The University of Prince Edward (UPEI) has announced it will be reinstating its mask mandate because of high COVID-19 case counts and to protect people’s health and safety. .“When the 2022 Fall Academic Semester begins in late August, we will see many more people congregating on campus as we continue to work in-person and hold regular-capacity classes,” said UPEI interim president and vice-chancellor Greg Keefe in a press release. .“In anticipation of more densely populated spaces, senior leadership at the University has been meeting over the last month to discuss the next phase of our COVID-19 management program.”.Masks will become mandatory at UPEI effective August 25 with a few exceptions. .Keefe said professors and students who are presenting in classrooms can remove their masks when speaking or performing if they are six feet away from other people. He said masks remain mandatory in classrooms in all other circumstances, regardless of social distancing. .People can remove their masks if they are seated and socially distanced in other indoor spaces. They can unmask when eating or drinking in UPEI restaurants, lounge spaces, and catered events. .He went on to say people can take off their masks when engaging in fitness and recreation events. He added masks are recommended in outdoor settings, especially events and gatherings. .The letter said people are encouraged to be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. The UPEI Health and Wellness Centre will be planning COVID-19 vaccine and booster clinics in September. .Keefe said he made these decisions after consulting with Holland College president Sandy MacDonald and representatives from the Prince Edward Island Public Health Office to ensure the university is aligning with appropriate COVID-19 restrictions. .“We will continue to monitor evolving public health conditions and base our campus operations on guidance from the PEI-CPHO, adjusting as necessary to ensure the successful delivery of the 2022–2023 academic year,” he said. .This decision comes after the University of British Columbia (UBC) announced in April it would be extending its mask mandate into the summer. .READ MORE: UBC extends mask mandate into summer.“We appreciate that for many of us it has been a long period of adjusting and adhering to the health and safety protocols required to limit the spread of COVID-19, and while the pandemic is evolving, it is still very much with us,” said UBC. .“By continuing to follow measures such as wearing masks indoors in public spaces and staying home when sick, we can help keep ourselves and others safe.”
