The following message was distributed to all Conestoga employees on July 26, 2022, on behalf of Human Resources and the Executive Pandemic Planning Committee.
Effective July 1, 2022, Conestoga paused the requirement for employees, students and visitors to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter campus buildings or facilities. This decision is in alignment with current government and public health policy directions, and consistent with the practices now in place across most provincial institutions and businesses.
Despite this pause on providing proof upon entry, Conestoga continues to require that all employees, including those returning from leave, have either a valid proof of full vaccination or an approved exemption on file with the college. This measure helps protect the safety and well-being of our workforce as well as our students and clients, and reduces the potential for disruption in our delivery of programming and services.
The pandemic is not over. Recent surges of cases in the last few weeks have resulted in increased hospitalizations and additional pressures on our health-care system, with analysts predicting continued waves into the fall and beyond.
In addition to filing proof of full vaccination, we strongly encourage all members of the college community to keep their vaccinations up-to-date and get their booster shots. All adults in Ontario are now eligible to receive a second booster shot to provide an additional layer of protection. In addition, please consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in crowded places or public gatherings.
We will continue to monitor conditions and consult with public health advisors as the pandemic evolves. We will share updates directly with the college community and provide information and resources through the COVID-19 information hub on the Conestoga website.
Thank you for your continued efforts to keep our community safe.