University of Waterloo information on COVID-19

Last updated: January 17, 2022

Latest updates

• January 17: Confirming our return to in-person learning and work in February
  • In-person experiences will start to return in February based on advice from public health officials.
  • The earliest we will return to in-person experiences is Monday, February 7. We commit to giving you notice of our intention to resume in-person activities at least 14 days in advance. 
  • Students not currently in Waterloo region, be sure to make your plans for an arrival by the start of in-person activities. To get back to in-person experiences as soon as possible, we need everyone to do their part.
  • Read the memo to the UWaterloo Community
• January 6: Updates to research activities and international travel
  • Effective today, all in-person human-participant research with vulnerable populations is paused at least until January 27, 2022.
  • We strongly discourage all domestic travel.
  • Travel outside of Canada is not permitted. We will continue to follow the government of Canada travel advice, which could be extended beyond January 12.
  • Read the memo to employees and graduate students
• January 4: Updates to health and safety information
  • Read the updated Health and Safety Guide
  • Read our updated face covering requirements

Do your part

• Get a booster dose as soon as possible, and make sure eligible children are vaccinated as soon as possible. Many more appointments are available now than previously.
  • If you need to book a booster dose you can do so with Health Services and there are many online resources to help you find available shots, such as the Region of Waterloo, Vaccine Ontario or Vaccine Hunters. 

  • If you are an international student and you have questions about vaccinations, you can contact ise@uwaterloo.ca.  

• Wear a mask that fits well, has multiple layers, and has an effective filter layer. Wherever you go, please always follow the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) recommendations on masks. 
• Limit your contact with other people and stay home if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. You can take this self-assessment if you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms.  

Help is available

Students: We understand that many of our students have family members in areas affected by COVID-19. If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody, please contact the University’s Campus Wellness services, either Health or Counselling Services.

Employees: Our Employee and Family Assistance Program is available 24/7 for counselling, coaching and support. Call 1-800-663-1142 or visit Homeweb.ca.

Check out links to additional university and community resources

The University of Waterloo continues to implement plans and protocols to safely restart campus activities, following public health advice and best practices.

Many buildings have reopened on campus with modified hours for fall term. Find out what’s open and see our list of building and service availability.

Employees

• Read about health and safety guidance during COVID-19
• Laboratory research ramp up information
• Return to campus training
• Order physical distancing signs for your area
• Learn about how to access buildings and services for employees
   

Important links

Canada's COVID Alert App

• The Government of Canada launched a national, voluntary app that will notify users if they may have been exposed to COVID-19. The app is available for free to Canadians and can be downloaded through the App or Google Play stores.
• The COVID Alert app incorporates exposure notification technology provided by Apple and Google and does not collect personally identifiable information.
• The more people using the COVID Alert app, the more effective this tool will be in helping limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Learn more.

Questions?

If you have questions about Waterloo's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please email coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca.