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.
Many of our employees continue to work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic and incur expenses related to working remotely. We appreciate all of your efforts on behalf of the University, whether you work from home or on campus.
You may be able to submit certain purchases for reimbursement following the University’s new Expenses Supporting Remote Work guidelines.
As the University community continues to collectively respond to unprecedented circumstances, I thank you for your ongoing resiliency and dedication to your research and academics.
While requests for access to research laboratories are being accommodated through the online system, I am aware that many of you are keen to access on campus facilities outside of research labs. To facilitate campus access, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA), the Associate Deans from each Faculty, and the Safety Office have developed a web page that serves as a common starting point for you to request access to campus for academic activities other than lab-related research. I encourage you to review the information, which includes a common set of considerations and criteria that will be used to vet the requests received from you and your supervisor.
On Tuesday, October 13, 2020, York Region public health informed us that one individual had tested positive for COVID-19 had last been on our campus on October 1. Public health officials have been in touch with all close contacts of this positive case.On Wednesday, October 14, 2020, Region of Waterloo public health informed us of one individual from our community who tested positive for COVID-19. Public health officials are in the process of contacting relevant close contacts of this positive case.
Earlier today, the Province of Ontario introduced tighter restrictions for three parts of the province to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
The new tighter restrictions apply to Toronto, Ottawa and Peel. With a record-high of cases of COVID-19 reported by the province today, however, I want to take this opportunity to be clear about the University’s message to our entire community:
Please follow government advice and don’t travel outside of your home unless it is essential.
