VANCOUVER — The University of British Columbia says it will keep its mask mandate for indoor spaces until the end of June as experts anticipate the province will enter the sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The university says in a statement there are signs of further Omicron variants and increased case numbers.
It says masks provide an added layer of protection, especially for those who are most vulnerable.
The university says it will monitor the situation and adjust protocols if needed.
The University of Victoria rescinded its mask requirement March 11, shortly after provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the removal of the provincial mandate for most indoor public spaces.
The university’s senate, in a rare special meeting, passed a motion recommending the university reverse course, at least until the end of the semester this month.
However, the university’s board of governors voted down the recommendation, although it said that wearing of masks would be encouraged.
A notice on the UVic website says masks are “strongly encouraged.”
Simon Fraser University says on its website that it encourages mask use on campuses and particularly in spaces where people are close together.
— With a file from the Times Colonist
