Masks to become mandatory in all indoor public spaces on PEI
The following message was distributed to students, staff, and faculty on November 18, 2020, via their @upei.ca emails, as well as posted on the UPEI website and UPEI SAFE app.
Dear students, staff, and faculty,
Yesterday, the Honourable Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island, and Dr. Heather Morrison, Chief Public Health Officer, announced that wearing a non-medical mask or face covering will become mandatory in all indoor public spaces on PEI, effective November 20, 2020. The change is primarily due to the surging COVID-19 cases across the country. Read the Government of Prince Edward release
What does this mean for UPEI?
UPEI continues to align its COVID-19 health and safety protocols in UPEI’s Operational Ease-Back Plan with the current guidance from the PEI Chief Public Health Office.
Therefore, effective November 20, 2020, UPEI will move from a strong recommendation to a mandatory requirement to wear a non-medical mask in indoor public spaces.
Indoor public spaces at UPEI include:
- building entrances and foyers
- hallways and stairwells
- common areas and open concept rooms
- service desk and counter areas
- room entrances and exits
- any place where physical distancing of 2m/6ft cannot be maintained at all times
If individuals are separated by 2m/6ft once they are seated in a classroom, meeting room, or office, wearing a mask is optional; however, if there is any possibility that physical distancing of 2m/6ft cannot be maintained, they must don a mask. Individuals must continue to wear a non-medical mask in teaching laboratory settings as it is not possible to guarantee physical distancing. Should individuals wish to wear a mask at any time, they are able to do so.
UPEI remains committed to the health and safety of our campus, and that includes adapting protocols when conditions around the COVID-19 pandemic improve, and, alternatively, when they deteriorate. As public health guidance for COVID-19 continues to evolve, UPEI may need to change its protocols several times.
We appreciate the ongoing co-operation from all members of the campus community in following health and safety guidance in order to help keep all of us safe during these unprecedented times.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Gottschall-Pass, Interim Vice-President Academic and Research
Jackie Podger, Vice-President Administration and Finance
