As students of all ages return to the classroom in September, one of the most significant increases in campus activity will occur at Niagara College, where thousands of students will return to in-class learning.

Understanding that an influx of students from around the province is returning to Welland to live, study, and engage in the community, Niagara College and the City of Welland is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the community by sharing pertinent news and information relating to COVID-19.

On August 16, Niagara College announced that it requires students, employees, visitors, and contractors who are learning or working on campus in September to be vaccinated against COVID-19; this in addition to students living in residence and all student-athletes.

Everyone visiting a Niagara College campus for college business is required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated or have received the first dose of a Health Canada or World Health Organization-approved vaccine by September 7, and a second dose/full vaccination by October 18.

The policy comes after close monitoring of COVID trends and consultation with public health authorities. With the recent rise in cases, including variants of concern, vaccination rates, and increased access to vaccines, requiring vaccination for on-campus study and work is a significant step in ensuring the safety of the Niagara College community. It also brings the college closer to an eventual full return to campus.

All on-campus activities will comply with public health measures and directives for the fall term. Niagara College plans for physical distancing, health screenings and PPE requirements will remain in place in September.

Since last fall, Niagara College has had students and staff on-campus without incident of transmission. Access controls, comprehensive safety measures, and adherence to public health guidelines have allowed for this successful track record and remain in place as students return to campus in September.

For regular updates on Niagara College operations, please visit www.niagaracollege.ca/covid19.

As a responsible and staunch community partner, the City of Welland looks forward to welcoming Niagara College students back to the community and encourages all students and staff to practice public health-recommended guidelines to limit the transmission of COVID-19.

Welland City Hall is planning to reopen in the fall, and information about the health and safety measures and guidelines will be available in the coming weeks.