The University of Waterloo made a last minute announcement on Tuesday that beginning the following day, Nov. 9, all students will be required to wear a mask for “indoor activity” such as lectures, labs and exams.
According to the official policy webpage, the mask mandate applies to both undergraduate and graduate students, staff and instructors.
University of Waterloo claims that the policy is informed by “increases in local Covid-19 hospitalizations” and “emerging trends” of the virus in the community.
“These trends mean we need to act now to minimize disruption to the end-of-term exam season and to protect the most vulnerable people in our community,” the bulletin states.
“Starting November 9, you must wear a mask for any indoor activity that is part of academic instruction. This includes, but is not limited to, lectures, seminars, teaching labs, tests, exams and all other forms of academic instruction wherever it happens indoors. You may also be asked to wear a mask in other places, like when you meet with your TA or instructor.”
According to the policy, instructors will be allowed to temporarily remove their masks when giving a lecture but only if physically distanced from others.
“If you are presenting, you’ll also be able to temporarily remove your mask,” the University writes.
“We strongly encourage you to wear a mask in all indoor spaces, though this is still optional in non-instructional settings and activities, like libraries and residences. When you are in close contact with others, please consider wearing a tight-fitting, multi-layer mask. A medical-style mask is best.”
There are currently 275 new cases of Covid-19 in the Region of Waterloo, according to a data hub. Out of those cases, 63 required hospitalization in the last 90 days and 2 patients were sent to the ICU.
