University COVID-19 update

The University of Waterloo is constantly updating our most Frequently Asked Questions.

Questions about buildings and services? Visit the list of Modified Services.

Please note: The University of Waterloo is closed for all events until further notice.

COVID-19 information for faculty and staff

For the most up-to-date information from the University about the coronavirus, see the COVID-19 website.

Requirements before coming back to campus

Do not return to Mathematics and Computer (MC), Mathematics 3 (M3) or the Davis Centre (DC) if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. Review and follow the University’s health protocols at all times.

To minimize risk, employees and students must not come to campus when ill. For this reason, the University requires that employees and students monitor themselves daily for symptoms of COVID-19. Use the COVID-19 self-assessment tool, found in the WatSAFE app. The University’s health protocols provide clear directions on how to self-assess. You will also see signs posted at building entrances will remind employees and students to conduct self-assessments.

Ensure that you follow working alone guidelines at all times.

Hand hygiene

Perform hand hygiene regularly throughout the day. At minimum, you should wash hands or perform hand sanitization:

  • When you enter or leave a new space
  • When you remove gloves
  • After you use shared equipment

Hand washing is the preferred method of hand hygiene at UWaterloo. If  your hands are soiled (dirt, debris, oils, grease, and other contaminants), hand sanitizers will not be effective. Use soap and warm water in these cases. If your work consistently causes your hands to be soiled, hand washing facilities need to be provided and accessible (sink and soap).

Social distancing and directional signage

Social distance is very important in order to stop the spread of coronavirus. Make sure you maintain two metres between yourself and other building occupants. We have put up directional signs throughout the buildings for you to follow. In areas where multid-directional traffic is permitted, stay two metres from others.

Face coverings

The University requires face masks or other face coverings in common use areas of University buildings - this includes classrooms and teaching labs.

You can wear Aa medical or non-medical mask or other face covering, including a bandana, scarf or other fabric that covers the nose, mouth and chin  to create a barrier to limit the transmission of respiratory droplets.  The COVID-19 information site has more information about face covering requirements.

Moving to online courses

Resources

Several sources of support are available, including:

Microsoft Teams

If you are setting up communications through Teams, you can access it through the Microsoft Office 365 site.

  • You may need to activate your account if you haven't already and you can find instructions on the site.
  • You can access Teams via the web or as an app on your preferred device.
  • Everyone has full privileges to set up meetings, chats, etc., though Teams need to be set up through IST.

Closures

All the computer labs are closed to protect our students as we cannot ensure that all the keyboards and surfaces are clean at all times. We are directing students to instructions on how to connect from home.

Guidelines

For information specific to teaching, we have guidelines available on Sharepoint.