University Hall, McMaster University. Photo credit: McMaster University
Students, staff, faculty, and members of the public visiting McMaster University will no longer be required to wear a mask in most settings as of June 1, 2022.
The university announced the policy update Monday, citing “expert advice” and “the changing course of the pandemic in recent weeks”.
Free surgical masks will still be available at several locations across campus and the school “continues to strongly encourage (the) community” to wear masks in situations in which physical distancing is not possible.
“We wish to thank our students, faculty and staff for their ongoing diligence in following health and safety guidelines over the last two years,” said Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Susan Tighe.
“Thanks to your collective effort, and the improving course of the pandemic, we are able to continue our gradual return to a more regular state. We encourage our community to continue to be respectful of one another in our ongoing efforts to keep our campus safe.”
McMaster “paused” its mandatory vaccination policy on May 1, 2022.
The university originally intended to suspend both its vaccination and masking mandates at the beginning of May, but later decided to extend the latter policy.
In keeping with Ontario workplace safety requirements, staff and faculty members will need to continue reporting test-confirmed positive COVID cases through Mosaic.
Students are no longer required to report cases and as of June 1 public reporting of COVID cases on the Back to Mac website will be paused.
According to the university, students, staff, and faculty should be prepared to accommodate a sudden return to mandated masking and/or vaccination if government policy or pandemic conditions change.
“The university will continue monitoring this evolving situation and stay aligned with the best and most current health advice and will inform our community of any changes.”
Visitors and members of the McMaster community are encouraged to remain vigilant, self-monitor, and stay home if feeling unwell.
