McMaster continues to strongly encourage our community to wear masks indoors and urges everyone to stay up to date on vaccines for COVID-19 and influenza. 

Ontario’s chief medical officer Dr. Kieran Moore issued a renewed call to the public on November 14th to wear masks to protect the population, particularly young children, from   viral illnesses currently circulating, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. The province has not reissued a mask mandate. 

McMaster has been consistent in promoting the use of masks and continues to consult with our faculty experts for their insights and advice. They are recommending the university continue with its current directions to encourage the community to wear masks, especially in crowded settings. Masks are still required in health care settings and spaces within health care environments. 

The university plans to continue to offer free masks at locations across campus. Masks will be available for Convocation and Fall Preview this week on a limited basis. 

“In addition to masks, one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you is to ensure you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and to get your flu shot,” says Dawn Bowdish, immunologist and professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences. “With current pressures on the health care system, and a number of viruses swirling, it is especially important to get your shots as soon as possible.” 

Information on where to get a flu shot in Hamilton can be found on the city’s website and COVID-19 vaccine locations can be found here. The McMaster University Centre Pharmasave offers flu shots on a limited basis.   

Rapid Antigen Tests will be available on campus in early December. More details to follow. 

In addition to masking and vaccination, the public are being encouraged by the province to practise good hygiene, including washing your hands, and staying home if you are unwell.