Memorial University

The message below is being shared on behalf of Dr. Florentine Strzelczyk, provost and vice-president (academic), and Kent Decker, vice-president (administration and finance):

As the province begins to loosen COVID-19 regulations, Memorial is also making changes to COVID-19 protocols.

A detailed outlining updates to COVID-19 guidance for the university as of Feb. 28 and March 14 respectively. This table provides guidance on masks, vaccines, teaching and learning, research, events, operations and more. The changes outlined are dependent on the province moving to the next stages as Public Health has proposed and subject to change based on university requirements, epidemiology, etc.

Memorial is following a gradual easing of restrictions with a focus on balance to ensure the remaining weeks of the winter semester remain as healthy, safe and successful as possible with a focus and commitment to support teaching and learning continuity. Some highlights from the table include:

• Memorial is maintaining the mask requirement until at least the end of the term. An exception to this is after March 14 in shared office spaces (cubicles) where masks will not be required while seated. Removal of masks will also be allowed in classrooms, common spaces and meetings if actively eating or drinking. Any future changes to masking requirements will be communicated.
• In accordance with the public sector mandatory vaccine policy, Memorial’s Procedure for Vaccine Requirement remains in place for staff, faculty and students. This will be reassessed for the university if there are changes to the public sector policy. 
• Events are central to the university experience and the table details loosening of restrictions related to capacity and other requirements to support student engagement. 
• Memorial continues to encourage individuals to get their COVID-19 booster shot and avail of the on-campus rapid testing. 
• Remain at home if sick. 

Guidance for final examination COVID-19 protocols will be communicated in the coming weeks.

We remain optimistic that in the coming months we will resume university operations to a level more resembling the pre-pandemic experience. In the interim, the pandemic has taught us to expect change and we are prepared to adapt these plans if required. As we learn to live with COVID in our communities, Memorial will continue to monitor and respond as required.