Operational changes due to Environment Canada air quality statement

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement as smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario continues to affect southern Ontario. Current Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) levels for Waterloo, Brantford, and Milton are Very High.

During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health can be affected. Laurier community members are encouraged to limit time outdoors, postpone non-essential outdoor activities, and monitor themselves for symptoms such as eye, nose or throat irritation, headaches, or coughing. Individuals who are more vulnerable to the effects of smoke, including older adults, pregnant individuals, young children, those with existing health conditions, and employees who work outdoors should take extra precautions (such as wearing an N95 respirator) and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe.

Classes:

• Instructors have the option to move classes online to a virtual synchronous format for the rest of the day Wednesday, July 15.
• All classes will be moved online to a virtual synchronous format Thursday, July 16 to minimize foot traffic in and out of buildings to preserve indoor air quality. Scheduled lab assessments/exams will be rescheduled to the next available time period.

Working on campus:

• To help protect indoor air quality, Facilities and Asset Management (FAM) has closed building dampers where possible to reduce the amount of smoke and particulate matter entering Laurier buildings. Employees are also encouraged to keep windows and doors closed.
• Outdoor workers have been redeployed indoors for today, July 15, and tomorrow, July 16.
• Outdoor events and activities should be moved indoors or postponed until air quality improves.
• For faculty and staff working on campus, if you are experiencing respiratory or other smoke related symptoms, please take appropriate precautions and reach out to your manager if you require accommodations, which may include working from an alternate location for Wednesday or Thursday if operationally feasible.

For general safety-related questions, please contact Safety Health Environment and Risk Management (SHERM): sherm@wlu.ca.

For questions regarding classes, students are encouraged to reach out to their instructors.