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.
As you are aware, the widespread transmission of the Omicron variant is straining our health and wellness system across the region and country. In response, the Region of Waterloo is reaching out to our University community with redeployment opportunities to support our frontline workers in local hospitals, long-term care, retirement homes and shelters.
We are writing to you today to consider two mechanisms for your support to our community.
We will extend the current remote learning and working arrangements for a short period, but we plan to return to in-person experiences in February. We will return as soon as it is practical to do so based on advice from public health officials. In the meantime, as previously announced, we continue to provide essential in person teaching.
On December 30, 2021, the Government of Ontario made changes to PCR testing eligibility and case and contact management guidance. These changes, made to help the province effectively manage the impact of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, mean that we are making changes to the protocols for what the University community needs to do if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19.
Earlier this week, we asked you to make some changes to the way that we work at Waterloo considering the Omicron variant of COVID-19. We asked you to:
cancel all in-person end-of-year gatherings and all non-essential meetings on campus, and
work from home whenever possible.
We have endeavoured to ensure students can complete requirements for the current term. The last in-person exams are scheduled for Friday, December 17, with the remaining exams next week scheduled to be online.
