COVID-19 safety on campus reinforced following unsanctioned homecoming party

The importance of adhering to COVID-19 safety rules is being stressed following a large unsanctioned homecoming gathering off-campus on Saturday.

McMaster’s Mandatory Vaccination Policy has been in place since September 7th and requires all students, faculty members and staff to be fully vaccinated to attend campus. People have until October 17th to upload their proof of vaccination and until that time must be tested at the university’s Asymptomatic Testing Centre every 48 to 72 hours or they are not allowed on campus.

In addition, before coming to campus, all community members, including students, must complete MacCheck, which includes a health screen for COVID-19 symptoms. A green check mark indicates that you are clear to come to campus.

“While people may be anxious about the COVID impact of the large gathering on the weekend, McMaster has strong mitigation measures in place including the mandatory vaccination policy and public health measures such as masking and distancing,”  says Dr. Fiona Smaill, professor of infectious diseases and microbiology at McMaster University. “It is this combination that means teaching and work at the university can continue as normal.”

Members of our community are reminded that they may be asked to show their MacCheck clearance and instructors are able to ask to see the check before classes, labs or tutorials. They can also be asked to prove that they are cleared to be on campus at:

• The Student Wellness Centre
• Athletics and Recreation
• Libraries – research assistance and appointments
• Service desks
• Before beginning one-on-one meetings including instructor office hours, TA office hours
• Student advising
• Faculty, School, Department and program offices
• Office reception areas
• Finance, Registrar and Student Aid and Scholarship offices

Anyone who is sick or showing any signs of possible illness is reminded not to come to campus and to be tested right away.

Students are reminded that masks are required in all indoor areas at McMaster and to follow physical distancing rules.

More information on McMaster’s COVID-19 guidance can be found at covid19.mcmaster.ca.