Masks now required at UM, even while physical distancing

UPDATED Nov. 18

• The wearing of masks is mandatory on all UM campuses.
• Effective Nov. 9, 2020, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences staff, faculty and students are required to wear a 3-ply non-medical or medical grade mask (depending on the activity). Masks are provided at entry to Rady Faculty buildings (Bannatyne and Helen Glass). 
• Effective Nov. 10, 3-ply disposable masks are mandatory on all other UM campuses for all academic and research activities.
  • Individuals should wear cloth masks while arriving to their academic or research activity and replace their cloth mask with a 3-ply disposable mask thereafter. 
  • Masks will be distributed by faculties/instructors or supervisors.
  • Supervisors will communicate directly with employees regarding the need for 3-ply masks to be worn during work and will provide these masks if required. This may include employees who are moving across the campus(es).

Distribution of cloth masks

Faculty, staff, and students will be given a reusable cloth mask. Please note that due to limited quantities, no more than 2 masks per person are available.

View this video to see how to properly wear a non-medical mask. Or visit the UM COVID-19 website for more information.

Pickup details are below.

Fort Garry Campus:

At the Fort Garry campus, students and staff may pick up their masks at the following locations:

• • Welcome Centre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. M-F

Bannatyne Campus:

The requirement to wear masks took effect August 24, 2020.  Pick up locations and hours of operation are:

• Brodie Centre main doors, 727 McDermot Avenue from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Dentistry building, 780 Bannatyne Avenue from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Apotex side entrance, 750 McDermot Avenue from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Rehab Sciences building, 771 McDermot Avenue from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

As health and safety is our overarching priority, strict protocols are being followed at these stations including plexiglass shields, hand sanitizing stations, signage and fencing to ensure directional consistency and socially distanced flow throughout. 

In order to avoid congestion, you should pick up your masks when you are coming to campus(es) to avoid making a special trip.

More on mask use

As Manitoba’s only research intensive university, UM plays an important role in maintaining the health and safety of our campuses and the broader community. By requiring masks to be worn in all of its facilities, the university is demonstrating a clear commitment to support Manitoba’s efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19.

When properly used, face masks covering the nose and mouth help to limit the dispersion of coughs/sneezes; reduce the frequency of face touching; and have been shown to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in combination with social distancing and good hand hygiene. The decision to require masks on campus was recommended by UM’s COVID Recovery Working Group and approved by the Vice-President (Administration) and the President. 

Please note that as of Nov. 2, the Active Living Centre and Joe Doupe Recreation Centre will remain open at 25 per cent capacity but masks are mandatory while exercising.

Remember: stay home if you are feeling unwell 

It is essential that employees and students self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and/or exposures before attending to any on-campus activities. Complete this questionnaire: https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/coronavirus/covid19_screening_checklist.pdf

If the checklist advises you not to enter; stay home, isolate and refer to the online COVID-19 Screening Tool by clicking here or call Health Links – Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll free at 1-888-315-9257 for further guidance.

Read more about the Recovery Working Group and phased approach to recovery of approved activities. For more information for students, staff and faculty, visit the COVID-19 webpage.

UM TODAY STAFF