Latest COVID-19 Recovery updates

Below are the latest updates and news as of Sept. 15, 2021. For further information, please visit the COVID-19 webpage.

Proof of vaccination process rolls out

UM is asking all employees and students to immediately upload proof of full vaccination to our secure website. Employees and students are required to upload their proof of vaccination whether they intend to be working or learning on or off campus during the term.

Individuals have until Nov. 14 to upload proof of full immunization. All individuals who do not submit such proof will be considered unvaccinated.

Please read more details here. You can also visit our COVID-19 vaccine information page.

VACCINE FAQS UPDATED

If you have questions about UM’s vaccine requirement – including testing or privacy – or questions about vaccines in general, please visit our Vaccine Information page. The page has been updated recently to include information about proof of vaccinations, and much more.

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.

SPORT AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

Effective Friday, September 3, in accordance with public health restrictions, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status and government-issued identification is required at entry to University of Manitoba sport and recreational facilities for:

• All users of UM’s gyms/fitness/workout facilities, aged 12 years and older
• All participants in recreational/sport programs aged 18 and older (verification of age may be requested)
• All guardians/spectators accompanying recreational/sport program participants 17 years and younger
• All spectators over the age of 12 who are attending Bisons home games
• Children 11 years and younger must be accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult.

At this time only those who can provide proof of approved COVID-19 vaccination status will be admitted.

Please be reminded that 3-ply masks are required indoors at all times, as well as outdoor when physical distance cannot be maintained.

President’s message on required vaccines

On Aug. 19, President Benarroch announced that vaccines will be required for everyone on campus starting in late fall of 2021. This vaccine protocol is in place for the balance of the 2021-22 academic year, with more details to come.

UM COVID PROTOCOLS REMAIN IN PLACE 

On August 3, the province announced changes to the public health orders that focus on public health recommendations and guidance, rather than restrictions, as the province prepares for a shift from pandemic to endemic COVID-19. On Aug. 7, many provincial restrictions were lifted, and orders only restrict the most high-risk transmission environments. This included lifting most vaccination and masking requirements, as well as lifting the recommendation to maintain remote work where possible.

The health and safety of our campus community is our top priority, and University of Manitoba remains committed to our plans for a phased, measured return to in-person activity.

UM community members should continue to follow UM’s current masking and social distancing protocols when on campus. As a reminder, the wearing of 3-ply reusable or disposable masks is mandatory for all activities on all UM campuses. This applies when indoors at all times on UM campuses even when physical distancing is possible. A 3-ply mask is also required when outdoors on UM campuses or while participating in UM-sanctioned activities off-campus at any time when two metres distancing is not possible.

The UM COVID Recovery Steering Committee continues to meet throughout the summer and will review existing protocols in light of the most recent public health order. Any changes to existing protocols will be communicated to the UM community.

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 Sept. 9 – 15, there were zero reported positive COVID-19 case on UM campuses. There have been a total of 91 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.

IN-PERSON MEETINGS

In-person meetings on our campuses are permitted in our indoor and outdoor spaces in adherence with provincial restrictions and UM health and safety protocols including:

• 2 metres distancing while indoors.
• 3-ply masking while indoors at all times and outdoors when distancing cannot be maintained.
• Maximum number of participants aligns with indoor COVID 2 metres spacing and provincial health indoor and outdoor gathering size limits.

OUTDOOR GATHERINGS

For outdoor gatherings on UM campuses, the university is following public health orders, which can be found here. As a reminder, when outdoors on UM campuses or while participating in UM-sanctioned activities off campus, 3-ply masking is mandatory when physical distancing is not possible, and recommended at all other times.

Continue to THRIVE this fall

Check out these fall sessions to help support our staff and leaders in making the adjustment back to campus life. Each month, THRIVE will host a session in one of three streams: Individual, Operational and Leading. Employees are welcome to join sessions in any of the streams, based on their personal interests and learning goals.