Message from the President – Masking Update – May 30

Posted on Monday, May 30th, 2022

Dear Colleagues and Learners,

After careful consideration of the data from local public health officials, including steadily decreasing wastewater metrics, Algonquin College will suspend its mandatory masking policy for the majority of the College and academic programming, effective June 1.

Masking will continue to be required for any program where a regulatory body requires a masking mandate, such as massage therapy. Please check with your program coordinator to be sure.

Additionally, masking will remain mandatory for all those attending our convocation ceremonies in-person, in June.

Although no longer mandated, we will continue to recommend masking for learners and employees attending Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth campuses, especially in situations where physical distancing may be challenging, as it is an effective method of reducing transmission. For the health and safety of all of our employees and learners, precautions including handwashing, hand sanitizing and cough and sneeze etiquette also continue to be encouraged.

It is understandable that there will be different levels of comfort in returning to a non-masked environment among our college community. We ask that everyone respect our colleagues’ and classmates’ individual choice.

Given the unpredictability of the pandemic, and as we continue to monitor ongoing direction from public health officials, the College could reverse this decision in future. We also strongly urge all members of our community to receive COVID-19 vaccines when they are eligible, and as advised by public health officials. You can find details on how to obtain vaccines HERE.

Please also note that some of our on-campus signage regarding masking, including floor stickers, will be removed over the coming weeks. This will take some time to complete.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to keeping our College community safe.

Sincerely,

Claude Brulé
President and CEO


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