Mask use encouraged, not required, for Summer Term 2023

Dear UM community,

The University of Manitoba’s mandatory masking protocol will end when Summer Term begins on May 1.  From that date forward, masking will be strongly encouraged, and UM will continue to supply masks as the university still recommends people use them, especially in indoor spaces that do not allow for distancing. This change will align UM with current public health practices across the province.

As we remove the masking mandate, individuals’ risk assessments will vary and I ask everyone in this community to respect the decisions of others.

Throughout the pandemic, UM has been very mindful of the most vulnerable among us who carried (and continue to carry) more burden than the majority had to. This is why we are one of the last institutions in Canada to lift its mask mandate. This mandate helped keep our community safe while vaccines were rolled out, and while hospitals were under the greatest strain.

UM has also been assessing our HVAC systems and making improvements to support optimal air quality. Additional enhancements will continue into Fall 2023, and you can read more about them here.

Thank you to everyone who has consistently prioritized public health by wearing a mask. I recognize it may not always be comfortable or convenient to do so, but I sincerely appreciate how committed this community is to keeping each other safe. Thank you to everyone for doing their part, and for sharing ideas and engaging with our COVID outreach and safety committees.

I’d like to also extend my gratitude to Security Services for taking on the additional duty of providing masks and helping support the mask mandate over the past three years.

All the best in the final week of term. 

Thank you. Miigwetch.

-Michael Benarroch, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor