Will the doors to our building remain locked during Step 3?
Yes, the doors will remain locked and only people with keycard access will be able to enter. Because it is expected there will still be relatively few people on campus, Central has decided this would be best for security.
Can students and faculty work in buildings 24/7 during Step 3?
Yes, we will now permit this. However, please ensure that anyone working alone is following the work-alone procedures and policy of your unit and UBC. Note that there will not be any additional custodial service provided even if labs and offices are being used longer hours.
Can we require people in our office to wear a mask? Can a professor require people in their lab to wear a mask? Can a department require everyone in the administrative office to wear a mask?
No. As a public institution, UBC has committed to following the public health officer's guidance, which in BC Restart Step 3 says that wearing masks is "recommended" but not "required". Faculty offices, labs, administrative spaces, classrooms, etc. all are part of the same UBC workspace and subject to the same guidelines. Clashing guidelines would be complicated within shared offices, shared labs, etc. and lead to conflict. If individuals are uncomfortable to meet in their office with someone not wearing a mask, then they should open the door or sit far apart. Alternatively, they could meet outside.
Can we hold full in-person group meetings?
Yes. However, given that not all of us are yet fully vaccinated, it is strongly suggested that you continue to have the possibility to attend remotely.