UW and Laurier lifting mask, vaccination requirements May 1

The University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University will be lifting mask and vaccine requirements on May 1.

Notices, informing students and staff of the change, were posted to the university websites on Tuesday.

UW says the decision is contingent on current public health conditions and directions continuing.

“If the situation changes, it may become necessary to bring back requirements for mask wearing and proof of vaccination on short notice. To ensure we can minimize any disruption to work and learning if this happens, we will maintain a requirement for all members of our community to provide information on their up to date vaccination status. We’ll send you information on what and how to disclose this information before May 1,” the notice read in part.

It's a similar message at Laurier, stating the high vaccination rate in the Laurier community is one of the main reasons they are able to make the change.

“Remaining up-to-date on your vaccination status will ensure your work or study is not disrupted, should vaccinations be required to access any of our campuses or locations in the future and/or the meaning of 'fully vaccinated' changes to include additional doses,” the post explained on WLU's website.