COVID-19 — Required use of non-medical masks at UBC, effective Sept. 16
This message was sent to faculty, staff and students in Vancouver and the Okanagan.
September 11, 2020
A message from Santa J. Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor
UBC is implementing a new measure to help limit COVID-19. Effective Wednesday, September 16, 2020, UBC students, faculty, staff and visitors will be required to wear non-medical masks, when indoors on our campuses. This amends the previous policy which strongly recommended the use of non-medical masks in these settings.
The health and safety of the UBC community is our first priority, and we continue to monitor COVID-19 and follow effective safety practices as understanding of the virus evolves. The requirement to wear non-medical masks indoors recognizes that transmission is reduced when face masks are worn in conjunction with physical distancing and other safety practices.
Wearing a non-medical mask is one step you can take to protect yourself, your friends, your colleagues and your community.
The requirement for the use of non-medical masks applies to shared indoor spaces within UBC buildings, such as hallways, stairways, building entryways, washrooms and study spaces, classrooms, common areas in residences and other high-traffic areas. Further details related to the policy, its implementation, and COVID-19 Safety Plans will be posted online next week at https://covid19.ubc.ca/.
Exceptions will be provided for people with underlying medical conditions that inhibit their ability to wear masks. Masks may also be removed when taking part in certain athletic or fitness activities and in situations where wearing a mask impedes delivery and receiving of services. Further details regarding exceptions will be posted next week at https://covid19.ubc.ca/.
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