Welcome back! The winter break gives students, faculty and staff time to relax after a busy fall semester and to reconnect with family and friends. However, those extra holiday get-togethers also give the flu and COVID-19 more opportunities to spread.

Remember: getting vaccinated, staying home when you’re sick and choosing to wear a mask are important ways you can protect yourself and our community.

Flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations

At the Guelph campus, flu shots and COVID-19 vaccination and booster doses are available in Student Health Services. You can receive both your flu shot and your COVID-19 vaccine or booster at the same time.

In Ridgetown, flu shots are available by appointment or drop-in at the Ridgetown Shoppers Drug Mart. COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are available at Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Blenheim and Chatham.

Please wear a mask indoors

At U of G, everyone is strongly encouraged to wear a mask while indoors. Wearing a mask is an important layer of protection from respiratory viruses. So are washing your hands and covering your coughs and sneezes.

If you have COVID-19, a cough or any symptoms of a respiratory illness of any kind, you must wear a mask in all public settings for 10 days following the start of your symptoms. If you are sick, stay home.         

U of G provides “Masks Up” spaces where students can study while knowing that those around them will be masked. Find a list of Masks Up spaces on the COVID-19 website. Masks are required when visiting Student Health Services.

What to do if you’re sick

Whenever you’re feeling sick, whether you think it’s COVID or not, stay home, other than to receive any medical care you may need. Our What to do if you’re sick page has info on steps to take if you’re feeling sick or have been exposed to COVID-19.

  1. Complete the Ontario COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool and follow its directions.
  2. Complete the Student Self-Declaration Form or Employee Self-Declaration Form if you have symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test result.
  3. Notify your instructors/manager of your absence.

Staying informed

U of G’s COVID-19 website is your best source of information on the University’s response to COVID-19. The University’s COVID-19 call centre is now closed. If you have any questions that are not addressed on the COVID-19 website, please contact:

  • Students: Student Health Services at 519-824-4120, Ext. 52131
  • Faculty and staff: Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120, Ext. 52647