Changes to York’s public health restrictions

Clarification: We are closely following the information about Ontario’s sixth wave and remind all community members that the University’s mask protocol and Vaccination Mandate policy will remain in place until the end of April 2022. Masks are required in all indoor spaces. Until April 30, all community members must complete daily symptom screening with YU Screen before attending campus. Please also be prepared to show your YU Screen clearance upon request while on campus and do not come to campus if you are feeling unwell. 

Further to the recent COVID-19 update, we want to inform you of upcoming changes to the public health restrictions in place on York University’s campuses. 

In line with easing public health restrictions in Toronto and across the province, York will pause its COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate, masking protocol and daily health screening, effective May 1, 2022 (For Osgoode Juris Doctor and Graduate Program Research students, this pause will be effective May 4, 2022 to accommodate Osgoode’s exam period).

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 also paused effective May 1 (For Osgoode JD and Graduate Research students, this date is May 4). Students should continue to monitor their health and not come to campus if they are feeling unwell. You should continue to use YU Screen to self-assess and 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. Please keep your vaccination status up to date on YU Screen. 

In partnership with GO-VAXX, we are pleased to host a mobile vaccination clinic on the Keele Campus, on March 31. A Glendon Campus GO-VAXX mobile clinic will be announced shortly. 

Students who have yet to comply with the University’s Vaccination Mandate and who were not able to register for in-person classes will be able to do so effective April 5. 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. 

Masks
All community members should respect those who choose to continue wearing a mask. Masks will remain available for purchase through the Bookstore and mask vending machines on the Glendon and Keele Campuses. 

Travel to Canada
The Government of Canada currently requires foreign nationals travelling to Canada to be fully vaccinated with a COVID vaccine approved for travel. 

York International holds Travel to Canada webinars weekly for those with questions about eligibility, quarantine, arrival testing and more.

Looking Forward
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 York community, we have created a community of care which permits us to move forward in this manner.

Please continue to check Better Together for the most current information and ongoing updates. 

Sincerely, 

Lucy Fromowitz
Vice-Provost, Students