Mask on, mask off: Institutions adjust requirements as pandemic restrictions lift

Postsecondary institutions across Canada are altering mask requirements as pandemic restrictions are lifted. In Ontario, masks will continue to be mandatory at Algonquin College, Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, Universite de Hearst, Algoma University, Laurentian University, Nipissing University, College Boreal, Cambrian College, and Sault College; while Northern College will be opting to lift requirements. Cape Breton University will reportedly be the first Atlantic university to end its masking mandates as of Monday, while the University of Alberta has lifted its mask mandate. In British Columbia, UBC is planning to continue to require masks until the end of the semester, while Capilano University and Simon Fraser University are opting to make mask-wearing optional. Some faculty and students at institutions with lifted mandates have expressed concerns that the decision to lift the mandate is being made too early. “I still feel like most of us should be wearing masks in the classrooms,” said UAlberta student Aly Clip. “There’s like 400 people in our class, and we want to be still protected.” CTV News (CBU)| CTV News (Northern ON)| CTV News (Ottawa)| CTV News (UAlberta)| Daily Hive Note: Archived stories may contain dead links or be missing source links.