Despite the lifting of mask-wearing requirements in many areas,  some post-secondary institutions have decided to retain them for the safety of employees and students.

Dr. Linora Saxinger, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Alberta, said: "At this time, I think there is still a risk of severe illness waves, and caution makes sense to me."

Fourteen universities out of 83 included in the Canadian study "Press" via emails, interviews, and online notices reported that they will require students and staff to wear protective masks in various places on campus.

At Dalhousie University in Halifax, masks are required in classrooms and teaching areas, and MacEwan University announced that it will continue to encourage vaccinations and masks but will not make either mandatory in the fall semester.

On the other hand, Dr. Mark Turchia, head of the academic team at the University of Manitoba, said that mask use is more effective than vaccinations against the Omicron variant, given the high COVID-19 cases in Manitoba.

As for the University of Alberta, it stated in a statement that "high-quality masks remain encouraged in indoor high-traffic areas or when accessing public transportation.