Better Together

York University is calling on all community members to immediately resume masking indoors as part of provincial efforts to protect children and most vulnerable

Posted on 18 November 2022

York University is calling on all community members to immediately resume masking indoors as part of provincial efforts to protect children and most vulnerable

Posted on 18 November 2022

Dear York community,

York University shares the concern of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) about Ontario’s overwhelmed children’s hospitals. As such, we are joining him — effective immediately — in calling on the York community to wear masks in all indoor settings except when eating or drinking.

Children’s hospitals are filling and surgeries are being cancelled as a result of an influx of severely sick children due to the flu, RSV and COVID-19. Respiratory illnesses are expected to peak in early to mid-December. In response, the CMOH Dr. Kieran Moore is urging masking indoors and a renewed effort on behalf of everyone to protect public health.

This is an already stressful time of year with exams and assessments around the corner. To help reduce transmission during high density in-person classes, examinations, and other settings on campus, and maximize a good end of term, if you are able to wear a mask, do so. Treat it as a requirement for your own health and that of others. 

Committing now to a community of care approach at York is everyone’s responsibility as we do what we can to protect ourselves and others and, in particular, children and those who are most vulnerable in our society.

Important reminders:

  • Community members are encouraged to self-assess by completing YU Screen and should not come to campus if they are feeling unwell.  
  • We strongly recommend that everyone receives a complete COVID-19 vaccine series, including third or fourth doses and a flu shot.
  • York is making COVID-19 vaccine clinics available on campus — flu vaccines are also available at these clinics as well as at pharmacies.
  • Rapid tests can be obtained on the Keele and Glendon campuses. 

We will continue to monitor public health indicators and follow public health guidance to help our community respond to the challenges of the pandemic and other respiratory illnesses.

As a community we solve problems together.

Please check YU Better Together for more information on how we can work together.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton

President and Vice-Chancellor

For more resources, please see a guide to health and safety conversations.