Assessment and vaccination

On this page:

What to do if you think you have COVID-19
Assessment
Vaccinations

What to do if you think you have COVID-19

You may need to tell the University if you believe you have COVID-19.

You can check the flow charts in our health and safety guide to help you make decisions about what to do if you think you have been exposed. If you are, you may need to let the University know.

Employees

If you work on campus:

you must promptly notify Occupational Health if you develop COVID-19 symptoms, are told you need to self-isolate, or test positive for COVID-19 on a rapid test or PCR. This might include self-isolation because you live with someone who has symptoms and is self-isolating.
University of Waterloo Occupational Health (OH) can be reached at 519-888-4567 extension 40538 or 40551 or at occupationalhealth@uwaterloo.ca.
if you are not sick but are required to isolate, and cannot work from home, please inform your supervisor. Your supervisor will work with HR to assess options available to you.

If you are working remotely:

you do not need to inform Occupational Health if you develop symptoms, are told you need to self-isolate, or test positive for COVID-19.
if you need to be off work due to COVID-19 related illness, please notify your supervisor and record any sick days in Workday.

Students

If you live in residences:

you must contact reslifeteam@uwaterloo.ca for help if you are experiencing symptoms, are concerned about exposure, have been identified as a high-risk contact, or have received advice to self-isolate. We are here to help you.

If you think you will miss classes, due dates or exams due to COVID:

contact your course instructor(s) before or within 48 hours of a test, exam, or due date.
complete the illness self-declaration form in the Personal Information section of Quest. Learn more on  how to self-declare an illness.

Assessment

In response to the rapidly spreading and highly transmissible Omicron variant, the Ontario Government has updated its COVID-19 testing and isolation guidelines. Effective December 31, 2021 PCR testing is only available for high-risk individuals who are symptomatic or who are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This includes people with serious medical conditions as well as workers in healthcare, long-term care homes and other congregate settings (excluding post-secondary housing residences).

Before seeking out a COVID-19 test, please read the full list of individuals eligible for a PCR test per Ontario Government guidance. Individuals may be asked to show proof of eligibility before a COVID-19 test is administered.

When should I book an appointment?

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please see instructions for self-isolation, contact tracing and next steps.

Health Services COVID-19 Assessment Centre provides screening, assessment and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for eligible students and employees by appointment. It is located within the Health Services building.

Appointments are prioritized and must be made in advance. Please note, we are currently experiencing longer than normal wait times for COVID-19 Assessment and testing at our Assessment Centre due to high volumes.

How do I make an appointment for an assessment?

Testing is by appointment only. To make an appointment:

Complete this online COVID-19 Assessment Registration Form.
Once registered online, you will be contacted with an appointment date and time. Appointment times will be from Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Vaccinations

A vaccine centre is available at Health Services to all students, employees
Proof of vaccination is mandatory with accommodations available for medical or human rights grounds

What kind of vaccine is being offered?

The vaccines available are Moderna and Pfizer, both mRNA vaccines.

Who is eligible to receive a vaccine at this site?

The vaccine centre is open to all students, employees, and family members of students and employees.

Please note: You must be free of COVID-19 symptoms and have completed the daily campus check-in to attend the centre for vaccination.

How do I learn more and book an appointment?

You must book an appointment in advance. Please call 519-888-4096 to book your appointment. Be prepared to provide the following information:

Full Legal name
Student ID # (if applicable)
Address (including postal code)
Telephone number
UWaterloo email address
Health insurance information (Provincial Health card or UHIP information)
Current vaccination status (partially vaccinated or not vaccinated) and the type of vaccination you received if applicable. If you are unsure of your vaccination status (obtained vaccinations in another country or are unsure if you are able to receive a vaccine), please call Public Health at 519-575 4400 or read about COVID-19 vaccine guidance from the Ministry of Health.