WestJet-YVR COVID-19 Testing Study Launches

UBC and Providence Health Care lead voluntary research for departures at YVR.

NOTE TO EDITORS AND PRODUCERS: a media package is available here and b-roll and photos will be added later today. A French release will be made available on yvr.ca.

RICHMOND, BC, Nov. 27, 2020 /CNW/ - Today marked the launch of the WestJet-YVR COVID-19 Testing Study, a collaborative effort between researchers from UBC and Providence Health Care and project sponsors WestJet and Vancouver Airport Authority. The study—the first of its kind in Canada—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 (YVR).

The study is located at WestJet's domestic check-in area and includes three simple steps: registration and informed consent, testing, and results. The study is open to WestJet guests who are residents of British Columbia, between the ages of 19 and 80, and who have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days. Guests must be flying domestically, and testing is available on the day of travel only.  

Researchers from UBC and Providence are responsible for collecting samples in a ready-made testing station. A positive rapid test result does not constitute a medical diagnosis for COVID-19 and participants who test positive will be required to undergo Health Canada-approved testing using the RT-PCR diagnostic test. For these guests, WestJet will rebook or cancel flights at no charge. Participants who test negative will continue their travel journey and are still required to follow all existing COVID-19 requirements.

Prior to live implementation at YVR, researchers conducted laboratory evaluation and validation of several rapid antigen tests that use nasopharyngeal (nose) swabs and oral rinses for deployment in the study. Rapid antigen tests can provide results within 15 to 20 minutes, making them a feasible option for study in the live airport environment.

Upon study completion, the researchers will submit the results for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The results will then be shared with public health officials in an effort to contribute to a future testing framework for the aviation industry.

The study will operate Monday to Friday during peak morning hours. For more information on the study, please visit westjet.com/covidtesting. WestJet guests who meet the criteria noted above can register for the study at testingyvr.ca.

Quotes:

"We are committed to doing our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, while instilling confidence in those who need to travel. Together with WestJet, UBC and Providence, we have embarked on this new study to complement other testing initiatives we are seeing across the country." — Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority.

"WestJet is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of air travel through initiatives such as the WestJet-YVR COVID-19 Testing Study. We are proud to work with our partners at Vancouver Airport Authority in support of this important research being conducted by UBC and Providence Health Care. With just three simple steps, we encourage eligible guests to consider taking part while contributing to findings that may influence travel and public health in the future." — Billy Nolen, Vice-President Safety, Security and Quality, WestJet

"While the world awaits the deployment of safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19, there is an urgent need for strategies to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. Our study will inform whether a rapid screening program is a practical and effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 amongst travellers." — Dr. Marc Romney, Co-principal Investigator; Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Faculty of Medicine; Medical Leader for Medical Microbiology and Virology at St. Paul's Hospital, Providence Health Care.

"We know that asymptomatic carriers exist but what we don't know is exactly how common it is and how much they contribute to the spread of COVID-19. This study will not only help support aviation safety, but will also help public health leaders better understand to what degree asymptomatic individuals are contributing to the spread of COVID-19." — Dr. Don Sin, Co-principal Investigator; Professor, UBC Faculty of Medicine; Respirologist, Providence Health Care.

ABOUT VANCOUVER AIRPORT AUTHORITY

Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor.

ABOUT WESTJET

Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline's Safety Above All hygiene programs. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC's entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world. 

ABOUT PROVIDENCE HEALTH CARE

Providence Health Care (PHC) is one of Canada's largest faith-based health care organizations, operating 17 health care facilities in Greater Vancouver. PHC is home to one of two adult academic health science centres in the province – St. Paul's Hospital – and performs cutting-edge research in more than 30 clinical specialties. PHC focuses its services on six "populations of emphasis": cardio-pulmonary risks and illnesses, HIV/AIDS, mental health, renal risks and illness, specialized needs in aging and urban health. It is also home to the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.

SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority

MEDIA ENQUIRIES, Vancouver Airport Authority, 604-880-9815, [email protected]; WestJet, [email protected], To arrange interviews with the researchers, please contact: Providence Health Care, Elaine Yong, 604-837-6003, [email protected]