COVID-19 vaccination and masking requirements for post-secondary institutions in Sudbury have changed in recent months with most restrictions being eased.
Last fall, as the number of COVID cases was on the rise, all post-secondary institutions in Sudbury had masking and vaccine mandates in place. Things have changed since then.
As Cambrian College prepares for the fall semester, it said vaccines and masking are now a matter of personal choice.
“For the fall semester starting in September, proof of vaccination and the wearing of a mask are not required to access campus or to live in Student Residence,” said Cambrian communications manager Dan Lessard.
"They are a matter of personal choice. We will continue to encourage students and staff to follow infection control best practices, such as frequent handwashing/hand sanitizing, and staying home if they are sick. If someone chooses to wear a mask and practice physical distancing, we ask that everyone respect each other’s choices," Lessard added.
It appears a similar approach is in place at Collège Boréal which had a notice on its website stating that as of May 30, masking is no longer a requirement there.
Collège communications spokesperson Marc Despatie said Boréal currently has no requirements in place for vaccinations either.
At Laurentian University, the inquiry from Sudbury.com was directed to the university’s COVID-19 webpage.
The page explained that as of August 10, the vaccination policy at LU is on hold, or paused, for the time being.
"Laurentian’s Policy on COVID-19 vaccination remains paused and we do not intend to reinstate the policy for the Fall term unless directives from public health authorities change," said the university's webpage.
"Moreover, Laurentian’s Policy on Face Coverings also remains paused at this time; however, the university is currently consulting with public health, labour partners, student leaders, and other post-secondary institutions and we intend to advise the Laurentian community of any change to the face covering policy no later than August 26th."
The webpage said it was important however to practise caution.
“In the meantime, staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccination and choosing to wear a mask on campus when you are not able to maintain a 2m distance remain important.”
At NOSM University (Northern Ontario School of Medicine), things are also on pause, but people are still encouraged to get a vaccine and booster, said the NOSM website.
Of all the learning places in Sudbury, NOSM has the most complex set of rules with respect to vaccines and masking.
"In accordance with the advice of the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health, effective May 1, 2022, NOSM University has paused its COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Staff, Faculty, Volunteers and Visitors and no longer requires proof of vaccination to enter NOSM U buildings. All employees are encouraged to receive their booster vaccine(s) before coming to campus to help protect themselves and those around them," said the website.
For learners, the actual medical students at NOSM, there is a different set of rules that requires medical students to comply with their workplace.
"As Learners who engage in clinical placements through NOSM University are required to follow the COVID-19 vaccination policies of their clinical location, the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Learners in Clinical Settings remains in effect," said NOSM.
The six-page policy document said medical students must follow the requirements set out by the various hospitals and clinics where the students may be in training.
For masking and face coverings, NOSM's website said the policy is still in place. Masking is still required.
"To further support the health, safety, and well-being of those on campus, NOSM University’s Masks or Face Coverings Policy remains in effect until further notice. As such, all individuals permitted to enter or remain in the indoor spaces of NOSM U, continue to be required to wear a mask or face covering in a manner that covers the mouth, nose, and chin without gaping."
For new information, the university maintains a webpage where updates are provided.
Len Gillis covers health care and mining for Sudbury.com.
