The University of Guelph has changed its stance on its mandatory mask mandate and will continue to enforce masking policies past the recently scheduled expiration of May 1.
The announcement comes nearly three weeks after the university announced it would be ‘pausing’ the mask mandate as well as its COVID-19 vaccination policy.
“Based on the increasing number of cases in the province and to help curb the spread of COVID-19, the University of Guelph will keep its mask requirement in place beyond May 1. Masks will continue to be required indoors in all U of G-managed facilities until further notice. We will review our mask requirement regularly, taking into consideration changing public health trends. An update will be provided when our mask requirement changes. As we have seen with transmission peaks and valleys over the past two years, we can expect that the University’s mask requirements will vary over time,” the U of G said in a media release.
Earlier this week, the Wilfrid Laurier University announced the extension of its mandatory face mask policy until at least May 31.
Laurier said it will reassess the situation at the end of May.
The U of G’s COVID-19 vaccination policy and daily screening requirements will still be placed on pause starting May 1.
“We strongly encourage everyone to stay current with their vaccination and booster doses. This not only provides you with the best protection against serious effects of COVID-19 but also prepares you should vaccination be reinstated as a requirement for campus access, including in-person learning,” the media release from the U of G reads.