University of Ottawa announces vaccine mandate as classes return to campus

Following more than a year of online schooling, universities and colleges across Canada are gearing up for a return to in-person classes this September.

While some, such as the University of British Columbia, have elected not to enforce vaccinations, others have decided it is in the best interest of students and staff to do so. The University of Ottawa falls into the latter category, announcing on Tuesday that a vaccine mandate would be put in place for everyone returning to campus.

According to a statement, uOttawa "will now require COVID-19 vaccination for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors who intend to access the uOttawa campus." They state that the aforementioned groups must receive their first dose by September 7th, and second dose by October 15th.

Additionally, uOttawa says everyone "will be required to attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status prior to their return by using the COVID-19 Assessment tool as of September 1st." As per the Ontario Human Rights Code, anyone who cannot be vaccinated for medical or other reasons can request accommodation.

"Those who remain unvaccinated and who must access campus," uOttawa adds, "will have to follow additional strict health protocols such as: frequent testing, wearing masks and other PPE, if necessary, as well as other possible measures."

As the Delta variant continues to spread, more and more vaccine mandates have been implemented around the world.