Updates at Laurier following Ontario’s next phase of reopening

The Ontario government announced that the province will move into its next phase of reopening Feb. 17 and lift proof of vaccination requirements and capacity limits March 1. Read full details in the province’s news release. Below are some key updates at Laurier effective Feb. 17 following this announcement.

Vaccination and Face-Covering Policies

• To prioritize the health and safety of our university community, Wilfrid Laurier University’s mandatory vaccination policy and face covering policy will remain in effect at this time. 
• It is important to note that the announcement made by the province to ease public health measures and the provincial vaccine requirements to access restaurants, gyms, etc. effective March 1 does not change the university’s current legal requirements as it relates to vaccination mandates. Laurier’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy requirements arise from instructions and recommendations from the Council of Medical Officers of Health and Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, as well as obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which remain in place. Laurier is monitoring the changing circumstances related to the pandemic and will provide further information for the spring, intersession and summer terms, as well as for fall 2022, once confirmed.

Dining Facilities

• Effective Feb. 17, indoor dining facilities will gradually increase to full capacity. Ontario vaccination passport and masking required. 

Fitness Facilities

• Effective Feb. 17, the fitness centre at the Athletic Complex (Waterloo campus) will gradually increase to full capacity. Ontario vaccination passport and masking required. Visit the Laurier Brantford YMCA site for full facility details. 

Other changes include:

• Game spectators and concert venue capacities will also gradually increase to 50% capacity.

Booster Doses

• As of Feb. 18, booster dose eligibility will include those aged 12-17 (168 days after a second dose). Visit the provincial booking system or select pharmacies for information. 

More information about changes after March 1 will follow next week.