UNBC expecting students, visitors to wear face-coverings to reduce COVID-19 risk

To be clear, wearing masks in public spaces is not an official health order.

On Thursday (Oct. 29), Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry made it an expectation and encouraged British Columbians to wear face-coverings in public spaces, indoors and outdoors, when physical distancing can’t be done in order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

UNBC has decided to follow in her footsteps and deliver the same message to its students, staff and visitors across its campuses and at the Northern Sport Centre.

Starting today (Nov. 3), the City of Prince George is encouraging local residents and visitors to wear masks in its civic facilities after making its announcement on Monday (Nov. 2).

UNBC Interim President Dr. Geoff Payne says with the winter semester coming soon and mid-terms currency underway, now is the time to take more steps to help contain the crisis.

“I know these have been extraordinary times and hope everyone is managing this semester and making the most of the new opportunities we have in front of us,” he said.

“We do this not only for ourselves but also the good of others, as we know wearing a mask, even a non-medical mask, is part of a multi-pronged approach to preventing the spread of COVID-19. I know that our community is compassionate and understanding, and for some wearing a mask may not be an option. But for most of us, it is simply the right thing to do.”

As of this publication, Northern Health has recorded 425 positive tests for COVID-19 since the virus reached the region in March.

This has included three deaths and 401 recoveries with 21 current active cases and no one currently in hospital.

On Halloween night (Oct. 31), a 51-year-old Prince George man was fined $2,300 for violating the public health order on gatherings after RCMP found about 50 young people at an out-of-control house party after initially responding to a call about fights.

The homeowner was also found to be intoxicated and two youths were sent to hospital with alcohol poisoning, including one that had blood coming out of their mouth.

Dr. Henry’s orders mandate no gatherings of 50 people or more and Dr. Payne explains this also applies to congregating inside campus buildings, especially since winter may force more people to go indoors.

“Please try to limit your numbers when meeting with your friends and colleagues for a coffee, or while studying,” he said.

“I know we want to be connected to each other in person again but we are in the midst of the second wave; while some positive news has occurred on the vaccine front of late, we must not get complacent.”

Dr. Payne encourages UNBC students with any questions to contact the school’s command team by email: unbccommand@unbc.ca.