The following updates are provided by the Return-to-Campuses steering committee.
Vaccination requirements
Last week, on recommendation from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, U of G announced that students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to live in U of G residences during the 2021-22 academic year.
Students planning to live on campus must be fully vaccinated within 30 days of checking into residence. Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or for grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The requirement does not apply to our Family Housing communities.
Learn more about vaccinations for students in residence.
This is an evolving situation; we may extend mandatory vaccination measures. The University is involved in active discussions with public health officials, scientists and others. We will continue to engage with these experts to inform our decision making.
The University has been consistent and unequivocal in its support of vaccination as crucial to ending the global COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring the health and safety of the people in the communities where we work and live. We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible for vaccination to get vaccinated.
We continue to follow the latest public health guidance. Health and safety measures such as mask-wearing, hand washing, testing, capacity limits in common spaces and regular self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms may also be in place during the fall 2021 semester.
Cleaning measures during COVID-19
Throughout the pandemic, researchers have continually refined their understanding of the COVID-19 virus and how it spreads. Experts now advise that in most situations, the risk of COVID-19 transmission from touching a contaminated surface is low. However, cleaning and disinfection of high-touch and high-traffic areas continues to be one among several other measures we can take to reduce the risk of transmission.
The following chart, available in plain text on the Physical Resources website, outlines community members’ and Custodial Services’ responsibilities for cleaning different areas within the University. The chart was developed using current guidance documents from Public Health Ontario and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Other health and safety measures – such as vaccination, mask-wearing, hand-washing, testing, physical distancing and completing the U of G COVID-19 screening form before coming to campus – are important measures we all can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Note: Excluded from this summary are the Child Care and Learning Centre, residence and J. T. Powell (Athletics and Student Health Services) buildings as space-specific cleaning protocols are in place at those locations. Vending machines and ATMs are cleaned by vendors as per agreements, typically daily.
On-campus vaccination clinic wraps up Aug. 6
As Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health moves into the next phase of its vaccination program, U of G’s on-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinic will wrap up Aug. 6. Since opening in March, the clinic has vaccinated more than 81,000 individuals.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph has reached a milestone of 81 per cent of the eligible population partially vaccinated and more than 70 per cent fully vaccinated. U of G encourages all faculty, staff and students to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Still need to get vaccinated?
- WDG Public Health will continue offering smaller clinics in Guelph and surrounding area.
- WDG Public Health clinics accept walk-ins for first and second vaccine doses with no appointment required.
- Student Health Services offers on-campus COVID-19 vaccinations to students. Call 519-824-4120, Ext. 52131 to book an appointment. U of G is also exploring pop-up vaccination clinics for the fall.
- Some doctors offices and pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccination.
Throughout the spring and summer months, the University Centre has undergone renovations to improve the first floor, Chef’s Hall dining outlet, and The Lookout Patio + Grad Lounge on the fifth floor. As the clinic wraps up, the UC will begin further preparing for the September return of more students, faculty and staff to campus.
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.