Latest COVID-19 Recovery updates
Below are the latest updates and news as of Dec. 1, 2021. For further information, please visit the COVID-19 webpage.
MANDATORY VACCINATION
To date, we have received more than 34,000 submissions of proof of vaccination – almost 84% of students and nearly 73% of employees (over 85% of employees when not including NIL Appointments and G.F.T.’s). A team of proof verifiers is reviewing all submissions.
All UM staff and students are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination, even if you are working or studying remotely.
Anyone who has not uploaded proof of vaccination must participate in UM’s rapid testing program and have a negative COVID-19 test result before participating in on-campus activities.
Effective November 15 and for the rest of the Fall Term, UM will be monitoring to ensure that employees and students have either submitted proof of vaccination or are attending the UM’s rapid testing site.
For those who are not fully vaccinated, we encourage you to get your vaccinations as soon as possible. See below for information on where to get vaccinated.
Full vaccine mandate for Winter Term 2022
As part of UM’s continued commitment to keeping our community safe, a full vaccine mandate will take effect in Winter Term. There will be a full return to in-person working and learning for Winter Term, only fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed on campus. Those students and employees who have not uploaded proof of vaccination or received an approved exemption: students will face de-registration from in-person Winter Term courses, employees who are required to be on campus will be placed on unpaid leave.
Limited Exemptions for Mandatory Vaccination
UM will be following the province’s process for considering medical exemptions from mandatory vaccinations. To receive a medical exemption, you will need to receive an approved exemption from the province and submit your approved medical exemption through UM’s secure site. All approved medical exemptions will receive a QR code from the province. Province of Manitoba | Eligibility Criteria
The University has established a process to review requests for religious accommodation in accordance with provincial legislation. These exemptions will be limited to those prescribed by human rights legislation, and the form and details can be accessed on the COVID website. Religious accommodation form must be submitted by November 26, 2021. Anyone with a religious exemption must still participate in UM’s rapid testing program.
Mandatory Vaccination Protocols for Visitors to Campus
Casual Visitors
Casual visitors to campus will be expected to be fully immunized. Participation by these individuals in events, or activities on campus will be restricted at the point of activity in accordance with the previously approved requirement for full immunization as a condition of participation in these activities. All UM’s health and safety protocols for masking and 2m of physical distancing continue to apply.
Vendors/Contractors
Vendors and contractors coming to our campuses who spend more than 15 minutes in a particular location to provide services are required to be fully immunized. Vaccination status of these individuals will not be monitored by UM. The company or organization with which the individual is affiliated (if any) will be advised of its responsibility to ensure vaccination compliance. Direct communication through purchasing services to all vendors has been sent. Units arranging their own services are required inform the vendor/contractor of these vaccination requirements.
Visiting Researchers, Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Associates, and Visiting Students
These individuals are tracked as employees or students and are required to report their vaccination status on the online system or attend to regular rapid testing at the UM locations.
Children and Youth (under 12 years of age)
At this time, children and youth who are ineligible to receive vaccination due to their age will not be restricted from UM campuses. This is in alignment with the province’s approach to children and youth.
UPDATE ON STUDENT MOBILITY
The suspension on student exchange/mobility programs for Fall Term 2021 remains in effect, however the suspension had been lifted for Winter Term 2022 and inbound and outbound international travel for Winter Term 2022 will go forward.
Access to Events, Activities, and Services
All participants in UM events, activities and those accessing UM services in-person must be fully vaccinated. Organizers are responsible for screening the vaccination status of all participants at entry. Note that the presentation of proof of a negative COVID test is not an acceptable alternative to proof of full immunization required to gain entry.
WHERE TO GET VACCINATED
The Manitoba COVID-19 Vaccine Shot Finder is an online service where the public can search for locations that offer the COVID-19 vaccine in their area. There are locations across the city and province, including 28 clinics/pharmacies that offer the COVID-19 vaccine within a 5 km radius of the William Norrie Centre (485 Selkirk Avenue). For more information, visit the website.
University Health Service is currently offering both Moderna and Pfizer to the general public by appointment only by calling 204-474-8411, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. For more information, visit the University Health Service webpage.
For more information about vaccines and UM’s vaccine requirement, please visit our Vaccine Information page.
HVAC TESTING AT UM
The University of Manitoba has engaged environmental testing consultants Pinchin Ltd to test the performance of the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems that serve its facilities. These systems are designed to meet or exceed applicable ASHRAE standards for indoor air quality.
BOOKSTORE ENTRY
As of Oct. 12, proof of vaccination plus a government-issued or UM staff/student ID is required to enter the UM Bookstore. Orders can be placed online or by phone for delivery or pick-up at the Customer Service window. Visit umanitoba.ca/bookstore or call 204-474-8321.
MASK PROTOCOLS CONTINUE
Please note that wearing 3-ply reusable or disposable masks is mandatory for all activities on all UM campuses. Full details of our mask protocols can be found on our Health and Safety protocols page.
SPORT AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
- Recreation Services is operating and all sport and recreation facilities are open to 75 per cent capacity.
- Full proof of COVID-19 vaccination status and government-issued ID is required for entry.
- Participants using the indoor sport and recreation facilities may remove their face mask while actively engaged in physical activity. Movement in between equipment/activities will require masking at all times.
Return to campus
Take time to review the Return-to-campus FAQs, which address common questions about our return to campus. Our COVID website is the best source for UM safety protocols and the current health and safety measures being taken on our campuses. You can also access the information at the Return to campus page on UM Intranet.
WHAT’S OPEN ON CAMPUS?
Check status of campus businesses and services including libraries, recreation facilities and dining spaces
COVID-19 CASES AT UM
From Nov. 11 to Nov. 16, there were 2 reported positive COVID-19 cases on UM campuses. There have been a total of 98 positive COVID-19 cases at UM since the beginning of the 2020 academic year. Please visit the COVID cases section of the COVID website for more information.