Saint Mary’s University lifts mask mandate in common areas but still required in classrooms and labs

Saint Mary’s University in Halifax no longer requires masking in common areas, despite them still being “encouraged.”Masking will, however, still be needed in classrooms and labs.Margaret Murphy, the associate vice-president of external affairs, says the school has taken a “measured approach” so far, helping get to a point where the university could “gradually ease the conditions, lessen the conditions as time goes on.”She says the decision came from the Return to Campus Advisory Team, which includes student and faculty representation.“Usually, I don’t wear the mask, so I don’t really care about that,” says student Ayako Nakajima. “Some of the students or the teachers really care about that.”“It would be nice if we could go without masking because sometimes they get annoying,” admits Jillian MacEwan, another student. “But at the same time, COVID still exists so you can’t really pretend it doesn’t.” Read more: How Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions are handling masks this fall Susan Glenn, a part-time professor, isn’t as comfortable with the move.“I’m a little disappointed,” she says. “I still obviously wear my mask whenever I’m out in public and don’t want to get exposed, but I guess I’m keeping myself safe.

I know for some students, it’s been a hardship to have them keep their masks on everywhere all the time.”Murphy, meanwhile, says it comes down to a choice.

In classrooms or labs, there’s not much of a choice, but in the library or study areas, people can move if they’re uncomfortable, she says.“Compliance has been very good,” Murphy says.