Update to face mask requirements on campus
22 October 2020
This update was posted more than one month ago. Directions, policies, and safety measures may have changed during this time. To find the latest information, please consult the COVID-19 site or try searching the U of A website.
Posted: October 22, 9:40 a.m.
Face masks have become a regular part of university life for our campus community. To best ensure the health and safety of our community and provide additional clarity on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) on our campuses, the university has updated its on-campus face mask policy.
What’s new
Starting Monday, October 26, the requirement to wear non‐medical masks on campus will also include:
- all classrooms, meeting rooms, and labs where equivalent or higher protection PPE is not already in use (e.g., N95 or better respirator, physical shields); and,
- all indoor areas on campus even if you can maintain a physical distance of more than two metres or you are with members of the same school, sport or social cohort.
Please read the full, updated Safety Directive: Non‐Medical Masks on Campus for exceptions, accommodations, resources and compliance details.
Where can I get a face mask?
There are many places to get masks, both on and off campus:
- Free single-use masks are available to students at the bookstore on North Campus.
- At Augustana Campus, free masks are available to students at the Founders’ Hall reception desk.
- In select vending machines on North Campus. You can find masks in the Central Academic Building, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, HUB Mall, Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering, Van Vliet Complex, Education, and Peter Lougheed Hall.
- The Government of Alberta has guidelines on how to choose, buy and wear a non-medical mask to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Many instructions for making masks are available online, including Health Canada’s guide.
For staff who are required to work on campus, faculties, departments, and/or units are responsible for procuring necessary PPE, including masks. Learn more »
Campus safety is a shared responsibility
The U of A is closely following public health measures and cleaning standards, but if you are coming to campus, we need your help to minimize any risks. Use the Campus Safety Checklist regularly before and during a visit to U of A campuses.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have questions or concerns about this safety policy or any other public health measure in effect on our campuses, please reach out to your instructor or supervisor, or contact the U of A Public Health Response Team at phrtinfo@ualberta.ca.