CORNWALL, Ontario – St. Lawrence College’s (SLC) mask and vaccination policies remain in place through to the end of the winter semester.
On March 9, 2022, Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health gave an update on Ontario’s plan to live with, and manage COVID-19.
The update given by Moore shared that Ontario will be removing masking requirements, including in schools, as of March 21, 2022.
“With continued improvements in trends, Ontario will remove the mandatory masking requirements for most settings on March 21, with the exceptions of select settings, such as public transit, health care settings, long term care homes, and high risk congregate settings.” said Moore during the March 9 update in Toronto.
Despite Ontario removing masking requirements, SLC will be taking a gradual approach to easing COVID-19 policies and practices.
“People entering the building will be required to show proof of vaccination and be wearing a mask. Students and employees with approved exemptions will continue their current campus access process,” an announcement on SLC’s website reads.
As of March 21, people entering campus will be required to have assessed themselves for COVID-19 symptoms. Students will no longer be required to display their completed health screening to the security staff.
Additionally, spaces like study rooms, cafeterias, and lounges will start having furniture and layouts returned to prior COVID-19 arrangements. SLC aligns with the provincial directive that physical distancing in public spaces is no longer required.
“Looking ahead, we expect all COVID-19 protocols to be lifted for the beginning of the spring semester, but as always will take direction and act on guidance from local and provincial health authorities,” said Glenn Vollebregt, SLC President and CEO. “We have been working together to navigate the pandemic for over two years now, and we have done well at respecting public health guidelines and protecting the health of our shared community.”
