Lethbridge post secondary institutions will not require masks or proof of vaccination on campus for fall 2022. (Photo: Paul Kingsmith)

By Drew Stremick

Lethbridge post secondary institutions outline COVID-19 plans for fall 2022

Aug 23, 2022 | 4:22 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge (U of L) and Lethbridge College have confirmed that neither institution will require masks or proof of vaccination in order to attend classes on campus this fall.

The decision from both institutions is similar to many others across the province.

Trushar Patel is an Associate Professor at the U of L, and he says the university has undertaken a number of steps to protect students.

“Currently there are no masking or vaccination mandates on campus. However, we have made several plans to make sure that we offer a safe environment,” Patel explained. “We are a mask-friendly campus, and masks and hand sanitizer will be provided throughout the campus. Every entrance door, outside large classrooms, there are masking stations so people can pick a mask if they forget to bring one from home.”

Patel continued saying that another way U of L has taken steps to assist with student health and well-being is by making improvements to its HVAC system. These changes include upgrading air filtration, and increasing the percentage of fresh air inside buildings.

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Marko Hilgersom, the Registrar from Lethbridge College (LC), told Lethbridge News Now that LC will be taking similar steps to promote student safety.

“We do take the health and safety of our campus community as our priority,” said Hilgersom. “We’re supporting those who choose to wear masks. They’re welcome to do so. Masks may be mandatory for some interactions, mostly limited to our Wellness Center, which is our health clinic.”

Both school representatives stressed that each institution is doing what it can to be proactive about students’ health, and they are optimistic about the upcoming 2022-2023 academic year.

Read more Lethbridge News Now.