Universities in Ottawa won't mandate masks on campus

Universities in Ottawa won't mandate masks, which some other universities have done in the province, choosing instead to strongly recommend their use indoors and urging students and staff to follow the guidelines from Ottawa Public Health (OPH).

Last week,the University of Waterloo announced itwould reinstatemasking requirements for staff and students until the end of the term.

On Monday, Ontario's chief medical officer of health choseto strongly recommendOntarianswear masks yet again in public settings.

Universities in Ottawa have chosen to follow the government and local public health unit.

"Until such time as [the city puts] a mandate in place, or Ontario puts a mandate in place, we're not going to put one in place ourselves because we feel that being in step with what the city is doing issensible,"said Stephen Stuart, the vice-rector of administration at Saint Paul University.

Stuart said the school has strivedtofollow OPH guidelines.

"We're trying to do what we can to be responsible."

Keeping tabs onCHEO

He said the school is following everything closely, and keeping tabs on the situation atCHEO eastern Ontario's children's hospital in Ottawa and statementsfrom Ottawa's medical officer of health.

"Alot of our students have young children and a lot of our employees have young children," said Stuart, adding that students and staff on campus have continued to wear masks.

"I think the lessons of the last two years have served us well. And so people recognize thatthey're not only protecting themselves, but they're protecting [the] community bymasking."

'Continue to adjust as required'

Carleton University is also "strongly recommending" the use of masks in indoor settings on campusand staying home if people feelunwell.

A statement from the universitysaidthey "will continue to adjust as required to ensure everyone's health and safety and to comply with public health advice, recommendations and legal requirements."

Much like Carleton, the University of Ottawa is encouraging students to stay home if they have any COVID-19 symptoms.

The school saidin an email that it will continue tomonitor government and public health directives, as well as expert advice on masking.

"We also encourage those who experience symptoms to do the Ontario self-assessment, and to get advice on what to do if you have symptoms," the university said in a statement.