The town of Sackville and Mount Allison University have released their updated policies in light of the lifting of New Brunswick’s mandatory order at midnight Friday July 30. While the town will almost completely forsake it’s COVID-19 restrictions, the university will keep some vestiges around into the fall.
GOODBYE TO ONE WAY BOARDWALKS AND MASKS (MOSTLY)
Waterfowl fans will now be able to walk in any direction along the Waterfowl Park boardwalk and trails, and be free to stop and admire the wildlife or views along the way. Town buildings and facilities will re-open with regular capacities. Capacity limits are also lifted for special events, and operational plans are no longer required for those renting town facilities.
While some local businesses will continue to require masks be worn inside after the restrictions are officially lifted, the town will not require masks inside town hall or other town facilities, with the exception of the Visitor Information Centre (VIC). The town says that due to the volume and nature of visitors, including many seniors and families with small children, the VIC will continue to require masks for both staff and guests.
Masks will be optional at town council meetings, where an increased number of observers will now be permitted to attend. Up to 20 residents may attend the next council meeting on August 3 in person. This is part of what the town calls a “phased approach” to re-opening. Registration in advance is still required by emailing clerk Donna Beal (d.beal@sackville.com) by 4pm on August 3. The meeting will be livestreamed on Youtube and Microsoft Teams, with links available on the town of Sackville website.
IN CLASS MASKS FOR SEPTEMBER, VACCINATIONS ENCOURAGED BUT NOT REQUIRED
Over on the Mount Allison campus, restrictions will loosen but not be eliminated just yet, according to a letter sent Friday to students from university president Jean-Paul Boudreau.
“Even though the province will lift all restrictions as of July 30, there will be some health and safety guidelines still in place on campus as we start the Fall Term,” writes Boudreau. “Once everyone is settled in on campus, these restrictions will be reassessed at the end of September.”
Masks will be “welcome and encouraged anywhere on campus” but not required everywhere. Students will have to don face coverings in “scheduled, in-person classes and at larger, in-person events on campus, such as music ensembles, performances, and speakers.” Masks are optional for faculty and speakers in classrooms, but will be required to attend staff and faculty meetings.
Physical distancing requirements of 1 metre will remain in place in classrooms on campus, but return to normal everywhere else.
The university’s update did not specify whether community members are free to return to campus, and CHMA has reached out for clarification.
Vaccinations will not be required for returning of new Mount Allison students, but the school is highly encouraging full vaccinations, and is making arrangements for a clinic the first week of September for any students who had difficulty accessing vaccinations before that.
Mount Allison put together a vaccination Q&A video, to help inform students about their choices:
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