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COVID-19: UBC pushes return to in-person learning for most students to Feb. 7

Click to play video: 'COVID-19: Dr. Bonnie Henry says we know more about Omicron now than we did weeks ago'
COVID-19: Dr. Bonnie Henry says we know more about Omicron now than we did weeks ago
WATCH: Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday that health officials know much more about Omicron now than they did weeks ago. Henry said this means we just need to ride this 'Omicron wave' for a short time longer before the province can hopefully see a decline in cases and hospitalizations – Jan 11, 2022

The University of British Columbia is again pushing back the return to in-person learning for many students, as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly.

In an update to students Wednesday, the university said it would continue to deliver the majority of programs online until Feb. 7.

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In-person learning had already been delayed until Jan. 24 as a COVID precaution. The university said it would provide another update on the return to in-person learning the week of the 24th.

Click to play video: 'Canada’s hospitals overwhelmed by Omicron wave'
Canada’s hospitals overwhelmed by Omicron wave

“We recommend that all students plan to be on campus early in February, so they can be ready for the start of in-person teaching and learning,” UBC president Santa Ono wrote.

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“We are also in the process of continuity planning for the potential impact of the Omicron variant on our employees, and any associated demands on the university’s testing capacity.”

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UBC said while in-person classes were delayed, its campuses and facilities remained open, including student services and libraries.

On Tuesday, Simon Fraser University, which had delayed its own return to in-person learning, announced it would stick with its original Jan. 24 date to have students return to class.

The University of Northern British Columbia said it will resume in-person learning for most classes, as planned, on Monday Jan. 17, though some will continue through alternatives until Jan. 28.

Global News is seeking an update from the University of Victoria and University on its plans for in-person learning.

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