[President Charlotte Yates speaking from her home.]

“As you may have heard recently there is a serious situation affecting our University of Guelph campus. We are dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak resulting from unsanctioned social gatherings in our university residences.

Over two dozen students have tested positive and as more test results come in that number may continue to grow.

This is an upsetting and unsettling situation and we are all very concerned. I want our community to know that we are working closely with public health to assess monitor and respond to this situation.

U of G has a robust plan to prevent further spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of our staff, faculty, students and community remain
our primary concern due to the seriousness of the situation.

U of G will be increasing monitoring and enforcement on our campus and in residences to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

As we monitor compliance we will consider other measures such as implementing a curfew, if it becomes necessary.

I want our community to know that all students who have tested positive and those awaiting test results are in isolation. They are receiving care and information through our staff and from public health.

They are also receiving meals daily from our hospitality staff. I want to acknowledge and thank our teams in Student Housing, Physical Resources, Campus
Community Police, Hospitality Services and all other U of G staff who are working hard to support our students during this very difficult time.

This outbreak is a reminder of the importance of following public health guidelines. We must continue to practice physical distancing, wearing masks and avoiding gathering in groups.

I also want to remind everyone that we must adhere to the provincial stay-at-home order. We must all consider how our actions and behaviours affect those around us our roommates, friends, family and the broader community.

I wish to assure U of G and the wider Guelph community that we take seriously any violations of government and public health protocols and guidelines.

We will investigate any complaints and concerns. We will work to take appropriate disciplinary action, including issuing of fines and other
measures.

I wish to underline that the vast majority of our students have acted responsibly and consistently with University of Guelph guidelines.

You can read my full statement and receive regular updates on COVID-19 through our website.

We are living together through an incredibly difficult time and an extraordinary moment in our history. I call upon our community members to do their part
to ensure that we continue to live and learn safely at the University of Guelph.”