COVID-19

UBC experts on SARS-CoV-2 variants

Some Canadian cities are strengthening restrictions, or renewing states of emergencies and stay-at-home orders as COVID-19 cases surge again. The growing number of cases appears to be linked to the quickly spreading P.1 and B.1.1.7 variants. UBC experts are available to comment on related topics.

Apr 8, 2021

The study shows that a lockdown can, for example, reduce air pollution from traffic and industry but at the same time increase pollution from residential sources such as heating.

COVID-19 lockdowns only reduced air pollution in some parts of the world

When COVID-19 lockdown measures were first introduced last year, schools and shops closed, tourist spots were deserted due to international travel restrictions, and economies slowed down as most people adjusted to life in the confines of their home.

Apr 6, 2021

Knowing someone with COVID-19 increased men’s anxiety more than women’s

It started as a research project to track student mental health over an entire term at university. Then, COVID-19 hit. Suddenly, a group of UBC researchers and their partners had an unprecedented opportunity to learn how students were faring emotionally as a global pandemic inched closer and closer to them.

Mar 25, 2021

Researchers analyzed blood samples collected in late 2020 and early 2021 from residents and staff of long-term care homes in the Metro Vancouver area. Credit: Unsplash

Weaker antibody response to first COVID-19 vaccine dose found in long-term care residents

A single dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine produces a much weaker antibody response in long-term care residents than it does in younger healthy adults, new research has found.

Mar 25, 2021

How COVID-19 workplace conditions are impacting nurses’ mental health

Challenging COVID-19-related workplace conditions contributed significantly to nurses’ stress and anxiety at the height of the pandemic, suggests new analysis by UBC researchers.

Mar 18, 2021

Women lead on COVID-19 research

From vaccine development to building wearable infection detectors, women at UBC are making significant contributions to the COVID-19 research front. In celebration of International Women’s Day, they tell us about their work and offer advice for young women and girls considering careers in research.

Mar 8, 2021

COVID-19 vaccines are so new that those scheduled to receive them are bound to have questions. Credit: CDC/Unsplash

COVID-19 vaccinations: what you need to know about the second dose

In Canada, currently approved COVID-19 vaccines—from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech—have demonstrated remarkable efficacy based on two doses taken at specified intervals. But what happens if you contract COVID-19 in between shots?

Feb 12, 2021

Keeping the cameras rolling safely on B.C. film and TV sets

At the start of 2020, Dr. Adam Lund was preparing for another busy year of helping keep people safe at marathons and music festivals. Then COVID-19 hit.

Feb 1, 2021

COVID-19 vaccines: what to expect and how to combat hesitancy

With the arrival of the first COVID-19 vaccines in Canada, most are eager to roll up their sleeves. But not every Canadian is feeling confident about getting the jab.

Jan 15, 2021

A bit of stress might not be so good for us after all: UBC study

New research suggests even mild stress may harm most people’s executive functions—mental skills such as self-control, focused attention, working memory and problem solving.

Dec 18, 2020

UBC study highlights need for more effective staffing in care homes

Even the best-managed long-term care homes will need to step up to get through the second wave of the pandemic, suggests a new study by researchers at the UBC school of nursing.

Dec 17, 2020

UBC experts on COVID-19 vaccine

The first shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines arrived in Canada Sunday night. UBC experts are available to comment:

Dec 14, 2020

Pregnant women with COVID-19 at increased risk of hospitalization, ICU admission and early labour

While much remains unknown about the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy, emerging data from a national surveillance project reveals pregnant women with COVID-19 seem to be at greater risk of being hospitalized, being admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), and going into early labour.

Dec 14, 2020

Supports for students under pressure during exam time

Tens of thousands of students around the world are studying for and writing exams at the end of a term like no other in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, a small minority of students may be tempted to take shortcuts.

Dec 10, 2020

New national survey finds Canadians’ mental health eroding as pandemic continues

The second wave of the pandemic has intensified feelings of stress and anxiety, causing alarming levels of despair, suicidal thoughts and hopelessness in the Canadian population.

Dec 3, 2020

Researchers testing children across B.C. for COVID-19 antibodies

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in British Columbia, a critical question remains on the role babies, children, teens and young adults play in transmission of the novel coronavirus.

Dec 1, 2020

Bringing COVID-19 safety measures into B.C.’s Sikh temples

With the hope of keeping his community safe and preventing the transmission of COVID-19, Sukhmeet Sachal set out to tailor public health messages for the Sikh community in a culturally-effective way, starting by connecting with those attending the Gurdwara, located around the corner from the house where he grew up.

Nov 30, 2020

The WestJet-YVR COVID-19 Testing Study is investigating a method of COVID-19 rapid testing to help inform the safest and most efficient way of testing departing passengers at Vancouver International Airport. The Care Pod, located just outside WestJet’s domestic check-in area at YVR, is serving as the testing station for the study. Credit: Vancouver Airport Authority

UBC-Providence scientists join forces with WestJet and YVR for COVID-19 Testing Study

Dr. Don Sin and Dr. Marc Romney are lending their research expertise and diagnostic know-how to support the WestJet-YVR COVID-19 Testing Study.

Nov 27, 2020

Better housing policies needed in a post-COVID world

UBC report highlights gains but calls for longer-term solutions to improve housing supply

Nov 24, 2020

COVID-19 isolation measures can elevate mental health risks

New analysis of data from a survey of the mental health impacts of the pandemic suggests we need to pay more attention to the unintended mental health consequences of quarantine and isolation measures.

Nov 18, 2020