Back-to-school season is right around the corner and post-secondary students are voicing their concerns over COVID-19 and vaccinations.

Students91裸聊视频� Union Okanagan of UBC (SUO) VP External Ahmed Ahmed said there have been several worries, especially since UBCO91裸聊视频檚 student population is diverse and comes from all over the world.

91裸聊视频淪ome of the concerns are that in Kelowna, there are increasing outbreaks and with the elevated restrictions, some students have some concerns about how UBCO would implement in-person classes,91裸聊视频� he said.

91裸聊视频淪ome of our students come from different countries that have different vaccines. Canada only approved four (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and COVISHIELD), but some of the students have taken other vaccines in their countries and they would need to have a quarantine plan here.91裸聊视频�

With classes starting up on Sept. 7, international students would have to arrive in Canada at least by the week of Aug. 22 to fulfill quarantine requirements.

But some countries still have travel restrictions and with flights from India being banned, Indian students may have a bit more of a hard time coming to Canada and attending in-person classes, Ahmed explained.

He added that while regional restrictions mean masks are required on campus, the SUO will still advocate for required masks in public indoor spaces when the restrictions ease to keep staff, faculty and students safe.

91裸聊视频淯BC has also been working closely with the government since the start of COVID to ensure that UBC is following the most recent guidelines given by Interior Health and the Syilx Nation,91裸聊视频� he said.

Besides all the work they have already done, they plan to do more.

91裸聊视频淲e will have pop-up vaccinations on campus, which is a good step for our international students to come to campus and receive the vaccine here. This way there are fewer barriers and we91裸聊视频檒l see a bigger percentage of vaccinated students,91裸聊视频� he said.

Though the date of the immunization clinics is still in the works, Ahmed said he91裸聊视频檚 hopeful September will see an increase in vaccination rates in the region as a result.

91裸聊视频淧ersonally, I91裸聊视频檓 an international student myself and I91裸聊视频檓 very excited for in-person learning. Talking to students on campus, everyone is excited for in-person learning despite the concerns,91裸聊视频� he said.

91裸聊视频淭he situation is changing a lot but we91裸聊视频檙e still excited. Student safety is our first priority, so we91裸聊视频檙e working hard to ensure a safe return to the campus.91裸聊视频�

Ahmed acknowledged that while in-person classes are important, equally integral to the student experience are the campus activities and clubs, which SUO is working on to make happen in a safe manner while still being open to Interior Health91裸聊视频檚 directives.

91裸聊视频淚t all depends on the restrictions and updates we get from Interior Health. We do have a limit on indoor gatherings, so that means our events and club days will have those changes too. All of those events and activities depend on what Interior Health says is safe.91裸聊视频�

READ MORE: Almost 1,700 COVID-19 cases in Central Okanagan outbreak

READ MORE: Influx of COVID-19 patients prompts Kelowna General Hospital to bump some surgeries

twila.amato@blackpress.ca
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