COVID-19 update: campus operations

This message was originally sent to employees by Marilyn Thompson, associate provost, Human Resources.

• University buildings and campus operations will continue during course suspension 
• Some employees may need accommodation due to illness or absence 
• Self-isolation does not need to be recorded in Workday 
• We have released a new toolkit to help managers make decisions 

I am writing to provide employees with important information regarding UWaterloo’s response to COVID-19. Earlier today, the President’s Office communicated that on-campus course activities have been suspended for one week, starting March 14.  

Campus operations continue during the course suspension 

Waterloo business and administrative operations continue. Office buildings will remain open.  

At this time, the University and university buildings remain open to employees, students and visitors, including all residences, libraries, food services, health and wellness centres, athletics and recreation facilities. We recommend that you use social distancing and proper hygiene as a preventive measure. 

We have not changed the revised travel and event instructions that we issued on March 12. 
 

Attendance and alternative work arrangements 

Employees who feel sick should stay home and seek the advice of a health professional. At this time, no employee is required to have a doctor’s note or medical certificate for cold- or flu-related absences, or for self-isolation. 

You are expected to inform your manager of your illness and related absence. A reminder that all sick days should be recorded into Workday, either by the employee or manager.  

The Ontario government is closing all publicly funded schools across the province for two weeks following March Break due to concerns about COVID-19. Due to childcare and school closures, some employees may need an accommodation. 

Employees should work directly with their manager and department head on options that might be available. Approval from the department head for alternative work arrangements is required. 
 

No need to record self-isolation in Workday unless you get sick 

If you have returned from international travel, public health officials have asked that you self-isolate for 14 days. You do not need to record self-isolation in Workday, but if you get sick during self-isolation Human Resources will start tracking the absence as Sick Leave.
 

New toolkit for managers 

We know that there has been a lot of uncertainty about the COVID-19 pandemic. To support managers during this time, we have assembled a manager’s toolkit and we will keep this up to date as new guidance is available.
 

Additional information and resources 

We are keeping the University’s COVID-19 website up to date  with information.  

If you have questions or concerns about coronavirus and Waterloo, please email  coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca  and  our team will help find the right campus contact.  

Thank you for your continued commitment and patience, especially as we navigate our way through this difficult period.