August 24, 2021 – “Ontario’s universities welcome the recommendations received today from the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health (COMOH). COMOH’s recommendations will further enhance the strong vaccination policies already in place at university campuses across Ontario. These recommendations will provide another vital tool in our efforts to support a safe return to campus for our university communities this fall.

Recognizing that vaccination against COVID-19 remains the single most effective public health measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19, universities share COMOH and the provincial government’s goal to increase vaccination rates in Ontario.

As we rapidly approach the start of the fall term, Ontario’s universities will continue to support the efforts of the provincial government and public health to achieve a high vaccine uptake, including the opening of vaccine clinics in addition to implementing public health requirements on university campuses.

Ontario’s universities are also working with the province to help ensure the availability of important safety measures, such as ongoing wastewater testing, PCR testing facilities, PPE for use on campuses and the implementation of a passport system in order to help validate vaccination.

The recommendations outlined in today’s letter from COMOH, in combination with university efforts already well underway, will help ensure the health and safety of our students, staff, faculty, contractors, visitors, as well as the communities we serve.”

Steve Orsini
President and CEO
Council of Ontario Universities