In order to minimize uncertainty and disruption to our students, staff, faculty and university communities, Ontario’s universities, including McMaster, will maintain their COVID-19 vaccination policies until at least the end of the term, according to a statement released this week by the Council of Ontario Universities.
The province recently announced that it will remove its vaccination passport requirements in locations such as public gyms, theatres, and restaurants as of March 1 with businesses, workplaces, institutions, and other settings still able to continue requiring proof of vaccination.
Along with other higher educational institutions, McMaster recognizes the importance of returning to safe in-person learning and on-campus activities for the mental and social health and well-being of students and will continue to work closely with public health authorities.
“We have demonstrated that we can return to campus safely,” said McMaster Provost Susan Tighe. “Maintaining our vaccination policy for at least the rest of term will help to reassure our community and ensure continuity of in-person classes, and other key experiences for our students, faculty and staff.”
The return to campus continues to be supported by layers of health and safety measures, including optimizing ventilation in classrooms, wearing masks, physical distancing in non-instructional spaces and daily screening through MacCheck, which will continue to be required.
Along with other safety measures, the university has provided rapid tests to critical services on campus, continues to provide free surgical masks to the entire community and transparent masks to instructors and teaching assistants who desire an accessible option.
“We thank our community for their ongoing efforts to keep one another safe,” said Tighe. “We understand that this is a dynamic time, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding as we navigate evolving guidance.”
The university will continue to review and update its health and safety measures and will inform our community of any updates.