Latest COVID-19 Recovery updates
Below are the latest updates and news as of January 20, 2021. For further information, please visit the COVID-19 webpage.
COVID-19 CASES AT UM
For the time period of Jan. 6 – Jan. 19, there were no reported positive COVID-19 cases on UM campuses. There have been a total of 61 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.
COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION
On Dec. 16, 2020, the Province of Manitoba started its immunization campaign to protect Manitobans from the pandemic. Currently, there are limited supplies of the vaccine with the first priority group eligible to be immunized identified. To provide up-to-date information to the UM community, we have created a new COVID-19 Vaccine Information section on our COVID site.
USE OF MASKS
The wearing of masks is mandatory on all UM campuses.
Effective Nov. 9, 2020, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences staff, faculty and students are required to wear a 3-ply non-medical or medical grade mask (depending on the activity). Masks are provided at entry to Rady Faculty buildings (Bannatyne and Helen Glass).
Effective Nov. 10, 3-ply disposable masks are mandatory on all other UM campuses for all academic and research activities.
- Individuals should wear cloth masks while arriving to their academic or research activity and replace their cloth mask with a 3-ply disposable mask thereafter.
- Masks will be distributed by faculties/instructors or supervisors.
- Supervisors will communicate directly with employees regarding the need for 3-ply masks to be worn during work and will provide these masks if required. This may include employees who are moving across the campus(es).
MASK TIPS
Be considerate about your mask use. Though masks are not required outdoors, do wear a mask if walking with someone or if you expect to be in close proximity to someone, such as walking to meet someone outdoors. You are not required to wear a mask while working alone in an enclosed office space, but you should close your door to avoid incidental contact with someone.
WINTER TERM 2021 AND SUMMER TERM 2021
Winter Term 2021 and Summer Term 2021 will be delivered primarily remotely, with the exception of a very small number of courses that require in-person delivery. Read President Michael Benarroch’s update.
A CLEAN, SECURE CAMPUS
A shout-out to our physical plant and caretaking management and staff! COVID-19 also required a major pivot by those teams, which they’ve accomplished with aplomb. Safety and cleaning protocols have been designed to provide a safe environment for the University community, while being responsive to the evolving situation and changing provincial regulations and public health protocols. Find out more about safety and sanitization protocols.
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
WHAT’S OPEN ON CAMPUS?
Check to see the current status of campus businesses and services, as of Jan. 20
BOOKSTORES REOPEN FOR LIMITED IN-PERSON SHOPPING, LIBRARIES ARE OPEN FOR ONLINE HELP
As of Monday, Jan. 11, the Fort Garry Bookstore has reopened for limited in-person shopping. Online shopping continues to be available for both Bannatyne and Fort Garry Bookstores, with additional Saturday pick-up hours on Jan. 16 and 23. Please note that orders for pick-up may be delayed depending on volume.
UM Libraries are open for virtual help online, with many resources available for students and instructors. Reserve an appointment with one of our librarians.
PARKING PERMIT FEES REDUCED
Parking fees have been reduced to $10 per month for staff and student parking permit holders. Casual parking rates also reduced. Effective from Jan. 1 until Apr. 30, 2021.
COVID ALERT APP
Canada’s COVID Alert App is a free exposure notification app designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 and prevent future outbreaks. UM is recommending that students, faculty and staff subscribe to the app. This app will provide individuals with important COVID-19 related information, will notify individuals if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive and provide advice to the individual.
UM SAFE APP
The new UM Safe app is an essential safety tool that provides instant access to campus safety resources, and also features direct access to UM COVID Recovery resources and important updates for students and faculty/researchers and staff, as well as a link to the federal COVID-Alert app.