Changes to COVID-19 protocols

Consistent with the recent easing of COVID-19 measures by Quebec public health officials, Concordia is adapting some of its health and safety protocols, including guidance on self-isolation for those who have been exposed to the virus, and new rules that govern the organization of on-campus events.

Masks remain mandatory on campus

One key measure that remains unchanged is the requirement to wear a procedure mask when entering university buildings and using shared indoor spaces, including classrooms, libraries, hallways, elevators, lobbies, reception areas, kitchens and washrooms. Details are available on Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) mask webpage or through the Return-to-Campus Roadmap.

Exercise facilities and sporting events

Like other exercise facilities in Quebec, Le Gym recently reopened. On Monday, February 21, the PERFORM Centre Gym will also reopen to the community. In both facilities, COVID-19 measures remain in place, including capacity limits, vaccination passport requirements and masking.

Varsity sports are also resuming, with certain matches gradually being allowed spectators. Proof of vaccination remains a requirement of attending a Stingers game in person. More details on vaccination passports follow below.

Other events resuming in phases

Beginning on March 6, Concordia members can resume organizing and hosting on-campus events, including conferences, exhibitions, performances and other non-academic gatherings. Furthermore, external participants will be allowed to attend.

Until March 31 inclusively, capacity limits remain in place. Food and alcohol may be served but only consumed while participants are seated at a minimum of one meter from others. Participants must remain masked unless eating or drinking.

As of April 1, external community members will be able to book Concordia spaces for events. That is also the date when capacity limits will be lifted, unless the event involves considerable movement. For details, please visit Hospitality’s Events webpage.

Vaccine passport requirements

As you may be aware, the Quebec government has begun easing its vaccine passport requirements and expects to be able to lift them completely as of March 14. Until that time, vaccine passports are required for the following areas or events on Concordia’s campuses:

• Seated dining spaces, including bars, fast food locations and residence cafeterias; 
• Sports, recreational activities and related events;
• Outdoor events and gatherings of more than 50 people;
• Social events like “frosh” activities, student clubs, department or unit social gatherings, or others activities where attendance is not required for work or credit; and
• Cinemas, performing arts venues and the chapel (unless used for activities where no vaccination passport is required)

As has been the case since the onset of the pandemic, Concordia will continue to monitor the evolution of Montreal’s health situation and will adapt quickly to any changes in public health directives.

New guidelines on isolation periods

Quebec recently announced adjustments to isolation periods for those who have been exposed to the virus. As per guidelines announced February 11, anyone age 12 and over who is considered a high-risk contact to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 can end their isolation after five days if they have not developed symptoms themselves.

Also, those who contracted the virus since December 20, 2021 no longer need to isolate if they do not have a fever, even if they experience new symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, or loss of smell, or learn of contact with a positive case. Because of changes in the health situation in Quebec, public health authorities now say it is unlikely that those without fever have been reinfected within a 90-day period.

Those who do have a fever, however, do need to self-isolate. They can resume their regular activities once they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours. Learn more on the EHS Coronavirus Safety Program page.

Self-declaring cases at Concordia

Concordia is maintaining the use of the online form it has deployed to allow members of the community to signal that they are symptomatic or COVID-positive. For your information, the name of the tool will soon be adjusted from “Self-Isolation Form” to “Declaration Form.”

Concordia urges all its community members to make use of this form when appropriate, as it helps the university assess the health situation of its community and facilitates requests for accommodation.

The university also continues to strongly encourage any community member not yet adequately protected to get vaccinated as soon as possible, including getting the booster dose.

Questions? Contact us

The public health situation continues to evolve, and we thank you for your continued understanding as we adapt our plans accordingly. We will keep you updated.

For any questions related to COVID-19, please consult the FAQs available on our Coronavirus website, or send an email to covid19info@concordia.ca.

Faculty and staff can also contact EHS via an email to EHS@concordia.ca for any questions or concerns regarding health and safety.

Finally, we thank all members for their continued respect of health and safety rules and for their support of one another. We recognize that this is a challenging time for students, faculty and staff, and we urge all of you to care for yourselves, and look out for your colleagues and peers.