Conestoga College to pause vaccine, mask mandates on July 1
Conestoga College announced on Thursday the institution would be placing a pause on all vaccination and masking requirements starting on Friday, July 1.
Referencing the increasing provincial relaxation of masking and vaccination requirements in public settings, the college said the decision is attributed “to a number of positive indicators, including reduced case counts, test positivity rates, and hospitalizations related to COVID-19.”
“Conestoga continues to believe that vaccines and masking are important safeguards in our efforts to protect the health and safety of our college community,” reads a statement attributed to John Tibbits, president and chief executive officer of Conestoga College, in part. “However, the landscape has changed somewhat as government and public health policy directions have evolved away from mandatory compliance with such measures.”
While no longer required, the college said it will continue to strongly encourage the wearing of masks in large crowds where physical distancing is not possible. It will also continue to make masks available for free.
The college is still encouraging individuals to get their COVID-19 vaccine if they are eligible, despite the requirement for proof of vaccine no longer required.
Vaccine clinics will continue to operate on-campus.
“The pause in Conestoga’s vaccination and masking requirements relates only to accessing our own campus buildings and facilities,” reads part of the statement. “Students in some of our programs may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to participate in work-integrated learning activities such as placements or co-op work terms based on the policies and guidelines in place at their work sites.”
The announcement comes less than two weeks after two universities in Waterloo region announced the end of masking mandates.
The University of Guelph will be pausing its mask mandate at the start of July.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.