The University of Guelph said its vaccination mandate will remain paused for the fall semester for all staff and students.
In a news release, the university stated while it “strongly (encourages) everyone to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination and booster doses … at this point, vaccination is not required to access U of G facilities.”
Though there will be designated mask-mandatory study spaces on campus, masking will not be enforced throughout.
“This fall, when you are in high-density spaces like classes, labs, elevators and meeting rooms, you are strongly encouraged to wear a tight-fitting, multi-layer mask to help protect yourself and those around you.”
The decision to pause masking and vaccination mandates contrasts with that of nearby universities like Western University and Wilfrid Laurier University, who have said masks will be required in instructional spaces.
Western also stated all members of its community will be required to provide proof of vaccination, including a booster.
The U of G said it is ready to adapt plans “if needed based on advice from the science table & government decisions,” and more details will be provided in the coming weeks. You can read their full update here.
This is irresponsible and reckless. Both Western and Laurier are requiring masks in instructional settings.
— David Humphrey (@humphd) August 22, 2022
Students can't choose to avoid class if they want to protect themselves.
600 students in one room unmasked is dangerous.https://t.co/NtN0fdTLdqhttps://t.co/aivD5oFPDp
Why are you not following the rest of the University’s and putting in place mask and booster shots ? School has not even started and one of my child’s classes has changed to DE. How many more will be changed?
— Carolin Muraca (@CarolinMuraca) August 23, 202
