Key Guidance:
The McMaster Vaccination Policy continues to be paused. All new hires to the University will still be required to be fully vaccinated. Vaccination requirements for students, visitors, volunteers and contractors will be paused.
Individuals can significantly reduce their risks associated with COVID-19 by getting booster vaccination doses. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to keep up to date with their COVID vaccinations. MacCheck now offers the ability to upload proof of vaccination documentation for your full series of COVID-19 vaccines as well as any additional booster doses you have received.
McMaster host hospitals and health partners will continue to have their own COVID policies and protocols and these need to be followed by faculty, staff and learners who attend these locations.
McMaster’s masking mandate is paused, but masking is strongly encouraged especially in indoor settings especially in classrooms, libraries, crowded spaces or close workspaces. Masks will continue to be provided by the University at no cost to individuals who wish to wear one.
Masks are still required in some settings suck as hospitals.
Physical distancing is no longer mandatory in university settings. As a best practice to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, consider physical distancing where possible and/or attempt to give others space.
Basic hand hygiene practices are important in protecting our overall health. Continue to follow good handwashing practices, washing your hands often with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content when water is not available.
It’s especially important to wash your hands:
- Before eating or preparing food.
- Before touching your face.
- After using the restroom.
- After leaving a public place.
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- After handling your mask.
Continue to keep high touch point areas clean. Wipe down surfaces frequently including light switches, keyboards, mouse, phone, desk, etc.
If you are feeling unwell, stay home. While daily MacCheck is not required, community members must use the provincial self-assessment screening tool if you or someone you live with has symptoms or tests positive for COVID.
Active screening may still be required in specific FHS locations. MacCheck will continue to be available for those who are required to use it as part of their screening processes.
McMaster staff and faculty members are required to report positive COVID-19 cases, as confirmed through a Rapid Antigen or PCR test, through the Mosaic COVID-19 reporting tool. Students are no longer required to report cases. Learners in health profession programs should check with their program offices for instructions on reporting to placement locations.
Public reporting of COVID-19 cases on the Back to Mac website will be paused.
Step-by-step guides for reporting of positive COVID-19 cases:
Chairs and Employment Supervisors
Faculty and Staff
Continue to stay informed and up to date by visiting the Back to Mac and Daily News websites for updates and communications.
If you have questions or concerns regarding health and safety as it relates to COVID-19 or other hazards, please discuss with your supervisor. For further questions please contact Environmental and Occupational Health Support Services (EOHSS) eohss@mcmaster.ca or the Faculty of Health Sciences Safety Office at fhsso@mcmaster.ca. Remember your Joint Health and Safety Committee can also be a great source of information.
COVID-19 training is no longer required through Mosaic.
COVID-19 training content remains available and all members of the McMaster community are asked to review this training for the most relevant health & safety information. This information can be found below.