Recent COVID-19 measures and announcements for the Fall Academic Semester
The University of Prince Edward Island is very excited to safely welcome students, faculty, and staff back to the campus this fall.
In a message issued to the campus in mid-August, UPEI announced that over 75 per cent of courses will be held in-person this fall, with the remainder delivered online or in a hybrid format for the convenience of students.
The University places paramount importance on the health and safety of its community members and recently issued further guidance on measures to protect students, faculty, and staff from COVID-19.
UPEI is requiring that all faculty, staff, and students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021. Exemptions can be requested by those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical, cultural, or religious reasons. Those who receive exemptions will be allowed to continue working and studying at UPEI; however, they will need to disclose to the University that they have not been vaccinated, undergo weekly COVID-19 testing, and wear a mask at all times.
Members of the University community must fill out an online attestation and exemption form by September 8, through which they can indicate their vaccination status, upload their proof of vaccination, or apply for an exemption. Ensuring high rates of vaccination remains the most important way to protect public health during the pandemic and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The UPEI Health and Wellness Centre will hold a free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for all students, staff, faculty, and families on September 10, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre. Those attending the clinic must bring their provincial health card or student ID and wear a mask. Those already immunized with a COVID-19 vaccine are asked to bring their vaccination record. The clinic will offer both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. A second clinic will be held in early November to provide a second dose for those just receiving their first dose on September 10.
Also effective on September 8, UPEI will re-implement a mandatory requirement that non-medical masks be worn in indoor public spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained, except when eating or drinking. With the return of students and faculty to in-person classes, maintaining physical distancing of two metres in most campus learning spaces would be very difficult.
These measures will continue to be evaluated and adapted as needed, in concert with guidance from PEI’s Chief Public Health Office. For more information on UPEI's response to COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 Information website.
