Wilfrid Laurier University announced on April 12 that they would be keeping their face covering policy in effect until at least May 31.
Originally, Laurier intended to lift the multi-campus mask mandate on May 1, but they have since retracted that decision based on rising COVID-19 numbers. The policy will be revisited at the end of May.
Ontario lifted the provincial mask mandate for most settings on March 21.
According to recent reports, however, the province is well into the sixth wave of COVID-19 that is being driven by the more transmissible BA.2 variant, waning immunity, and the removal of a majority of public health restrictions.
“Continuing to wear masks will allow us to protect our communities and avoid contributing to the spread of the virus during the current wave. The university will continue to provide masks to students, staff and faculty at no cost,” president and vice-chancellor Deborah MacLatchy said in Laurier’s press release.
“We can expect that masking requirements will vary for the foreseeable future as we respond to the changing nature of the pandemic,” MacLatchy said.
Proof of vaccination requirements on Laurier’s campuses will still be paused as of May 1. Based on public health guidelines, this policy is subject to change.
Students are advised to visit Laurier’s COVID-19 recovery hub to follow the most up-to-date information.
