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.

Masks required at least until the end of term

Thursday, March 10, 2022

This message was originally sent to the UWaterloo community by Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor and James W. E. Rush, Vice-President, Academic & Provost.

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.

This means that masks remain mandatory in all indoor spaces. The University has appropriate options for face coverings available at no cost to units for employees and students. Check information on the COVID-19 website for more.

As we confirmed on February 7, and in line with all other Ontario universities, our proof of vaccination requirement will remain in place until at least the end of the Winter term. We recently updated our information on our proof of vaccination requirement following changes by the Chief Medical Officer of Health on March 1.

We continue to keep our proof of vaccination policy and our mask requirement under review and expect to update our community on requirements before the start of the Spring term.

The University is committed to the prevention of illness and injury and strives to provide a safe work and study environment for its employees, students, and visitors. As always, we urge you to remain vigilant. If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, please do not come to our campuses. If you are eligible for vaccination or boosters, please book an appointment as soon as possible. Vaccination remains the best protection against the worst effects of COVID-19 and its variants and is the most important way to protect public health.