On Mar. 11, 2022, UFV made it optional for students, faculty, and staff to wear masks on campus. Until then, it was mandatory for everyone attending UFV in-person to wear masks due to the continual presence of COVID-19.
According to an interview with the director of communications, Dave Pinton, UFV decided to make masks no longer mandatory in response to Dr. Bonnie Henry’s repeal of B.C.’s face mask mandate on Mar. 11. Pinton said, “As the university has done throughout the pandemic, and with consultation with several internal departments, UFV followed the direction and recommendations of the Public Health Officer (PHO) and implemented this order. The first day of the new order was Friday, Mar. 11. following the order and leaving masks as a personal choice allowed those who wanted to wear a mask that option.
“It is important to note the mask decision, and others concerning the health and safety of the UFV community, are not the sole responsibility of one individual, nor one department,” said Pinton. “Committees that are concerned and connected with student health, safety, and support; business continuity; academic continuity; facilities and maintenance; and other key and related portfolios are consulted and directly involved in these important decisions.”
According to Pinton, “UFV has trusted and acted on the advice of educated and experienced public health officials and scientists when implementing our pandemic measures with the constant goal of protecting students, faculty, and staff while allowing education to continue”
When asked about any additional safety precautions that are being taken by the institute to ensure public safety for students, faculty and staff, Pinton said that “While many of the layers of health measures have been repealed by the PHO, some are still in effect; UFV continues to follow these current orders.”
Pinton further explained that “over the course of the last two years, UFV has implemented the layers of health measures recommended by the PHO, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training, and WorkSafe B.C.. These measures have included ensuring ventilation meets ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards; installing plexiglass barriers; adhering to all required COVID cleaning protocols; following physical distancing guidelines and capacity limitations; installing additional hand sanitizing stations; wearing masks (when mandated); following vaccination card requirements in prescribed areas; promoting vaccination; delaying in-person classes; and, of course, moving to remote learning when required by the PHO.”
When asked about services and supports available for those uncomfortable with this change, Pinton said that “student services are always ready to assist students who may be facing difficulty or a crisis at UFV. UFV employees should consult with their supervisors if they are not comfortable with the mask mandate.”
“If Fraser Health or the PHO informs UFV that case numbers are rising,” said Pinton. “Then UFV will follow the appropriate and science-based direction from these health experts. The university has demonstrated our ability to move quickly in enacting measures that will help prevent the spread of the virus.”
“As we have done many times since 2020,” said Pinton, “UFV is prepared to act quickly should that be deemed necessary by provincial health authorities.”
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.
