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Friday, November 17, 2023

Q and A with the Experts: RSV prevention for vulnerable populations

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that seriously affects vulnerable populations such as infants, young children and older adults. Dr. Wasem Alsabbagh, associate professor at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, answers frequently asked questions about RSV.

Why should I be concerned about RSV?

RSV is the leading cause of respiratory tract infections and hospitalizations among infants in Canada. About 80% of children who are hospitalized with bronchitis have RSV, while 20% of infants hospitalized with pneumonia have RSV.

Monday, November 20, 2023

Access rapid antigen tests now

Rapid Antigen tests are conveniently available at the Turnkey Desk in the Student Life Centre for the current UWaterloo Community. Campus Housing also offers these tests for resident students - simply inquire at the Residence Front Desk.

Friday, August 25, 2023

Protect yourself and protect others this fall

With the return of students to the University for the fall term, you should be aware that respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza continue to circulate in our community both on-campus and off.

The COVID-19 virus continues to mutate, with scientists and public health experts sounding caution over new virulent variants such as EG.5 and BA.2.86 that could give rise to increased case counts this fall.

Monday, August 22, 2022

Updating you on Fall health and safety

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.

Monday, June 20, 2022

Suspending our mask requirement after June 30

Today, we’re making the decision to suspend our mask requirement after June 30. In addition to the lifting of provincial and municipal mask requirements noted above, this decision is also consistent with a variety of indicators including campus data, case counts, test positivity rates, local hospitalization and wastewater data, and consulting public health guidance.

We’ve all seen the value of wearing a mask to help limit the spread of a variety of diseases from COVID-19 to the common cold. Wearing a mask is a good way to show you are being considerate of the people around you. Please respect the choices of others in our community who may wish to continue to wear a mask.

If you haven’t done so already, please make sure you keep your vaccination information current with Campus Checkin (https://campuscheckin.uwaterloo.ca).

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Face covering requirement extended until further notice

Update for the UWaterloo Community

Earlier this week we sent you an update about health and safety at the University for the spring term. We have previously announced that our plans to relax some of our requirements at the start of the spring term on May 1 were based on public health conditions.

Health and safety

In keeping with current provincial and local public health recommendations and on the basis of current local public health conditions, our vaccination and face covering requirements remain suspended.

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Changing our public health restrictions

Update for the UWaterloo community

We are writing today to give you an update on public health restrictions on our campuses for the Spring term and beyond.

In light of the recent relaxation of public health restrictions as part of the Ontario government’s Roadmap to Reopen and on the basis of current local public health conditions, we will  suspend our mask and proof of vaccination requirements for entry to campus, effective May 1.

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Masks required at least until the end of term

Update for UWaterloo community

Yesterday the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario shared an update and statement on changes to the mandatory masking requirement. From March 21, the province will lift the mandatory masking requirement in most settings, including post-secondary institutions.

At Waterloo, to minimize the potential for disruption to the end of the term schedule and exams, we will maintain our current mask-wearing requirement until at least the end of the Winter term. It is our hope that this helps minimize uncertainty and disruption and continues to support our students, staff, faculty and University community.

Monday, February 28, 2022

What’s changing as Ontario removes public health restrictions?

Update for the UWaterloo community

Tomorrow the Government of Ontario will move to the Exit Step of its Roadmap to Reopen. This move will lift the majority of remaining public health restrictions, and this will mean some changes to our operations on our campuses. Here’s what you need to know. 

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