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Dear UNB community,
The Government of New Brunswick recently introduced the Public Health Recovery Phases with four distinct public health alert levels that will gradually lessen COVID-19 restrictions. In the news conference held on April 24, it was stated that post-secondary institutions will reopen and students may have access to campuses.
I am writing to you to clarify details on the recovery phases and to notify you of additional information regarding transitioning guidelines. Understandably, there are many questions from students, parents, faculty and staff about the next steps.
Transition to the next recovery phase for post-secondary institutions only includes practicum and research labs under strict guidelines and it does not yet include regular in-person classes. UNB campuses are not reopening for academic purposes and remain closed to the public.
The recovery phase transition will depend on detailed criteria and restrictions to minimize the risk of a new wave and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The phased recovery plan will allow New Brunswick Public Health to monitor and evaluate the impact of the lifting of restrictions. At any time, restrictions may quickly be reinstated to protect public health.
Since mid-March, UNB has restricted access to campus to provide essential services only. The transition to the next phase, announced Friday, April 24, is specifically related to academic programs deemed essential by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and is restricted to programs that involve a practical or lab components, particularly those that serve both the regional health authorities and the long-term care sector.
Prior to resuming any activity on campus, UNB must develop strict criteria and safety measures that adhere to the New Brunswick Public Health guidelines to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.
UNB will continually review the Public Health Recovery Phases and create plans to re-open our campuses for academic purposes as guided by four distinct public health alert levels in accordance with the Government of New Brunswick. UNB will reassess and evaluate the situation continuously and issue regular communication updates as they become available.
We look forward to welcoming the UNB community back to our campuses when it is deemed safe by New Brunswick Public Health. We will continue to provide the latest information on COVID-19 developments through email and unb.ca/coronavirus.
With kind regards,
Paul J. Mazerolle
President and Vice-Chancellor