The University of Saskatchewan has made single-use-3-ply masks mandatory on campus effective immediately, no more cloth masks, and the policy will continue throughout the summer. The University says it can provide the masks which will replace the use of reusable cloth masks for both indoor and outdoor spaces when two or more people are together and may not be able to maintain a minimum two metre distance.

Dr. Darcy Marciniuk, chair of the University’s Pandemic Response and Recovery Team, describes it as an enhanced measure to provincial public health directives. He points out the University did implement a mask policy a few months prior to the province, “And aligns with what is being done in the practice in health care facilities as well as our primary and secondary schools.”

Both the Public and Catholic school divisions in Saskatoon made the use of medical-grade disposable masks a requirement for all staff starting May 19 and both say the decision was made in collaboration with the local Medical Health Officer.

The University says the decision was made as a result of the rising number of new COVID-19 variants of concern. Dr. Marciniuk explains, “and also specific instances where individuals with similar exposure but wearing cloth masks having become infected versus individuals wearing three-ply single use masks having not become infected “.

On November 19th last year the wearing of non-medical masks became mandatory in all indoor public spaces in Saskatchewan.

The change in policy applies to satellite USask campuses in Prince Albert and Regina. It applies to students, those who work there, and visitors to the campuses.

As to the ability to recycle the masks, Dr. Marciniuk they have instituted a program to keep the masks out of the landfill. He says the masks will be broken down and re-purposed and further information provided by the University indicates the polypropylene-dominant mixture from the face mask is densified into a crumb-like raw material that is used in plastic lumber and composite decking applications.

As well, Dr. Marciniuk says the elastane or rubber band portion is ground into a fine mesh regrind and mixed with recycled plastics as an additive to provide flexibility and malleability to products.   As of Monday, there were 13 dedicated recycling bins solely for the 3-layer, single use masks.