On Sep. 1, the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Association (OCUFA) responded to the Postsecondary Education Health Measures Framework for Fall 2021.

This framework will exempt a majority of postsecondary education institutions, including Ontario universities, from capacity limits and distancing measures that have been implemented as public health guidelines across the province.

According to a press release by OCUFA, these exemptions run against “scientific consensus” and will likely increase risks for students, faculty, and staff.

“Ensuring these measures are implemented requires firm provincial leadership and investment in the case of infrastructure improvements,” OCUFA stated.

“The government’s exemptions for capacity limits and distancing rules and the fact that it could not even pull together health guidelines until a few days before fall classes are set to begin is of significant concern to academic staff at Ontario’s universities.”

Currently, Queen’s requires all returning students, staff, and faculty to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 15, and they must upload proof of immunization online.

This story is developing and will be updated with more information.