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.

Update to COVID-19 outbreak in Waterloo residence buildings

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

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

  • Region of Waterloo public health has declared the outbreak in residences over

  • Most restrictions put in place regarding the outbreak will continue under the stay-at-home order  

On Tuesday, April 13, Region of Waterloo public health declared the COVID-19 outbreak in all University of Waterloo residence buildings to be over.
 
By following public health guidelines and increased safety measures put in place in response to this outbreak, our campus community—particularly students currently living in residence—have allowed public health to take this step.

While the outbreak is officially over, it remains critical that we all continue to follow the advice of public health officials. Please continue to do your part and follow the province’s recent stay-at-home orders, which include remaining at home unless leaving for necessities such as groceries or health-care services.

Effective today, please note the following adjusted safety protocols for residence buildings: 

  • Residents should continue self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms and symptomatic testing is available at the Testing Assessment Centre at Health Services. 
  • Access control will continue to be managed through designated entrances requiring a WatCard or key, however, security personnel will no longer be situated at the entrances. 
  • Our existing no guest policy remains unchanged. Students must continue to socialize with those within their household (that is, within their suite or traditional-style residence floor). The only individuals in a room or suite should be the residents who live there. 
  • As we are still in a stay-at-home order, all common use space such as lounges and study rooms will continue to remain closed until the end of the term. 

Please continue to follow all public health guidelines and seek testing if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19. Testing is available on campus for University students, employees, postdocs and family members living in the same household. To book a test, please use the online registration form.

Please continue to follow all University safety protocols. As we approach a period of heightened uncertainty, it is also important to take care of yourselves and each other. Help is available if you need it. 

Thank you for your continued perseverance, patience and support as we all do our part to stop the spread.