Provincial reopening – Laurier updates

March 1, 2022

The Ontario government lifted provincial vaccination passport requirements and capacity limits as of March 1. Masking requirements remain in place.

What this Means for Laurier

Vaccination Policy

Laurier’s mandatory vaccination policy remains in effect. The university will provide further information about any updates to the university’s existing mandatory vaccination policy once confirmed.

Vaccine Verification for Athletics and Dining

With Ontario discontinuing its provincial vaccination passport requirement, Laurier now requires students, staff and faculty to show their SAFEHawk vaccination passport as proof of vaccination for dine-in food service and to access athletic facilities on Laurier’s Waterloo campus. External visitors must also provide proof of vaccination to access these spaces.

Laurier Brantford YMCA members and visitors are no longer required to show proof of vaccination upon entry and will no longer be asked a series of questions to validate if they are safe to enter the facility. All individuals entering the YMCA must ensure they are not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Visit the Feb. 24 update on the YMCA’s COVID-19 response policy webpage for more information.

Scaling Framework

The university’s Scaling Framework – which provides information about the status level of university operations – is continually updated to reflect current public health realities. Please check the Scaling Framework for protocol update details as of March 1 for specific activities.

Meetings

With the province lifting capacity limits and physical distancing requirements, in-person events and meetings at Laurier that do not require food or beverages can move ahead subject to normal room-booking procedures. Attendees are required to complete the daily self-assessment on SAFEHawk and external visitors are required to show proof of vaccination and complete a self-assessment. Please note that food or beverage service can be provided at meetings or events if individuals are seated; there will be no stand-up beverage or food service at this time.

Face-Covering Requirements in Open Office Areas

As of March 1, face-covering requirements for employees in open office areas returned to requirements outlined in item 4.04 of the university’s face-covering policy: employees working in open office areas and who can maintain at least two-metres distance from all other individuals in the space at all times are strongly recommended, but not required, to wear a face covering. If individuals come to their workspace to talk to them, employees must put their face covering back on until the discussion is finished. Employees must also put a face covering back on whenever they leave their personal workspace.