COVID-19 updates for a healthy fall term

Aug. 22, 2022

Dear members of the Laurier community,

Wilfrid Laurier University is actively planning for the fall term as we look forward to welcoming our students, faculty and staff to our campuses in the coming weeks.

Key updates:

• With our focus on the health, safety and well-being of our university community, Laurier will require face-coverings in instructional spaces effective the first day of fall term on Sept. 8. Instructional spaces include any in-person indoor gathering space associated with the delivery of academic courses. Wearing masks in these higher-capacity, close-proximity settings will help to limit the spread of COVID-19 within our community. The university may remove or enhance masking requirements as needed in response to changing conditions.
• Mask-wearing is optional in other areas of the university; however, Laurier will designate some mask-only study spaces prior to the start of term for students who choose to wear masks. Note that some activities and events beyond scheduled classes may have mask requirements at the discretion of event organizers.
• Laurier’s COVID-19 mandatory vaccination policy remains paused. We encourage all members of our community to stay up to date with boosters, including third and fourth doses, to avoid disruption to work or studies. The university may re-implement vaccination requirements at any time in response to changing conditions.
• We have paused active daily symptom screening through the SAFEHawk app; however, please continue to self-monitor for symptoms and refrain from attending Laurier’s campuses when ill. Students unfamiliar with Laurier’s COVID-19 symptom protocol are encouraged to familiarize themselves with it prior to the start of the term.
• The university has taken significant steps to update our ventilation systems in teaching and gathering spaces and is continuing this important work. Updates will continue as improvements are made.

The university will continue to provide masks to students, faculty and staff at no cost. Detailed information about where to pick up masks, including for instructors or event organizers picking up masks for classes and events, will be added to the COVID-19 FAQs, which will continue to be updated for the start of term.

We are reviewing opportunities to host vaccination clinics on our campuses. Details will be added to the COVID-19 FAQs once confirmed.

Please visit the COVID-19 recovery hub for more resources, FAQs, and information about our health and safety measures.

While public health signals indicate this most recent wave of the pandemic may have plateaued, we can expect to see an uptick in cases in the fall as people begin to gather indoors again.

More than two years into the pandemic, we know that measures such as masking and enhanced ventilation can reduce transmission, and that vaccination can reduce serious illness. Taking these measures will promote a safe and healthy fall term, and that we can continue to gather in-person and enjoy all aspects of our campus experience.

Thank you in advance for your care and consideration for each other’s health. We look forward to seeing everyone on our campuses in the coming weeks.

Sincerely,

Deborah MacLatchy, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

Heidi Northwood, PhD
Interim Provost and Vice-President: Academic