McGill University suspends COVID-19 rapid test pilot project
McGill University says it will be suspending its COVID-19 rapid test pilot project for students and staff, following a government directive asking that tests be reserved for symptomatic individuals.
"Anyone with symptoms should not be coming to our campuses and we do not want to encourage our community members to make trips to campus just to be tested," the university stated.
The rapid testing site was supposed to open on Jan. 3, allowing all students, faculty and staff to be quickly tested onsite.
"The health and wellbeing of our community remain our top priority, and all necessary health and safety measures will continue to be implemented to ensure that our campuses remain safe places to learn and to work," notes Shirley Cardenas, a media relations officer for the university.
The four major universities in Montreal announced this week that they would be delaying a return to in-person teaching following the rising number of COVID-19 cases among young people on the island.
Nevertheless, at McGill, students involved in "Tier One" teaching activities will be expected back on campus starting Jan. 10.
"Tier One activities are educational activities that are extremely difficult to conduct online and include critical teaching laboratories, clinical activities, project courses, various activities in music and other experiential in-person components of courses, including those required for graduating students," reads a letter to students from Deputy Provost Fabrice Labeau.
McGill notes it is currently looking for alternative ways to distribute rapid tests to students and staff both on campus and in living residences.
The university says it plans to welcome students back on campus on Jan. 24.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.