University of Waterloo information on COVID-19

Last updated: January 21, 2022

Latest updates

• January 21: In-person experiences resuming on February 7
  • Most in-person instruction will resume on February 7 including labs, seminars, lectures and tutorials
  • We will continue to deliver some large lectures online until February 28
  • Dining and athletics will reopen at 50% capacity on January 31
  • Read the memo to the UWaterloo Community
• January 17: Confirming our return to in-person learning and work in February
  • In-person experiences will start to return in February based on advice from public health officials.
  • The earliest we will return to in-person experiences is Monday, February 7. We commit to giving you notice of our intention to resume in-person activities at least 14 days in advance. 
  • Students not currently in Waterloo region, be sure to make your plans for an arrival by the start of in-person activities. To get back to in-person experiences as soon as possible, we need everyone to do their part.
  • Read the memo to the UWaterloo Community
• January 6: Updates to research activities and international travel
  • Effective today, all in-person human-participant research with vulnerable populations is paused at least until January 27, 2022.
  • We strongly discourage all domestic travel.
  • Travel outside of Canada is not permitted. We will continue to follow the government of Canada travel advice, which could be extended beyond January 12.
  • Read the memo to employees and graduate students
• January 4: Updates to health and safety information
  • Read the updated Health and Safety Guide
  • Read our updated face covering requirements

Do your part

• Get a booster dose as soon as possible, and make sure eligible children are vaccinated as soon as possible. Many more appointments are available now than previously.
  • If you need to book a booster dose you can do so with Health Services and there are many online resources to help you find available shots, such as the Region of Waterloo, Vaccine Ontario or Vaccine Hunters. 

  • If you are an international student and you have questions about vaccinations, you can contact ise@uwaterloo.ca.  

• Wear a mask that fits well, has multiple layers, and has an effective filter layer. Wherever you go, please always follow the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) recommendations on masks. 
• Limit your contact with other people and stay home if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. You can take this self-assessment if you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms.  

Help is available

Students: We understand that many of our students have family members in areas affected by COVID-19. If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody, please contact the University’s Campus Wellness services, either Health or Counselling Services.

Employees: Our Employee and Family Assistance Program is available 24/7 for counselling, coaching and support. Call 1-800-663-1142 or visit Homeweb.ca.

If you are in crisis, feeling unsafe, or worried you might hurt yourself or others: 

• call 911 if you are experiencing a life-threatening issue
• Counselling Services – 519-888-4567 ext. 42655.
• Grand River Hospital  – 519-749-4300
• St. Mary's Hospital  – 519-744-3311
• Empower Me, Mental Health Resources   – 1-833-628-5589 
  • Counseling available via phone, video, and in person
  • Available 24/7, 365 days in 22 countries worldwide
• Non-emergency Waterloo Regional Police Services  – 519-653-770

Quick links

Questions?

If you have questions about Waterloo's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please email coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca.