Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
National

Some colleges, universities to keep masking

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Mar, 2022 01:16 PM
  • Some colleges, universities to keep masking

Some Canadian post-secondary institutions are warning students not to toss their masks just yet, even as provincial governments drop the long-standing public health measure.

The schools are opting for a more cautious approach to COVID-19, citing concerns about potential outbreaks, while provinces – including British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario – have pointed to promising public health indicators such as test positivity rates and hospitalizations as reasons for lifting mask mandates.

The University of British Columbia is telling students to keep their masks on until the end of the semester on April 30 in order to prevent the spread of the virus, though the provincial mandate ended Friday.

The University of Alberta, meanwhile, has told students they must wear a mask until March 16, while that province lifted the rule on March 1. Going forward, masking will be "recommended, not required" at the university.

"We strongly recommend that you continue to wear masks in high-traffic or high-capacity spaces, and in other areas where you are in close proximity to others," the school said in a statement Friday. "We also ask that U of A students, faculty, staff and visitors respect the choices of others in our community regarding masking as we transition into this next phase together."

In Ontario, where the mask mandate will lift March 21, Western University, the University of Waterloo and Mohawk College have all said they plan to require that students wear masks for the rest of the winter term.

"There are many places across campus where physical distancing is simply not possible – classrooms and labs, residences, libraries, sport and recreation facilities and some work areas – so this is the best option to ensure the health and safety of our campus," a statement from Western reads.

The school has been in touch with local public health officials, the statement said, and they confirmed that COVID-19 is still spreading in the community.

"While we know that many of us are looking forward to moving past certain protocols, we must continue to prioritize the safety of our campus in the context of our unique environment," the statement reads.

Those schools are also keeping their vaccine mandates in place, though the province has ended its vaccine certificate system, which applied to certain public settings.

"To ensure that we can continue the rest of this semester in person, Western's masking mandate and vaccination policy will remain in effect until at least the end of this term," the statement says.

MORE National ARTICLES

Charest to launch Conservative leadership bid

Charest to launch Conservative leadership bid
Winning is something Conservatives want to see after three back-to-back losses to Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose minority of seats in the House of Commons means an election could be triggered at any point.

Charest to launch Conservative leadership bid

B.C. set to update COVID-19 situation

B.C. set to update COVID-19 situation
Dr. Bonnie Henry said last week the province was better positioned to consider removing pandemic restrictions before students begin spring break on Monday.

B.C. set to update COVID-19 situation

Urgent action needed on OD deaths: B.C. report

Urgent action needed on OD deaths: B.C. report
 The death review panel report released Wednesday by chief coroner Lisa Lapointe's office sets a deadline of May 9 for the government to create a safer supply policy in collaboration with the BC Centre for Disease Control and the BC Centre on Substance Use.

Urgent action needed on OD deaths: B.C. report

274 COVID19 cases for Wednesday

274 COVID19 cases for Wednesday
There are 405 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 58 are in intensive care. In the past 24 hours, 14 new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,929.

274 COVID19 cases for Wednesday

Charges laid for double murder that claimed the life of a 15 year old male

Charges laid for double murder that claimed the life of a 15 year old male
Wong was a young athlete and a promising student on the night of January 13, 2018, when he was struck by a stray bullet while riding in the back of his parents’ car. He was critically injured and died days later in hospital. Whiteside was also killed in the shooting.

Charges laid for double murder that claimed the life of a 15 year old male

Man caught exposing and touching himself near a Surrey school

Man caught exposing and touching himself near a Surrey school
All incidents occurred in the morning between 8:20 to 8:30 a.m. The suspect is described as South Asian, 30-40 years old, medium complexion, dark hair, 5’10, average build, with facial stubble and a moustache.  

Man caught exposing and touching himself near a Surrey school