Masking remains required in instructional spaces; mask restrictions ease elsewhere on campus 

The following message was distributed by email to students, staff, and faculty on October 17, 2022.

Dear Members of the Campus Community, 

I hope that you recovered from hurricane Fiona, had a Happy Thanksgiving, and were able to recharge during the Fall Break. 

At UPEI, we have much to be thankful for, and one area that we can take some Panther pride in is that we have been able to avoid large outbreaks of COVID-19 on campus. I believe that this has been in part due to our cautious, science-based approach and the co-operation of faculty, staff, and students. While COVID-19 remains prevalent on PEI, we have successfully navigated the return to classes and the first six weeks of the Fall Academic Semester.  

As promised in August when I last sent a COVID-19 update, UPEI has continued to monitor public health guidance in order to make any necessary adjustments to our protocols as the COVID-19 situation evolves and as our unique university environment warrants. 

Therefore, effective immediately, masks are mandatory only in academic instructional spaces. Until further notice, masks continue to be required in 

• all instructional spaces such as classrooms, laboratories, studios, lecture theatres, and performing arts spaces unless you are able to be physically distanced by 2 metres/six feet. 
• specific clinical areas such as the UPEI Health and Wellness Centre and AVC Veterinary Teaching Hospital.  

In all other spaces on campus, masks are strongly encouraged but not mandatory. 

All masks are helpful, but you are encouraged to wear the highest quality, proper-fitting mask you can source. Please refer to the Government of PEI’s Wearing Masks in the Community and Workplaces for more information. 

In addition to masking, we ask that you continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by 

• getting fully vaccinated and/or your booster shots when eligible 
  Vaccination is an important way to prevent serious illness; therefore, you are strongly encouraged to become fully vaccinated, including obtaining your booster shots when eligible, and where possible. Visit the Government of PEI’s COVID-19 vaccine web page to learn about expanded options to get vaccinated and booster doses.  

• employing good hand hygiene 
  Washing your hands often, especially after touching your face, blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, using the restroom or coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces in public places, remains a great defence in preventing the spread of COVID-19. When sneezing or coughing, cover your nose and mouth, and wash your hands after. 

• staying home if you feel sick
  If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home. Follow the PEI-CPHO’s guidance and use their online assessment tool to determine whether you need a PCR or rapid test, and follow the directions as indicated with regard to self-isolation. Students who are ill and require academic accommodations for missed classes, assignments, midterms, or tests are to contact their instructors. Rapid testing kits are available at the Residence Services desk in Bill and Denise Andrew Hall for residence students; UPEI Health and Wellness Centre from 8:30 am–12 noon and 1–4 pm, Monday to Friday; and Panther Central desk at the UPEI Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre during operating hours. 
   
• keeping up to date with the latest information from the PEI-CPHO and UPEI 
  UPEI will update the campus community via email and at upei.ca/covid-19-information as information becomes available; however, the best source for the latest information about the COVID-19 situation and measures on PEI is the provincial COVID-19 website.

UPEI remains committed to providing high quality education, as well as access to engaging and rewarding learning experiences, in a safe and responsible manner—the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remains our top priority. We will continue to monitor evolving public health conditions and base our campus operations on guidance from the PEI-CPHO, adjusting as necessary. We will notify you as early as possible if changes or increased measures are required.  

Thank you for your continued efforts to keep the campus safe. 

Regards, 

Greg 

GREG KEEFE, DVM, MSc, MBA (he/him)
President and Vice-Chancellor (Interim)