Although mask requirements are largely slated to end in Ontario on March 21, universities are still opting to require them for the time being
On March 16, the U of G announced that it will be keeping its mask mandate in place until at least the end of April.
The announcement follows a statement issued by The Council of Ontario Universities on March 11 that all Ontario universities will keep their vaccination policies and mask requirements in place until at least the end of the winter semester.
The U of G will require all those on campus to continuing wearing a medical-style mask in the following locations:
- Classrooms, learning spaces, and research and teaching labs
- Residence common areas
- Designated workspaces (e.g., cubicles, offices, etc.)
- Masks may be removed in single-occupancy offices when only one person is in the space.
- Meeting rooms and shared spaces (e.g., lounges, study spaces, hallways, staircases, etc.)
- Athletics facilities (except while exercising in designated areas), the University Centre and the McLaughlin Library
- Employee lunch/break rooms, kitchenettes
- In these spaces, 2 metres of physical distance must be maintained if employees are removing their mask to eat or drink.
The university says it will provide an update soon on whether vaccination and masking requirements will remain in place after the winter semester; however, it also said any student, vaccinated or otherwise, may register for any summer 2022 course.
In terms of mask requirements in Ontario, the government announced earlier this month that masks will no longer be required in the majority of social settings such as restaurants, gyms, large event spaces, and schools come March 21.
Masks will continue to be required in higher-risk settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, transit, jails, and congregate care and living settings.
On April 27, all COVID-19 directives and orders in the province, including mask requirements in all settings, are scheduled to end. Officials encourage anyone still wanting to wear a mask beyond this time to do so.
Please visit www.theontarion.com/submit to find out how you can share your work with The Ontarion.