COVID-19 — Further details regarding UBC’s non-medical mask policy


As previously announced, effective today (Sept. 16), UBC is implementing a new measure to help limit COVID-19, whereby all students, faculty, staff and visitors are required to wear non-medical masks in common indoor spaces on our campuses.


The health and safety of the UBC community is our first priority. The requirement to wear non-medical masks indoors recognizes that transmission is reduced when non-medical masks are worn in conjunction with physical distancing and other safety practices.


We appreciate you may have questions about the policy. The COVID-19 Campus Rules have been updated to include information about the policy and its exceptions.


It is important to remember that some members of our community have medical or other conditions which prohibit them from wearing a non-medical mask. In these instances, we need to remain respectful and avoid judgement. It’s only by working together, and supporting each other, that we can help limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.


There will be a two-week grace period, to allow Faculties and Administrative Units time to review, consider, and amend any existing safety plans, with approved exceptions, and to procure any necessary supplies. However, we must stress that it is vital to adopt this measure from today, and wear a non-medical mask in common indoor spaces, such as hallways, stairways, building entryways, washrooms, common areas in residences and other high-traffic areas (except as set out in an approved COVID-19 Safety Plan).


It is the responsibility of each member of our community to follow the health and safety practices outlined by the university, including wearing a non-medical mask. If you have questions about how this policy affects your work area, please contact your manager or supervisor.


Thank you to everyone who has helped in the resumption and continuity of activity at UBC — those who stayed working on campus, those who are working remotely, those who drafted safety plans and those who are ensuring we keep our commitments, to maintain the health and wellbeing of our community. We have an important mandate, and we are working together to fulfill it in these challenging times.


Peter Smailes
Vice-President, Finance & Operations


Marcia Buchholz
Vice-President, Human Resources


Andrew Szeri
Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Vancouver


Ananya Mukherjee Reed
Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Okanagan