As recently announced, the Ontario Government is permitting strengthened enforcement of the Stay-at-Home order, while imposing new travel restrictions and additional measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. These new measures came into effect on April 17 at 12:01 a.m. and are expected to remain in place until at least May 20.

The province has recently revised their position around the enforcement of these measures and has restricted the reasons that police may stop individuals outside of their homes. Nevertheless, as a precaution for our employees and in recognition of the importance of minimizing in-person contacts during this critical period, letters confirming who needs to be on campus will be made available for staff, researchers and course directors designated as required workers. Colleagues seeking these letters should go to their respective Faculty Offices or managers this week. The letter can be presented in the event that anyone should be asked to confirm why they need to come to York’s campuses.

That said, we want to again remind all members of the York community not to come to campus unless it is absolutely necessary and to carefully consider your need to do so. Further updates will also be shared with York’s researchers around what these latest restrictions mean for access to on-campus facilities.

As also announced by the province, those who are 40 and older can now receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and we encourage all eligible required services staff to book their vaccine appointments at participating pharmacies across the province. We have made great efforts to ensure the health and safety of all staff who are required to be on our campuses and we continue to be incredibly grateful for their efforts to uphold the operations of the University. As more updates become available, please continue to visit Better Together.

Rhonda Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor