Laurier extends mask mandate to May 31

Masks will still be mandatory for the foreseeable future on campuses of Wilfrid Laurier University.

The university says due to an increase in COVID-19 in its local communities, it will be extending the mandatory face mask policy until at least May 31.

Laurier says it will reassess the situation at the end of May.

The University of Waterloo previously announced plans to remove the requirement for masks after May 1, but went on to say if public health situation calls for it, they may deem it necessary to bring back masking and vaccination requirements on short notice.

UW provided the following statement to CityNews 570 on Tuesday, “As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the evolution of the virus and the course of disease activity are difficult to predict. We, therefore, continue to monitor a variety of indicators – including campus data, case counts and test positivity rates, local hospitalization and wastewater data, and others – and consulting public health guidance. It may become necessary to bring back requirements for mask-wearing at short notice.”