Dear York community,
Further to the recent COVID-19 update, we are writing to inform you of upcoming changes to the public health restrictions in place on York University’s campuses.
In line with the easing of public health restrictions in other sectors in Toronto and across the province, York will pause its COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate and masking protocol effective May 1, 2022 (May 4, 2022 for Osgoode Hall Law School students, faculty and staff). This decision is supported by advice from government and public health authorities and is consistent with the approach taken by other Ontario universities.
Health screening and self-monitoring
The requirement for daily health screening for those coming to our campuses is similarly paused effective May 1 (May 4, 2022 for Osgoode Hall Law School students, faculty and staff). However, community members should continue to monitor their health and not attend campus if they are feeling unwell. YU Screen will continue to be available to support self-screening and the University’s case and contact management approach. The case and contact team will continue to support those who report symptoms.
Vaccination
York strongly recommends that everyone receives a completed vaccine series, including third or fourth doses, when eligible. In partnership with GO-VAXX, we are pleased to host a mobile vaccination clinic on the Keele Campus, on March 31. Details are available here. A date for the Glendon Campus GO-VAXX mobile clinic will be announced shortly. All community members are responsible for keeping their vaccination status up to date on YU Screen.
Current students who have yet to comply with the University’s Vaccination Mandate and who were not able to register for classes with in-person requirements prior to May 1 will be able to do so. Further information will be shared with students in short order. Should the University reinstate the Vaccination Mandate policy, students who do not keep their vaccination status up to date or who are unvaccinated could find their in-person studies interrupted.
Continuing employees who have yet to comply with the University’s Vaccination Mandate and who are on a full or partial unpaid leave of absence at this time will be contacted by their Manager or Associate Dean in the coming days about their work schedule beginning May 1. In the meantime, if employees have specific questions, they should reach out to their Manager or Associate Dean directly. If the University needs to reinstate the Vaccination Mandate, employees may have in-person work interrupted if out of compliance with university requirements.
Masks
Masks will remain available for purchase through the Bookstore and mask vending machines on the Glendon and Keele Campuses. All community members should respect those who choose to continue wearing a mask.
Looking Forward
The University continues to monitor the pandemic and remains in a state of preparedness so that we can quickly resume any necessary protocols and reengage the resources that have served us so well. York will continue to work with public health authorities in the event it is necessary to reinstate requirements for mask wearing and Proof of Vaccination on very short notice.
We are proud of our community’s strong, supportive response to all public health requirements over the past two years. With a 97% vaccination rate amongst our students, staff, faculty, and instructors, together, we have created a community of care which permits us to move forward in this manner.
York is committed to the health and safety of all and will be prepared to be as responsive as the public health situation demands. Please continue to check YU Better Together for the most current information and ongoing updates.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor
Lisa Philipps
Provost and Vice-President Academic