Message from the President: Enhanced COVID-19 restrictions announced by PEI-CPHO
The following message was distributed to students, staff, and faculty via their @upei.ca emails on behalf of the Office of the President.
Dear Members of the UPEI Community,
COVID-19 is a dynamic situation and UPEI will continue to communicate to students, staff, and faculty as soon as possible when the PEI Chief Public Health Office (PEI-CPHO) issues new guidance or implements restrictions that impact the University.
Yesterday, the PEI-CPHO announced several new, enhanced measures that are in effect from today until January 31, 2022. UPEI and its buildings remain open; however, below are some key updates for the University.
Working from home/Being on-campus
UPEI strongly recommends that employees, with permission from their supervisor, work from home during this two-week period. If you must work on campus or be at the University for teaching, learning, and research purposes, please avoid in-person meetings and gatherings (i.e., lunchroom, coffee breaks); wear a properly fitting three-layer mask; and practice good hygiene and physical distancing.
Operational closures
As a result of the PEI-CPHO restrictions announced on January 18 for gyms and fitness centres, the fitness centre and gymnasium at the UPEI Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre are closed.
The AVC Cafeteria, operated by Chartwells, is closed; however, the Wanda Wyatt Dining Hall remains open to serve students.
Gatherings and events
The PEI-CPHO announced a reduction in household and personal gathering size as well as a suspension of all organized gatherings until January 31. Therefore, all in-person events at UPEI are suspended until further notice. This does not apply to in-person academic and research activities that are taking place on an exception basis with the approval of the UPEI Senate and based on PEI-CPHO guidance for post-secondary education. If you are unsure what current exceptions exist, please contact the Dean’s Office in your Faculty.
Booster vaccinations
The PEI-CPHO continues to stress how important it is, for all those eligible, to obtain their third dose or “booster” of a Health Canada-approved vaccine to help stop the spread of the Omicron variant as well as lower admissions to hospitals. The UPEI Health and Wellness Centre continues to have appointments available in their on-campus booster clinics, and there are also other options available on the Government of PEI COVID-19 vaccination webpage to book booster doses.
I continue to be inspired by the resilience of students, staff, and faculty as we face the new landscape on PEI caused by COVID-19. Please reach out if you need support. UPEI has several resources for students through UPEI Student Affairs, including personal counselling (studentserv@upei.ca), and the International Student Office (irostu@upei.ca). UPEI faculty and staff can access the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-387-4765.
Regards,
Greg
GREG KEEFE, DVM, MSc, MBA (he/him)
President and Vice-Chancellor (Interim)
University of Prince Edward Island
upei.ca
