This update is provided for archival purposes only.
Public Health guidance and University of Waterloo operations may have changed. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our COVID-19 frequently asked questions.
You must wear a mask for all indoor academic activity for the rest of the term.
Your health and safety are top of mind as we respond to changes in COVID-19 trends and make decisions about our campus communities. We have been monitoring the latest data from Public Health Ontario and the Region of Waterloo and keeping in touch with colleagues in public health to inform our plans for the health and safety of our campuses.
Before the start of this term, we wrote to you to confirm the University’s COVID-19 health measures for the Fall term. Since then we have continued to monitor the latest data from Public Health Ontario and the Region of Waterloo and remain in communication with colleagues in public health to inform our plans for the health and safety of our campuses.
Recently, we have seen increases in COVID-19 hospitalization locally, and there are emerging trends from test positivity and wastewater that suggest increasing levels of COVID in the community now and in the near future. Taken together with higher rates of seasonal flu and other viruses, these trends mean we need to act now to protect our the most vulnerable in our community and to minimize disruptions to the end of term exam season.
We have shared a message with everyone today confirming our decision to return to mask-wearing for any indoor activity that is part of academic course delivery. We’re making this change now to protect members of our community as the data trends point to increased levels of COVID and other airborne diseases in circulation. We also want to try to reduce the amount of disruption these trends could cause to the exam season.
As we head into the second week of classes for the Fall term, it is exciting to see the campus bustling with the energy of new and returning students. Here are a few things to note about helping keep yourselves and your peers safe.
A message from Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor and James W.E. Rush, Vice-President, Academic & Provost.
In two weeks’ time we will begin a new academic year, welcoming new and returning students to our campuses. Over the summer we’ve kept up-to-date with the latest data from Ontario’s Science Table on COVID-19 and with colleagues in public health to inform our plans for the health and safety of our campuses this Fall.
