Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)
Needles Hall, second floor, room 2201
To: Graduate students
From: Kate Windsor, Director of Safety
Dr. Clark Baldwin, University Medical Director
Subject: What to do if you think you have COVID
On December 30, 2021, the Government of Ontario made changes to PCR testing eligibility and case and contact management guidance. These changes, made to help the province effectively manage the impact of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, mean that we are making changes to the protocols for what the University community needs to do if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19.
If you are worried that you may have been exposed or you are experiencing symptoms of COVID you can take this self-assessment on the Ontario website to help you. The self-assessment will tell you whether you need to isolate or seek testing.
PCR testing is only available for high-risk individuals who are symptomatic or who are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This includes people with serious medical conditions as well as workers in healthcare, long-term care homes and other congregate settings.
Most of us in the University community, including people living in our residences, are no longer eligible for PCR testing. Before seeking out a COVID-19 test, please read the full list of individuals eligible for a PCR test per Ontario Government guidance. Individuals may be asked to show proof of eligibility before a COVID-19 test is administered.
If your self-assessment indicates you need to self-isolate or get tested for COVID-19, please see instructions for self-isolation, contact tracing and next steps on the Ontario website. Health Services COVID-19 Assessment Centre will provide PCR testing for eligible students and employees only, by appointment. Health Services can help you if you believe you have been exposed to COVID and need help assessing your symptoms or planning for isolation.
You may need to tell the University if you believe you have COVID-19
You can check the flow charts in our health and safety guide to help you make decisions about what to do if you think you have been exposed. If you are, you may need to let the University know.
Employees
If you work on campus:
If you are working remotely:
Students
If you live in residences:
If you think you will miss classes, due dates or exams due to COVID:
Vaccine appointments are available at Health Services
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect you against severe disease for those with healthy immune systems. Three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine provide more protection from getting and transmitting the Omicron variant than two doses. All Ontarians aged over 18 are eligible for a third booster dose 84 days after their second dose.
If you need to book a booster dose you can do so with Health Services and there are many online resources to help you find available shots, such as Vaccine Ontario or Vaccine Hunters.
If you are an international student and have questions about vaccines, please reach out to ise@uwaterloo.ca.
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)
Needles Hall, second floor, room 2201
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.