Do your part to stop the COVID outbreak

This message was originally sent to students and employees by Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor.

As you are all aware, we are currently working closely with Region of Waterloo public health officials to manage a serious outbreak of COVID-19 in our residence community.

I know this is a concern for our students and for employees who work in the residences. Please know that working together now is more important than ever as we seek to control this outbreak.

Public health recommends that anyone who lives or works in our residences gets tested for COVID-19. Students and employees who are affected by this can expect to get a message today with instructions on what to do to get tested.

We are also implementing other measures to control this outbreak. We have: 

• moved residence dining to takeout only 
• removed furniture in shared study spaces, and 
• put new security measures in place to make sure only those who live in a residence can enter. 

Our measures to control COVID-19 on campus have been effective over the last year. This current outbreak means that we need to double down on these measures and keep working together. Anyone who is worried, who tests positive or who is identified as a close contact must know that we have people at Waterloo to help you manage.

I know it has been a long, hard year of restrictions. Now is not the time to let our guard down.

This situation is serious and we need to act to stop it. Most of our community have done the right thing this year and I am grateful for your efforts. For people who have acted recklessly and gathered repeatedly with people outside your household: we care about you and we are worried about your wellbeing. However, know that you’ve let us all down badly. Your behaviour risks your health and your education, and it needs to stop, now. 

Whether you live on campus, in Waterloo or elsewhere – do your part to protect the people around you. Avoid social gatherings, limit non-essential trips outside your home, and follow public health and safety guidelines. As we approach the long weekend, please do your part and don’t travel outside the region.

As always, we are committed to safety and wellbeing of community. We will continue to update you on the outbreak as we seek to get it under control. Please follow updates on the COVID-19 information website. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca.