COVID-19 rapid testing clinic now open to faculty and staff
This message was sent to executive, deans and other senior academic leaders, academic heads, directors and managers, and senior professional leaders in Vancouver.
June 21, 2021
In February, UBC embarked on a COVID-19 rapid testing pilot project for a clinical trial program at Orchard Commons Residence in Vancouver for students and staff living or working in congregate housing.
This program is being led by the UBC School of Nursing, and is a collaborative effort with Safety and Risk Services, Student Housing and Community Services, Vancouver Coastal Health, Health Canada and Providence Health. This clinical trial is intended to help researchers assess the viability of the Roche SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test, with the aim of getting more rapid tests approved and rolled out across Canada to identify positive cases early on and curb the transmission of COVID-19. The clinic is using a new self-administered nasal swab screening test that gives a result within 15 minutes. Participating in the program gives members of the UBC community an opportunity to contribute to Canadian COVID-19 interventions.
Thank you to all of those who participated in the clinical trial, which helped thousands of participants get free, fast and easy COVID-19 tests and contribute to Canadian COVID-19 research. Having reviewed the success of the program, the clinical trial has now been opened to all faculty and staff for the summer, including those working remotely, until August 20.
If you have faculty or staff colleagues who are on campus, or are returning to campus, please encourage them to take part in the program. Faculty and staff who are working remotely are also invited to take part if they wish to. Participation is voluntary with no loss of pay, but participants are asked to ensure that appointments are scheduled with minimal disruption, if they fall within working hours.
Testing will continue to play an important role in breaking chains of transmission and controlling the spread of COVID-19. To learn more about the program and how to register, visit https://www.housing.ubc.ca/rapidtest/.
Thank you in advance for your support.
James Olson
Dean, Faculty of Applied Science
Elizabeth Saewyc
Director and Professor, School of Nursing
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