The area’s two major universities take different approaches to masks on campus.
Read more: ‘It’s bad’: Opioids killed more Ontarians in 2nd year of COVID pandemic than 1st
Wilfrid Laurier University has announced that it will require face coverings in classrooms that include any gathering areas for classes. A letter co-signed by Laurier president Deborah MacLatchy and interim professor Heidi Northwood says “mask use in these higher-capacity, close-quarters settings will help limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community.” The letter goes on to say that masks will be optional in other areas of the school but will also have some designated areas where masks will be required. Story continues below ad While masks will be required, the school’s mandatory vaccination policy remains on hold for now. Trending Stories
Prince William, Kate Middleton move from London to give kids ‘normal’ life ‘Mind’: Big and small across Canada struggle amid staffing crisis
Down the road at the University of Waterloo, masks will be optional for now, as the school has declared itself mask-friendly. “Certainly, we will not hesitate to bring back the requirement to wear masks if the situation warrants it at any point in the term,” said a letter signed by president Vivek Goel and vice president James WE Rush.
Read more: ‘Big mind’: PRs big and small across Canada struggle amid staffing crisis
The letter made no mention of changes to UWaterloo’s vaccination policy, so it will remain in line with Laurier on this issue. “This fall promises to be as unpredictable as any other point in this pandemic,” Goel and Rush wrote. “As always, we may need to change course and we will continue to update you if our plans change via email and on the COVID-19 information website.” 2:18 Ontario’s health care system faces staffing shortages Ontario’s health care system faces staffing shortages – August 4, 2022 © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
