UBC student says dozens contracted COVID-19 after indoor frat party

A UBC student says dozens of people who attended an indoor frat party on campus last week have tested positive for COVID-19.

The student, whose identity Global News has agreed to conceal because of fear of backlash, said her friends were at that party.

“At least 200 people have symptoms or have gotten tested and are positive,” she said.

“There are talks they’re going to keep their diagnoses a secret so they can attend their classes and they won’t have to miss out on any first-week events and they don’t want to face any repercussions from the university itself.”

Vancouver Coastal Health, which would confirm any outbreaks, has not confirmed any of these details. As of Monday, the health authority did not have any information about any possible superspreader event.

Global News reached out again Tuesday and the health authority said it is aware of an “anonymous and unverified post online about exposures to COVID-19 at fraternity parties on the UBC campus.”

In a statement, the agency said it will issue a public notification when Public Health is not able to reach all close contacts of someone who tested positive for COVID.

At this time, VCH has not issued a public exposure notification for any fraternity parties at UBC.

0:32 University RCMP shut down party at frat house for violating public health orders

University RCMP officers shut down a party at the fraternity village on Wesbrook Mall on Aug. 29 after they found 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.

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

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

“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.

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

1:22 Video shows hundreds of people gathering at University of Victoria campus

Meanwhile, a huge outdoor party at the University of Victoria on Sunday night raised questions about a lack of COVID-19 restrictions.

Saanich police said about 1,000 people — most of them without masks — were crowded together.

As there are no current restrictions on outdoor gatherings, wearing masks outdoors or physical distancing, police said officers only issued two tickets for liquor violations for underage drinking.

The university, however, asked students to “act responsibly and not gather in large numbers.”

Under the current Restart Plan, B.C. is in Step 3, meaning indoor organized gatherings of 50 people or 50 per cent capacity is allowed.

VCH recommends all post-secondary students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to ensure a safe return to campus.