REMINDER! COVID-19 protocols in effect for the 2022 Fall Academic Semester

The following message was sent to students, staff, and faculty by email on August 29, 2022.

While many aspects of our lives have returned to pre-pandemic normal, COVID-19 remains very prevalent on PEI, and the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remains our top priority.

The University will continue to keep the UPEI community updated about risks and health and PEI Chief Public Health Office (PEI-CPHO) guidance associated with COVID-19 as early as possible. We will also continue to make policy and operational changes with caution and a science-based approach—making necessary adjustments to our protocols as the COVID-19 situation evolves and as our unique university environment warrants.

To help minimize the spread of COVID-19:

1. Masks are mandatory in all indoor spaces (effective August 25)

Effective August 25, 2022, masks are mandatory at UPEI in indoor settings with the following exceptions:

• In teaching spaces (classrooms/theatres, laboratories, studios, and performing arts spaces), faculty, instructors, and students who are presenting may remove their masks when speaking or performing (voice or woodwind/brass) if they are physically distanced by a minimum of 2 metres/6 feet. For all others, masks are mandatory in teaching spaces regardless of physical distancing.
   
• In all other indoor spaces, individuals may remove their masks only if they are seated and physically distanced by 2 metres/6 feet.
   
• Individuals may remove their masks when eating or drinking in UPEI eating establishments, in lounge spaces, and at UPEI-catered events.
   
• Individuals may remove their masks when actively participating in fitness, recreation, or varsity and club athletics programming.
   
• Masks are strongly recommended in outdoor settings, especially at events and gatherings, but not required.

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

Note: Specific clinical spaces such as the AVC Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the UPEI Health and Wellness Centre may have unique protocols.

2. Get fully vaccinated and/or your booster shots when eligible

Vaccination is an important way to prevent serious illness, but vaccines become less effective over time, so it’s important to keep your vaccines current to help protect you and others. You are strongly encouraged to become fully vaccinated, including obtaining your booster shots, when eligible and where possible, before returning to campus.

• Visit the Government of PEI’s COVID-19 vaccine web page to learn about expanded options to get vaccinated and booster doses.
   
• All international students over the age of 18 travelling to Canada need to be fully vaccinated—visit the Government of Canada website for more information.
   
• The UPEI Health and Wellness Centre will hold COVID-19 vaccine and booster clinics on September 14 and 15 at McMillan Hall in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. Read more

3. Stay 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 antigen test, and follow the directions as indicated with regard to self-isolation. Rapid antigen tests can be obtained at Access PEI offices across the province.

Students who are ill and require academic accommodations for missed classes, assignments, midterms, or tests are to contact their instructors.

4. Keep 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 government 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. We will continue to monitor evolving public health conditions and base our campus operations on guidance from the PEI-CPHO to ensure the successful delivery of the 2022–2023 academic year.