NOTE: U of G will maintain its mask requirement beyond May 1 and until further notice. Read the latest update on mask requirements.
Dear U of G Community,
Throughout the pandemic, the University of Guelph leadership team has consulted with public health and sector partners and our internal experts to inform our response to COVID-19. In some instances, this has meant developing our own measures that go beyond provincial requirements to ensure we’re supporting safe environments for our students, faculty and staff. Such was the case with the decision to maintain U of G’s mask requirement and vaccination policy until the end of the winter semester, a period that extends past the Ontario government’s March 21 lifting of these measures.
Pausing vaccination and masking requirements as of May 1
In looking ahead to the summer semester and considering the latest government decisions, we have consulted with other universities and also taken part in broader sector consultations, informed by the most recent advice from public health.
The following decisions are informed by those conversations. They are based on current public health trends and contingent on public health conditions and direction.
- The University’s vaccination policy will be paused as of May 1, at which point proof of vaccination will not be required to access U of G spaces. Students will be eligible for in-person learning regardless of their vaccination status. Employees on unpaid leave should speak with their supervisor about their individual situation. Those with vaccination policy exemptions will no longer be required to participate in rapid testing.
- The University’s mask requirement will be paused as of May 1. We have extended our mask requirement beyond the government’s lifting of this public health measure to provide an additional layer of protection for our community during a busy time on campus and through exam season, but we will pause this requirement in May as we enter the summer semester.
- Required completion of the U of G COVID-19 Daily Screening form will be paused as of May 1. Remember: if you feel sick, stay home.
Please be aware that with the evolving nature of the pandemic, we may see the return of these public health measures at some point and with little advance notice. We strongly encourage all students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated and to keep up with their booster doses. Staying up to date with your vaccinations not only provides you with the best protection against serious effects of COVID-19 but also keeps our community prepared if public health measures are reinstated as a requirement for campus access, including in-person learning. Before May 1, we will provide you with information about how to update your proof of vaccination in U of G’s system to reflect booster doses you may have received.
We will continue to monitor public health directives and government decisions. As always, we will keep you informed if the situation changes.
Looking ahead together
Although the requirement will be lifted, we encourage everyone on site to wear a mask when indoors, especially in spaces such as elevators and small rooms. This helps everyone feel safe on campus. We recognize that as of May 1, some individuals may choose not to wear masks in U of G spaces. As a community, let’s be supportive of each other’s decisions and remember that each person’s situation is unique.
Although requirements are changing across the province and we are cautiously optimistic, we understand that the pandemic is not over yet.
- If you need a first, second and/or booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, book an appointment with Student Health Services by calling 519-824-4120, Ext. 52131.
- If you need rapid testing kits, visit our website to learn where to get them.
- Our upgraded ventilation measures remain in place.
- Our COVID-19 Call Centre is available to answer your questions.
- We will continue monitoring our residence wastewater for SARS-CoV-2.
As we look forward to warmer weather and brighter days ahead, we thank each of you for your ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our community. We’re getting through this together.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Yates
President and Vice-Chancellor
Gwen Chapman
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)