McMaster to extend mask mandate to the end of May 2022: A letter from the President and Provost

Dear Members of the McMaster Community,

As we committed to the University in our last message, we have continued to monitor the COVID pandemic and seek ongoing advice from McMaster experts and public health officials on the steps McMaster should take to continue to protect the health and safety of our community.

The sixth wave of COVID continues to unfold and the most recent modelling indicates that it will be several weeks before the peak of the wave is seen. As a result, we have decided to extend McMaster’s mask mandate to the end of May 2022. This means that everyone at a McMaster site must wear a mask in all indoor settings including classrooms, libraries, crowded spaces and close workspaces. Mask requirements continue to be in place for our hospital and clinical partners.

Masking is one of the most effective ways of reducing the spread of COVID. This was reinforced this week by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kieran Moore. It is also the easiest and most respectful way that students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus can help to improve the safety of interactions on campus.

Free Level 3 surgical masks continue to be available to anyone on campus and you can find these in the campus store, libraries, or department offices. Clear masks for instructors are also available at the campus store.

The dynamic nature of the pandemic has not eased. The University will continue to stay aligned with the best and most current health advice and we thank everyone for your ongoing support of McMaster’s decisions and approach to health and safety.

Thank you for continuing to wear your masks, for staying home if you are not feeling well, and for the support and care you show each other as we manage through this new phase of the pandemic.

Sincerely,

David Farrar Susan Tighe

President and Vice-Chancellor Provost and Vice-President (Academic)