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Alberta post secondary campuses close due to COVID-19

Last Updated Sep 16, 2021 at 11:22 am MDT

CALGARY – In-person classes have been cancelled for eight post-secondary schools as Alberta declares a public health emergency.

The universities of Alberta, Calgary, and Lethbridge, as well as Mount Royal, Medicine Hat College, SAIT, and NAIT have announced all campuses will be closed to activity for the remainder of the week.

The institutions say classes will continue as scheduled, just online.

“Essential employees on campus must continue to mask in indoor public spaces and maintain physical distancing of two metres,” reads a statement from Mount Royal’s president and vice-chancellor, Tim Rahilly.

The U of A says until schools can implement the province’s new vaccine passport program, students and staff who cannot work or study from home must follow physical distancing rules.


READ MORE: Alberta adopts proof-of-vaccination program for certain services, reinstates strict public health measures


Activities that can’t meet distancing requirements have also been cancelled.

“Further clarification will be communicated [Thursday] about the status of classes and activities for Friday, September 17, 2021, as well as U of A requirements and procedures for complying with the Restrictions Exemption Program effective Monday,” said the school on its website.

The announcement came late Wednesday night, despite each school requiring everyone attending campuses to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19.