Stay safe over Fall Reading Week

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

You should: 

• avoid travelling outside of Canada over Fall Reading Week and December break 
• abide by all public health and government regulations if you visit family or friends 
• if you choose to leave Canada, you need to have a quarantine plan when you get back 

As we approach Fall Reading Week, I hope that you are able find time to recharge from the past few months. As you make plans, I want to stress how important it is that you remain vigilant and safe.

I know you may be tempted to travel within the province, in Canada or internationally during the upcoming breaks. We encourage you to remember that you are part of our community and you have a key role in keeping others safe. Warriors protect Warriors.

We recommend that you avoid all travel throughout fall term, including during Fall Reading Week and the December break. Any travel, regardless of the distance, is risky for you and your loved ones.

If you have plans to leave Canada, you are required to quarantine for 14 days upon your return. This means you need to plan for how and where you will quarantine.

• Students living in residence are not allowed to quarantine in their residence rooms upon return from travel. Residence spaces do not meet quarantine requirements and therefore put others at risk.
• If you live away from campus, you need to talk to your housemates about your plan to make sure you can quarantine without putting anyone at risk. You must check out the COVID-19 Travel and Quarantine Checklist for information on creating a quarantine plan.

If you plan to visit family or friends during Fall Reading Week or the December break, please follow all government regulations and public health guidelines and review the return to campus guide for updated information.

While you are on break, I understand it’s tempting to attend parties and reconnect with old friends. I urge you to keep your social bubble small and to stay safe wherever you are taking your rest.

I know that for many of you, limited access to travel may be difficult during times when we typically would be with friends and family. If you need support, we have multiple resources available to help you. Please seek help if you need it.

Thank you for doing everything you can to keep one another safe. Together, we will limit the spread of COVID-19 and find ways to get back to campus life as quickly as we can.