also working with the university to distribute rapid testing kits for those deemed by Public Health as close contacts of confirmed cases.
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