While rapid testing kits have become more widely available to students, faculty, and staff, the university does not plan to make major changes to its COVID-19 policies until the winter semester is over
As pandemic restrictions have eased and rapid tests are becoming available to the wider public, the University of Guelph has announced updates to its COVID-19 policies.
On Feb. 14, the university posted a news release stating that students who test positive for COVID-19 are urged to tell instructors that they are isolating, and other students may continue attending class in person.
“Based on [the COVID-19 safety measures] and public health guidance, as long as everyone in the space wears a mask and follows other health and safety protocols, if someone who attended class finds out that they have COVID-19, the course can continue in person and does not need to switch to remote delivery,” reads the release.
Additionally, the release announced the availability of rapid testing kits on campus as of Feb. 16.
Students may now present their campus card to cashiers at Creelman Hall, Chef’s Hall, or the library Starbucks to receive rapid testing kits while students living in residence may pick them up at their residence desk. Directors and unit heads will receive rapid tests soon and will be responsible for their distribution to faculty, staff, and graduate students.
On Feb. 18, the U of G posted yet another release in light of the provincial government’s updated COVID-19 safety protocols.
Although Ontario businesses will no longer be required to mandate proof of vaccination as of March 1, 2022, the University of Guelph intends to uphold its vaccination policy until at least the end of the winter semester. As such, all those who come to campus and are over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated. However, the school will review the policy and provide an update mid-March.
In the meantime, existing safety protocols remain in place. Namely, all those visiting campus must complete the U of G Daily Screening Form and follow its direction, and medical-style masks are to be worn indoors and outdoors “whenever 2 metres of distance from others cannot be maintained.”
Additionally, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health no longer requires local employees to work from home. As a result, U of G staff can expect to be called back to on-site work throughout the remainder of February. In line with the school’s Flexible Work Policy, this may include temporary hybrid work for some staff.
The university strongly recommends everyone in the community to receive their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. For more information on the University of Guelph’s COVID-19 response and guidelines, visit their COVID-19 website.
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