The following updates are provided by U of G’s Return to Campuses Steering Committee.

The University of Guelph continues to prioritize physical distancing. If you don’t need to be on campus, please stay home to help keep our community safe. Staff, faculty and graduate students able to work from home will continue to do so.

New functionality in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams has made some changes to improve the user experience for those participating in online meetings.

• New 7 x 7 grid lets you see up to 49 people at once
• Meeting controls in a new, static spot
• Together Mode that gives you the feeling of being in the same place together

Learn more about these and other new features and how to use them on the CCS website.

Wearing face coverings on campus

Remember, whenever you’re in a U of G building or outdoors on campus, and can’t maintain or predict 2 metres of physical distance from others, you must wear a face covering. In general, that means wear a face covering whenever you are on campus.

There are a very few situations in which you might be able to safely remove your face covering. Learn more about those exceptions on the Return to Campuses website.

If you have a medical condition, disability or impairment that affects your ability to wear a face covering and need accommodation (e.g., a clear plastic face shield, other accommodation, etc.), please contact:

• Employees – Occupational Health and Wellness at ohw@uoguelph.ca and notify your supervisor. You are not required to disclose your specific medical condition to your supervisor.
• Students – Student Health Services at 519-824-4120, Ext. 52131.

More information on face coverings is available on the Return to Campuses website.

Thinking ahead to Thanksgiving

This week and next, U of G is sharing information with students to help them plan for a safe Thanksgiving with their loved ones. This information is useful for everyone planning to see family over the Thanksgiving break.

The 10-person social circle you’re now part of may not include the people you’re planning to spend time with over Thanksgiving. Remember, whenever you add someone to your social circle, your circle expands to include everyone in that person’s circle, too. It doesn’t take much to quickly pass the 10-person limit.

In a recent statement, the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada said, “Every person we encounter brings a whole network of contacts history with them, so any and all efforts to reduce the number, duration and closeness of encounters makes a big difference.”

On Twitter, @thoughtsofaphd has a great visual example of how social circles are perceived versus the way they often are. Make sure everyone in your social circle is following the same rules and is part of only one circle.

The University’s COVID-19 website is your best source of information on U of G’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Return to Campuses website provides essential information for those coming to campus. If you need to be on campus, make sure you complete the U of G COVID-19 Screening Form every day before you arrive.