EAST CENTRAL — Starting Aug. 24, masks will be required for staff, students and visitors at all Cumberland College locations amid the Covid-19 pandemic as physical distancing cannot be guaranteed in all spaces.
“We feel this is a good move for us to make in order for us to respect the needs for those in our communities who might have compromised systems, and just to protect all of our health,” said Mark Hoddenbagh, president and CEO of Cumberland College and Parkland College.
“It’s better to be cautious and prudent, then not be that and have instances happen because we didn’t take the appropriate steps.”
Cumberland College is running a blending learning semester, with some online learning and some in-person, scheduled so the college can maintain a low number of students on campus at a time.
For those who require accommodation, they have a full virtual semester available.
“We’re offering that face to face because many of our students require that more personal touch. So for those who are able to, it’s available,” Hoddenbagh said. “We really encourage people to come, but those who have concerns or have auto-immune issues and don’t feel comfortable coming they can go online.”
Disposable masks will be available for students who require them during the transition week of Aug. 24 to 28.
After Aug. 28, anyone who still needs to obtain a mask are recommended to visit the Health Canada website for guidance on non-medical masks/face coverings and instructions for making their own mask.
Masks will be mandatory in hallways, bathrooms, common areas, and any space where physical distancing of two metres cannot be maintained— but not in individual spaces such as offices or at desks.
“In all public areas, in all common areas you will have to put your mask on, whether you can physically distance or not, because people are moving around and can quickly become not physically distanced.”
Physical distancing will be required in the classroom, although there are expected to be times when students and staff are required to be in close proximity. These may be for labs, shop time, or receiving and providing instruction. In these situations, the students and staff will be required to wear masks.
“We want to make sure we’re doing our part to manage the health and wellness of our students and staff and our visitors, and we want to make sure we’re following the best practices by our provincial and federal health authorities in Canada.”
