Latest COVID-19 Recovery updates

Below are the latest updates and news as of April 14, 2021. For further information, please visit the COVID-19 webpage.

COVID-19 CASES AT UM

For the week of April 7 – 13, there was one reported positive COVID-19 case on UM campuses. There have been a total of 69 positive COVID-19 cases at UM since the beginning of the academic year. Please visit the COVID cases section of the COVID website for more information.

FALL TERM 2021

In light of current public health advice and expectations on the vaccine rollout, UM is planning to resume more in-person instruction this fall. The health and safety of our community remains our first priority, and we believe that a phased transition is prudent. As such, we have set the following limits on in person instruction:

• Classes with a maximum registration of 20 students can proceed with in-person instruction, as our spaces permit.
• Lab classes will be limited to no more than 25, or to the COVID room-capacity limit, whichever is smaller.
• Large classes will continue with remote delivery.

Read President Benarroch’s full update on Fall Term. More information can also be found on the students page of the COVID website.

USE OF 3-PLY MASKS REQUIRED IN ALL INDOOR SPACES

A reminder that for the continued safety of our UM community, it is essential that everyone on campus wears a 3-ply reusable or disposable mask at all times, even when physical distancing is possible. Health and safety is our overarching priority, and we all need to do our part to ensure that our colleagues, students and the wider community stay healthy.

When properly used, face masks covering the nose and mouth help to limit the dispersion of coughs/sneezes; reduce the frequency of face touching; and have been shown to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in combination with social distancing and good hand hygiene.

In accordance with Canada’s Chief Medical Officer of Health’s recent recommendation, all individuals (students, employees, contractors and visitors) in all UM indoor spaces are required to wear 3-ply reusable or disposable masks. Rady Faculty of Health Sciences (including Helen Glass Building at the Fort Garry Campus) will continue to require the donning of 3-ply medical grade masks for some of their activities. The only exceptions are for short periods when eating or drinking or if you are alone in an office with a closed door. For more information, please visit the Safety measures and information section of the COVID website and scroll down to Mask Guidelines and Tips.

WHAT’S OPEN ON CAMPUS?

UMSU Student Service Centre and G.P.A.’s campus convenience store have reopened. Hours are weekdays 10 a.m. -4 p.m.

School of Art Gallery is now open by appointment. See details on protocol and how to book a visit.

Food services: Take-out options are available at most dining services on our campuses, though they remain closed for in-person dining. Tim Horton’s Bannatyne has reopened. Hours of operation are weekdays between 8am and 1pm. Most Bannatyne campus food services are closed. See more on dining and take-out at both campuses.

Libraries: Dafoe Library and the Health Sciences Library (Bannatyne) are open to students for individual study spaces on weekdays. See more details on study spaces in both libraries. UM Libraries also offers virtual help online, with many resources available for students and instructors. Reserve an appointment with one of our librarians.

Bookstores: The Fort Garry Bookstore is open for in-person shopping selling all goods, as well as online shopping. Hours are weekdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. At this time, FG Bookstore is not open Saturdays for online order pickups. Bannatyne Book Store is open for online shopping only.

Check status of other campus businesses and services.

RECYCLE YOUR PPE WASTE: BINS NOW AVAILABLE

UM has installed recycling bins to collect personal protective equipment (PPE) waste at both Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. These bins are exclusively for disposable masks and other PPE shown on the bin signage, and are not intended to collect reusable masks. See more, including bin locations.

CLAIMING REMOTE WORK EXPENSES FOR 2020

Individualized T2200S forms were distributed to all employees on Feb. 26. To claim remote work expenses for 2020, employees have the option of using either the Temporary Flat Rate Method introduced by the CRA or the Detailed Method requiring the form. Receipt of this form does not constitute eligibility. See details here.

STAY SAFE ON CAMPUS

While limited, approved on-site academic and research activities continue, UM takes a proactive approach to student and staff safety and security on our campuses. Find out more about current UM safety measures and what you can do to help keep yourself and our community safe.

WELLNESS RESOURCES FOR A STRONG, HEALTHY COMMUNITY

As the pandemic lingers on, it’s important to take care of ourselves and each other. Avail yourself of the many wellness supports for faculty and staff. Many UM programs and services can be accessed online, and can provide both individual and unit support. Working together to create our best 2021, let’s make wellness a priority!

COMMUNITY EDI SUPPORTS DURING COVID-19

The pandemic has intensified inequities impacting Indigenous, Black and racialized communities as well as people with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ and student communities. A new handbook for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) during COVID-19 has been created to connect people to university and community supports.

STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SYMPTOMATIC OR NOT FEELING WELL

The health and safety of our UM community is our top priority. Together, we can help slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout our campuses. If you are not feeling well, or are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and do not come to campus: 

• It is essential that employees and students self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and/or exposures before attending to any on-campus activities. 
• Self-Assess each day before coming to campus.
• If the self-assessment checklist advises you not to enter; stay home, isolate and refer to the:
  • Online COVID-19 Screening Tool, or
  • Call Health Links – Info Santé at 204-788-8200
  • Toll free at 1-888-315-9257 for further guidance