UCheck

Layla Ahmed, a fourth-year neuroscience and molecular genetics student at the University of Toronto, is thrilled to see the St. George campus stir back to life this fall – and is playing a key role facilitating the safe return to in-person activities.

Part of a new team of UCheck ambassadors, Ahmed and her colleagues are posted to busy locations on U of T’s three campuses where they ask passersby if they have successfully completed UCheck before leaving home. U of T’s UCheck self-screening tool is designed to flag potential symptoms and, if none are reported, to show a green status displayed on a user’s phone or on a supplied iPad.

The ambassadors are also there to help guide students, staff and faculty through the UCheck process.

“Seeing everyone back, it’s really nice,” Ahmed says. “Of course, there’s still physical distancing in some places and everyone’s behind a mask, but I always enjoyed the vibe of campus.

“If everyone can be happy and safe that would be great.”

Ahmed, who had recently worked two shifts at Sidney Smith Hall and the Bahen Centre for Information Technology, said she and her team are there to remind people to fill out UCheck – not to badger those who had forgotten.

The ambassadors on the St. George campus last week were equipped with extra masks and a bowl of treats – chocolates, granola bars and gummies – to thank people for completing UCheck.

“It’s good for people to sit back and think to themselves, ‘Do I feel bad today? Could I pass a bug on to others?” Ahmed said, pointing out it’s also flu season.

The program is scheduled to roll out at U of T Scarborough today – where those asked to show their green screens can enter a draw for a new iPad – and at U of T Mississauga on Wednesday. There will eventually be about two dozen ambassadors working across U of T’s three campuses.

Master’s in education student Rezka Mardhiyana displays her green UCheck screen to an ambassador (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Salvatore Spadafora, special adviser to U of T’s president on COVID-19 and senior adviser to the dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, said self-screening remains important even among a highly vaccinated community such as U of T.

“COVID vaccines, although highly effective and protective against serious outcomes, are not 100 per cent effective against infection,” he said. “As such, those who are fully vaccinated can – there’s small chance – they can contract SARS-CoV-2 and an even smaller chance they can carry it and infect others.”

UCheck is designed to flag even subtle symptoms associated with COVID-19 to limit the possibility of transmission, according to Spadafora.

As for the ambassadors, Spadafora said they provide a valuable reminder to fill out UCheck.

“All of us, as we go about our activities of daily living, can forget to do something like the UCheck screening,” he said, adding that he, too, has sometimes forgotten to complete UCheck before leaving his house and found himself filling it out just before arriving at campus.

Ron Saporta, U of T’s chief operating officer, property services and sustainability, said the goal is to promote UCheck self-screening before coming to campus in a friendly and supportive way.

“This helps us stop the spread and reinforce the message: If you’re not feeling well, please stay at home.”

Learn more about the UCheck Ambassador Program

Even with vaccines, health self-assessments remain important, U of T experts say

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 21:15:14 +0000

Even with vaccines, health self-assessments remain important, U of T experts say

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 10/05/2021 - 17:15

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(Photo by David Lee)

Geoffrey Vendeville

Topic

Our Community

Coronavirus

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

UCheck

��Ƶ

University Health Network

For nearly a year, the University of Toronto has required everyone visiting its three campuses to complete a self-screening questionnaire to monitor themselves for symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Students, faculty, staff and librarians can complete the process through UCheck, the web portal that guides users through a self-assessment in eight short questions, including whether they have experienced symptoms like a sore throat or cough.

Given that U of T now also requires community members to show proof of vaccination before coming to campus, some may be wondering whether regular self-screening is still important.

The short answer is “yes,” says Professor Sal Spadafora, special adviser on COVID-19 to U of T’s president and senior adviser to the dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

“One of our best defences against COVID-19 is vaccination,” he says. “However, if you listen to our public health experts or any of our epidemiology colleagues, they all advise that we continue to be very cautious.

“The reason that I believe it is important to be very reflective and self-aware is that there’s the potential for a small number of breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people.”

A Public Health Ontario report suggests breakthrough infections are very rare. Of more than 11 million people in the province who received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine between Dec. 14 of last year and Sept. 18, 2021, only 19,616 partially vaccinated and 8,264 fully vaccinated people later contracted the illness. There’s also evidence that vaccines reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk transmission and hospitalization.

As of Oct. 4, more than 80,000 U of T students, faculty, librarians and staff have declared their vaccination status and of those 95 per cent uploaded proof of full immunization ahead of the second-dose deadline of Oct. 15. The vaccination and health screening requirements are part of U of T’s 12-step plan for a safe return to campus.

Since vaccines make it less likely that someone will fall seriously ill if they catch COVID-19, Spadafora cautioned that symptoms can fly under the radar and make it possible to unwittingly pass along the virus.

“Even the mildest change – say a sore throat, stuffy nose, headache or just feeling under the weather – could be a sign of a COVID infection,” he said.

When Spadafora experienced a scratchy throat – a possible sign of COVID-19 – he says he immediately went to an assessment centre. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test returned a negative result suggesting he was probably dealing with seasonal allergies.

“We’re trying to create a community where we’re all very self-aware, using the health screening tool Ucheck, and creating a culture where all faculty, staff and students and librarians feel supported in taking time away from work or classes to go get tested.”

Susy Hota, an associate professor in the department of medicine in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and a medical director, infection prevention and control at the University Health Network, agrees that self-assessments remain important – even among the vaccinated – so COVID-19 cases can be detected as soon as possible.

We can’t be testing everyone all the time, so we need people to recognize when they may have symptoms of COVID-19 and go for a test as soon as possible if they think they do, she says.

Hota adds that it’s important to remember a COVID-19 infection may not always manifest with “classic symptoms” such as a loss of taste and smell.

“We do get quite a few cases that are very mild in nature, especially now that we’re in the post-vaccination era. Sometimes symptoms are a runny nose and a sore throat,” she says.

While Isaac Bogoch, an associate professor of medicine in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and a staff physician at University Health Network, says self-screening may not be in the same league as vaccines, masks or physical distancing when it comes to stopping COVID-19, he nevertheless notes the importance of a multi-pronged approach.

Another upside: Self-screening may also be helping to usher in a badly needed culture change by making it more acceptable for employees – or students – to take a sick day when they aren’t feeling well.

“There are very few silver linings to this pandemic, but this might be one of them,” Bogoch says.

“Don’t go to work sick.”

12 ways U of T is preparing for a safe return to in-person instruction

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 15:27:24 +0000

12 ways U of T is preparing for a safe return to in-person instruction

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 07/27/2021 - 11:27

Topic

Download a transcript of the infographic

The University of Toronto is closely monitoring the latest public health guidance as it prepares to welcome students, faculty, staff and librarians back to campus this fall.

Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities recently sent a memo to post-secondary institutions expressing its support for a safe return to in-person learning in alignment with the latest evidence. Further guidance is expected from the province in early August, which U of T will follow in conjunction from guidance from local public health authorities.

“U of T is encouraged by the uptake of vaccinations in Ontario and welcomes the provincial government’s support for efforts to plan a safe return to campus this fall,” said Professor Salvatore Spadafora, a special adviser to U of T’s president on COVID-19 and senior adviser to the dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

“We are looking forward to resuming in-person learning, campus activities and other experiences in keeping with the latest public health guidance.”

At U of T, planning is already well underway for a safe resumption of in-person classes, with faculties and divisions tailoring their individual plans to meet their unique needs. Residences, meanwhile, are requiring students to be vaccinated in an effort to provide a safe, welcoming and enjoyable experience that is conducive to learning and community-building. U of T will also require vaccinations for certain activities presenting higher risk – and require all community members to self-declare their vaccination status.

Several other precautions have been taken across the three campuses to curb the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Building ventilation systems are being inspected, air filters have been upgraded where necessary and air purifiers are being added to classrooms as needed. Everyone coming to campus will be required to complete a self-reported health screening and wear face masks indoors.

U of T also continues to work with local public health units to promote vaccine information and has hosted vaccination clinics on its three campuses.

Here are 12 ways U of T is planning for a safe return of in-person instruction this fall:

1. UCheck health screening

Before visiting campus, everyone – students, faculty, staff, librarians, researchers and even contractors – must complete a health screening. The easiest way to do this is by using the university’s online self-assessment tool, UCheck. A paper-based process is also available.

The UCheck questionnaire has been updated to reflect the latest public health guidance, takes just a few minutes to complete and can be accessed via smartphone, tablet or desktop. Submitted data is encrypted in transit and storage to protect users’ privacy.

2. Scheduling changes and capacity limits

Across the university, faculties and divisions are working on plans tailored to meet their individual needs.

“Everyone is committed to providing the rich academic and campus experience for which U of T is known – and it’s unlikely there will be a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Ron Saporta, chief operating officer, property services and sustainability.

“We are reviewing our strategy on a regular basis and will be taking into account any changes to public health guidelines.”

With capacity restrictions being relaxed across the province, U of T anticipates that such limits will be lifted for educational spaces by this fall and will continue to monitor public health directions – making updates to its plans when appropriate.

3. Physical distancing measures

Saporta said U of T is preparing for a variety of scenarios, including the possibility physical distancing may no longer be required indoors this fall – so long as masks are worn.

“We will be able to adapt quickly using an evidence-informed approach that adheres to evolving guidelines and, most importantly, seeks to keep our community safe,” he said.

In the meantime, the university has taken steps to re-orient traffic flow in buildings by posting signage and rearranging furniture and other features to help people maintain a distance from one another if required.

4. Non-medical face masks

The university’s policy requiring non-medical masks to be worn in all indoor spaces will remain in effect in accordance with evolving public health guidelines. U of T’s mask policy and allowable exclusions, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about masks, can all be found on the ��Ƶ site and Chapter 6 of the General Workplace Guideline (GWG).

Health Canada and Toronto Public Health now recommend wearing a well-fitted mask with at least two layers of tightly woven fabric, such as cotton, plus a third middle layer of filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene.

5. Enhanced cleaning and more sanitizing stations

The university has installed thousands of touchless hand sanitizing stations and sanitizing wipe dispensers across the three campuses. U of T has also ramped up cleaning of common-use areas such as classrooms, libraries, washrooms and lobbies.

Staff frequently wipe down and disinfect high-touch surfaces like door handles, handrails and elevator buttons.

6. Industry-leading classroom ventilation targets

(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Classrooms that will be used for in-person teaching across the three campuses will be equipped for six equivalent air changes per hour, the same standard applied to patient examination rooms, walk-in clinics and other health-care settings.

U of T consulted outside experts in adopting its ventilation standard.

“In the context of the pandemic, we’ve been on top of recommended COVID-19 ventilation safety measures,” said Jelena Vulovic-Basic, a senior manager, operations and maintenance at U of T Facilities & Services.

7. Upgrading building ventilation and air filtration

The university continues to upgrade and monitor heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment where necessary as part of its HVAC strategy. That includes monitoring and maintaining upgraded air filters that capture a greater percentage of smaller particles and outfitting some classrooms with a local air filtration device with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.

All building ventilation systems at U of T will continue to undergo regular maintenance to ensure air is clean and flowing into and out of buildings properly.

As an additional measure, the university plans to flush air from enclosed spaces prior to occupancy.

“We turn on the ventilation system two hours before anyone walks through the door, filling the building with clean air,” Saporta said.

8. Contact tracing through QR codes

As part of a voluntary pilot project, people entering some buildings will see posters encouraging them to use UCheck to scan a QR code located at the entrances. The scans will help with contact tracing in the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19.

“If we have an issue, Occupational Health Services can notify people directly about a potential exposure,” said Cathy Eberts, U of T’s director, enterprise applications and deputy chief information officer.

“It’s all through UCheck, so your information is encrypted and only accessible by our occupational health nurse if we need to do contract tracing.”

9. Monitoring wastewater in large residences

A pilot project is underway at U of T to monitor sewage for the virus that causes COVID-19.

Some municipalities, including Ottawa, have been using this method to detect the virus – often before those who are infected realize they are sick.

At U of T, the plan is to monitor wastewater from residences that house about 100 people or more – and could be expanded in the future.

“The approach here – which was successfully tested during a pilot earlier this year – is we monitor building wastewater for pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic cases of COVID-19, and if we find it then we implement our outbreak prevention protocol,” Saporta said.

10. Rapid screening

The university is also piloting rapid antigen testing for U of T staff whose role requires frequent face-to-face interaction with the public, such as those working in dentistry and health and wellness.

The screening program was developed by the Creative Destruction Lab – a business accelerator affiliated with the Rotman School of Management – and has been used by the likes of Air Canada and Scotiabank.

The BD Veritor System uses nasal swabs to detect SARS-CoV-2.

The test, which returns a result in as little as 15 minutes, can accurately identify the presence of the coronavirus roughly 85 per cent of the time and can accurately eliminate those who are not infected nearly 100 per cent of the time. Those who test positive will be referred for further testing.

The pilot will expand to include at-home rapid screening kits and more U of T community members in the fall, including those living in residence who are exempted from vaccination and those who respond “no” or “prefer not to answer” when completing a vaccination self-declaration form. Rapid testing will also be used in connection with the wastewater monitoring initiative.

11. Department-specific COVID-19 guidelines and tools

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, U of T is asking each department to adapt the university’s – and indeed broader public health guidelines – to its own specific circumstances.

“It’s important to contextualize general guidelines to the space where you work,” said Gina Trubiani, U of T’s director, occupational health and safety.

“This allows for a nimbler, more flexible response so departments can apply the general guidelines based on their circumstances.”

More information on department-specific COVID-19 guidelines and tools can be found on the Human Resources & Equity webpage on returning to campus, as well as the Environmental Health & Safety COVID-19 information webpage.

12. Vaccination

(Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

U of T is encouraging all members of the U of T community to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

In addition to requiring students living in residences to be vaccinated, U of T will require students, faculty, staff and librarians who participate in activities that carry a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission – including Varsity sports, music instruction and educational placements – to be vaccinated.

The university will also require all community members to self-declare their vaccination status via UCheck.

U of T has supported the province’s vaccination efforts by supplying space and volunteers. That has included hosting a vaccine clinic at U of T Mississauga that was run by Trillium Health Partners and Peel Public Health, a clinic on the St. George campus operated by the University Health Network with participation from Sinai Health and a pop-up clinic at U of T Scarborough that’s operated in collaboration with Scarborough Health Network.

The university has also hosted a vaccine clinic pow wow in June and pop-up clinics on the St. George campus to provide Indigenous Peoples with a culturally safe place to receive their vaccinations.

So far, more than 400,000 doses have been administered at the U of T-hosted sites, which have followed the province’s vaccine priority schedule and ethical guidelines.

“Our main goal is to do what we can to partner with our hospitals and public health to serve our communities,” said Spadafora. “We recognize the important role U of T can play to encourage vaccination across the university and broader community.”

As for the entire 12-step plan, Spadafora said it will evolve with the science and the public health regulations of the day – and as case counts fall and vaccinations increase.

“The university will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these programs, as well as scientific evidence and best practices, and will adapt this program as warranted.”

Visit ��Ƶ for the latest updates

12 ways U of T is preparing for a safe return to in-person instruction

lanthierj — Tue, 18 May 2021 19:20:55 +0000

12 ways U of T is preparing for a safe return to in-person instruction

lanthierj Tue, 05/18/2021 - 15:20

Cutline

(Infographic by U of T Communications)

Topic

Download a transcript of the infographic

In preparing for the safe return of students, staff, faculty and librarians this fall, the University of Toronto is taking a wide range of precautions to curtail the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

As the situation evolves, U of T will monitor public health guidance daily to ensure that its measures are up to date and informed by evidence.

Everyone coming to campus will be required to take a self-reported health screening. Building ventilation systems are being inspected, air filters have been upgraded where necessary and air purifiers are being added to classrooms as needed. Room occupancy will be limited, as is the case with other enclosed spaces, from grocery stores to buses.

“We’re exploring every possible avenue to prepare our campuses for a successful fall term that includes in-person learning, activities and other experiences,” said Ron Saporta, chief operating officer, property services and sustainability.

Here are 12 ways U of T is planning for a safe return of in-person instruction this fall:

1. UCheck health screening

2. Scheduling changes and capacity limits

(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

While current public health guidelines call for two metres of separation in classrooms, Saporta said U of T is optimistic the guidance will change as the province’s vaccination campaign rolls out.

“We will review our strategy on a regular basis and take into account any changes to public health guidelines,” Saporta said.

“Since we are actively planning for a variety of potential scenarios – including reduced or even no distancing – we will be able to adapt quickly using an evidence-informed approach that adheres to evolving guidelines and, most importantly, seeks to keep our community safe.”

Efforts will also be made to move activities such as fitness classes outdoors while weather and public health guidelines permit – a strategy that was successfully implemented last fall.

3. Physical distancing measures

To help facilitate physical distancing, the university has taken steps to re-orient traffic flow in buildings by posting signage and rearranging furniture and other features to help people maintain a distance from one another.

4. Non-medical face masks

Health Canada now recommends wearing a well-fitted masks with “at least 2 layers of tightly woven fabric, such as cotton,” plus a third middle layer of filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene.

5. Enhanced cleaning and more sanitizing stations

(Photo by David Lee)

Staff frequently wipe down and disinfect high-touch surfaces like door handles, handrails and elevator buttons.

6. Industry-leading classroom ventilation targets

(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

U of T consulted outside experts in adopting its ventilation standard.

7. Upgrading building ventilation and air filtration

All building ventilation systems at U of T will continue to undergo regular maintenance to ensure air is clean and flowing into and out of buildings properly.

As an additional measure, the university plans to flush air from enclosed spaces prior to occupancy.

“We turn on the ventilation system two hours before anyone walks through the door, filling the building with clean air,” Saporta said.

8. Contact tracing through QR codes

“It’s all through UCheck, so your information is encrypted and only accessible by our occupational health nurse if we need to do contract tracing.”

9. Monitoring wastewater in large residences

A pilot project is underway at U of T to monitor sewage for the virus that causes COVID-19.

Some municipalities, including Ottawa, have been using this method to detect the virus – often before those who are infected realize they are sick.

At U of T, the plan is to monitor wastewater from residences that house about 100 people or more.

10. Rapid screening for some essential staff

The BD Veritor System uses nasal swabs to detect SARS-CoV-2.

11. Department-specific COVID-19 guidelines and tools

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, U of T is asking each department to adapt the university’s – and indeed broader public health guidelines – to its own specific circumstances.

“It’s important to contextualize general guidelines to the space where you work,” said Gina Trubiani, U of T’s director, occupational health and safety.

“How physical distancing works in caretaking may be different from how it works in a place like the Medical Sciences Building. This allows for a nimbler, more flexible response so departments can apply the general guidelines based on their circumstances.” More information on department-specific COVID-19 guidelines and tools can be found on the Human Resources & Equity webpage on returning to campus, as well as the Environmental Health & Safety COVID-19 information webpage.

12. Supporting Ontario’s vaccination drive

(Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

U of T is supplying space and volunteers to boost the province’s vaccination efforts. Earlier this month, a vaccine clinic hosted by U of T Mississauga and run by Trillium Health Partners and Peel Public Health celebrated an important milestone: 100,000 shots in arms.

Another clinic, on the St. George campus, is operated by the University Health Network with participation from Sinai Health and U of T. And there are plans to host a third clinic at U of T Scarborough.

In all cases, the vaccinations are administered at the U of T-hosted sites following the province’s vaccine priority schedule and ethical guidelines.

“Our main goal is to do what we can to partner with our hospitals and public health to serve our communities,” Salvatore Spadafora, a physician and professor in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine who is special adviser to the president and provost on COVID-19, told U of T News.

He later said he hoped Canada’s mass immunization effort will also help the U of T community “arrive at a better, safer and less isolated place this fall.”

As for the entire 12-step plan, Spadafora said, it will evolve with the science and the public health regulations of the day – and as case counts fall and vaccinations increase.

“The university will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these programs, as well as scientific evidence and best practices and will adapt this program as warranted.”

For the latest updates visit ��Ƶ

Note: This story was updated and republished on June 27, 2021. The updated version can be found here.

U of T community members isolating, precautions taken after four test positive for COVID-19

Christopher.Sorensen — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 22:38:47 +0000

U of T community members isolating, precautions taken after four test positive for COVID-19

Christopher.Sorensen Sun, 11/15/2020 - 17:38

Cutline

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

Toronto Public Health has linked four cases of COVID-19 to an informal, close-contact athletic activity on the University of Toronto’s St. George campus.

All the individuals involved in the activity, which was not sponsored or organized by U of T, were on the university’s Back Campus field near Tower Road and Hoskins Avenue on Nov. 8 between noon and 6 p.m. The university is working closely with Toronto Public Health to assess the situation and conduct contact tracing. All those identified as having close contact with the individuals have been notified and are self-isolating. The university and Toronto Public Health are following up on all of the confirmed cases. University staff are in contact with the individuals to support them.

Based on the information gathered at this time, none of the individuals attended in-person classes and all contact took place outdoors.

Toronto Public Health has determined that there is low risk to other members of the community such as those who may have walked by the field during that time.

Although outdoor activities present a lower transmission risk, the cases are a reminder of the importance of physical distancing at all times.

As a precaution, the university has temporarily closed the field. An intensive cleaning of related indoor spaces also has been completed as part of the university’s protective measures related to COVID-19. Members of the community are reminded that close-contact physical activity is not recommended by public health authorities, either indoors or outdoors.

Members of the U of T community can continue to register for organized, outdoor programming that is conducted according to public health guidance – including on Back Campus, when the field is reopened.

Any student who has COVID-19 symptoms should contact their health-care practitioner or campus health centre. Students living in residence who develop symptoms should contact residence staff for further direction and assistance. Employees who begin to experience symptoms should contact the university’s occupational health nurse at ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca. All those experiencing symptoms should follow the directives detailed by Toronto Public Health, including self-isolating and following recommendations for seeking additional care.

All U of T community members are reminded to conduct a regular symptom self-assessment using UCheck or a paper-based or offline self-assessment log, and to continue physical distancing, practising good hygiene, and adhering to university and public health directives. These include:

Maintaining a distance of two metres from others at all times
Using a cloth mask
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer
Covering your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then immediately throwing the tissue in the garbage and washing your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm
Monitoring yourself for COVID-19 symptoms and using the UCheck self-assessment web portal or a paper-based or offline self-assessment log

Any member of the U of T community who is contacted by public health in relation to COVID-19 is asked to contact the university’s occupational health nurse at ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca.

More information about U of T’s response to the pandemic can be found on the university’s coronavirus page, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

U of T requires COVID-19 self-assessments before visiting campus

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 16:40:32 +0000

U of T requires COVID-19 self-assessments before visiting campus

rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 10/26/2020 - 12:40

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UCheck, the university’s self-assessment portal, is an easy and secure way to complete a COVID-19 symptom screening, which is now required each day before visiting one of U of T's three campuses (photo by FreshSplash via Getty Images)

Topic

In line with provincial regulation and public health guidance, the University of Toronto is requiring anyone coming to one of its three campuses, or any other property owned or operated by U of T, to complete a COVID-19 health screening by conducting a self-assessment each day before they visit.

UCheck, the university’s online self-assessment tool introduced in September, is the easiest and most secure way to complete a self-assessment. UCheck asks users questions such as whether they are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms, have travelled outside Canada or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Members of the U of T community who don’t have access to a computer, smartphone or tablet, or choose not to use UCheck, can instead use a paper-based or offline assessment log to track their self-assessments. Offline forms can be downloaded from U of T’s COVID-19 self-assessment website. Employees who can’t download the log should contact their manager or supervisor for a paper version.

“We know that one way we can limit the spread of COVD-19 is to monitor our health and stay home if we have symptoms,” said Cheryl Regehr, U of T’s vice-president and provost. “By taking just a few minutes to complete a self-assessment each time they visit campus, students, faculty and staff can help safeguard their own health while also contributing to the broader goal of curtailing the spread of the virus in the community.”

The new requirement is one of many measures the university has in place to respond the COVID-19 pandemic. While the move applies to all those who come to campus, most of U of T’s faculty, librarians, staff and students continue to work and study remotely.

Individuals who complete a UCheck self-assessment will either receive a green risk status, indicating that they are OK to visit campus, or a red risk status, signalling that must not come to campus. In the event of a red risk status, users are also provided with information about next steps and links to further information. Individual responses to the UCheck self-assessment questions are not accessible by anyone at the university. Those using a paper-based or offline tool will answer the same questions and record a similar green or red status.

Kelly Hannah-Moffat, U of T’s vice-president, human resources and equity, said required self-assessments will make it easier for managers and supervisors to determine next steps in the event that faculty, staff or librarians are deemed to be at risk.

“The vast majority of our faculty, staff and librarians at the University of Toronto are working remotely wherever possible, but some employees have returned to campus to support our students and research activities,” Hannah-Moffat said. “It is imperative that all individuals complete a self-assessment each time they come on-site. This is a simple yet effective way for us to contribute to a healthy working environment on all our campuses.”

The university will continue to work to educate members of the community about UCheck and other ways to complete required self-assessments, as well as other measures being taken to keep people safe and healthy during the pandemic.

UCheck is not a contact tracing or exposure notification app. Members of the U of T community are encouraged to install Canada’s COVID Alert app, which provides potential exposure notifications.

U of T community members who require additional health information are encouraged to call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, their local health-care practitioner or, for students, their campus health centre at:

• St. George: 416-978-8030

• U of T Scarborough: 416-287-7065

• U of T Mississauga: 905-828-5255

10 things you need to know about the fall semester at U of T

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 20:24:21 +0000

10 things you need to know about the fall semester at U of T

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 09/10/2020 - 16:24

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(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Rahul Kalvapalle

Topic

Global Lens

Back to School 2020

Gerstein Science Information Centre

Undergraduate Students

As students, faculty, staff and librarians return to the University of Toronto for the fall semester, they’ll discover much that is new – about their physical environment, learning experience and the way they engage with campus services and activities.

In response to the ongoing pandemic, U of T has implemented an array of new measures, protocols and procedures that aim to deliver a vibrant, world-class educational experience while keeping students, staff, faculty and librarians safe and healthy.

From how to grab a bite to eat to when to wear a face mask, here are 10 things you need to know about the fall semester at U of T:

Remote learning and working

(photo by PeopleImages via Getty Images)

U of T is offering a mix of remote and in-person classes this fall in an effort to provide an enriching learning experience while protecting the health and safety of students, staff, faculty and librarians.

More than 90 per cent of undergraduate courses now offer a remote option. The shift was planned meticulously over the summer months, with more than 100 educational technologists working closely with faculty and staff to ensure that thousands of fall courses offer a high-quality virtual experience.

At the same time, activities that require an on-campus presence – including research, lab work, group projects and certain seminars and lectures – will be carried out in-person in physically distanced environments. The blended approach recognizes that some instruction is best delivered in person and that some students may be better equipped to participate in remote learning than others because of access to technology or living arrangements. The university has also prioritized the re-opening of libraries on all three campuses to ensure that students have access to computers, internet and related services such as printing and scanning.

University staff, too, will continue to work remotely wherever possible to help promote physical distancing and contribute to U of T’s wider effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Mask policy

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Students, faculty, staff, librarians and visitors to all three U of T campuses are asked to wear a non-medical face mask – or other face covering such as a scarf, bandana or balaclava – in all indoor common-use spaces. The university’s mask policy takes its cue from similar rules implemented by the City of Toronto and City of Mississauga.

To help support community members, U of T is distributing two masks each to all students, staff, faculty and librarians. Details on where to pick up your mask can be found at U of T’s ��Ƶ site. Signage reminding members of the university community to wear masks will be found on locations across the three campuses.

Physical distancing in classrooms and buildings

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

From lobbies, elevators and stairwells to classrooms, labs and lounge areas, U of T’s indoor spaces have been carefully mapped and equipped with aids to promote adequate physical distancing of at least two metres – in keeping with public health guidelines.

While many courses will be delivered virtually, some will continue to be delivered in-person and the classrooms in question have had seats removed or blocked off to ensure physical distancing among students and between students and their lecturers, professors and teaching assistants.

Lobbies and stairwells have also been marked with signage to direct foot traffic, while elevators and common areas are subject to capacity limits.

Kiosks and offices where various university services are offered will be fitted with shields to ensure distancing between staff and their clients, while gym equipment at the Athletic Centre will be spaced a generous four metres apart for added safety in that environment.

Online COVID-19 self-assessment

Beginning Sept. 8, students, staff, faculty and librarians can utilize an online self-assessment tool to help them make informed decisions about going to campus during the pandemic.

The UCheck tool guides users through a series of questions, including whether you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have travelled abroad or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The tool can be accessed by using a UTORid and takes only a few minutes to complete.

Upon completing the self-assessment, users either receive a green notification indicating that they are OK to visit campus, or a red notification signaling that they should not go to campus as well as information about who they should contact and links to further information.

Members of the U of T community are strongly encouraged to complete a self-assessment on a regular basis – for most students, staff, faculty and librarians, that means every time you visit campus. Students living in residence and others who regularly spend time on campus should complete the assessment daily. It’s recommended that you check your status every five days, even if you are not visiting campus.

A focus on cleaning and hygiene

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Classrooms and libraries will be cleaned at least five times a week, while high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and elevator buttons will be disinfected twice a day. Staff are using a special, chlorine-based cleaning solution approved for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Hand hygiene is a crucial part of the fight against COVID-19, which is why the university installed thousands of touchless hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipe dispensers across the three campuses and added paper towel dispensers in washrooms.

Staff have also inspected ventilation equipment in all buildings and have made upgrades where possible to mitigate the spread of the virus in indoor spaces.

Time for takeout

(photos by Jackie Shapiro/Ancillary Services U of T)

Menus at dining locations across U of T have been redesigned to make them as takeout-friendly as possible, with food services staff working to expand the range of fresh, packaged and quick-service options.

Students on the St. George and U of T Scarborough campuses can now use a mobile app to order their food so that they don’t have wait in line. Students can order both a la carte and customized dishes using the app.

At U of T Mississauga, cutlery will be wrapped for protection, condiment stations will offer single-use condiment packets, while milk and milk alternatives will be handled only by staff behind the counter. U of T Mississauga is also introducing a new service called Sally, which lets you create fresh, customized salads through a vending machine.

Vending machines across campus have also been restocked to offer hot and cold snacks and drinks.

Large seating areas at cafeterias and restaurants around campus will be reconfigured to encourage physical distancing, while outdoor seating areas could be set up, weather-permitting.

Libraries and bookstores

(photo by Mai Lu)

The Robarts and Gerstein libraries on the St. George campus will reopen their doors, with floors one to five on Robarts and the main floor on Gerstein available to students looking for a quiet place to study. Furniture in study areas will be spaced or blocked off to facilitate physical distancing.

The main floor at the U of T Mississauga library will reopen and the third floor may be reopened for study purposes depending on need. Two floors of the U of T Scarborough library will also reopen to offer study areas for the fall semester.

Students will have access to all electronic resources available through the library’s catalogue, including e-books, online journal article databases, primary source databases and streaming videos. Access is also provided to 2.5 million books and other references through the online repository, HathiTrust.

Even library books will not be exempt from quarantine requirements, with libraries at all three U of T campuses set to quarantine all books that are physically borrowed for at least three days after they are returned.

As for bookstores, the St. George and Scarborough locations remain open with new safety and physical distancing protocols, while the Mississauga bookstore reopened on Sept. 1.

All customers will be asked if they have COVID-19 symptoms and must practise physical distancing and follow the one-way direction signs through the store. The number of customers in the store at any given time will be limited and all staff and customers will be required to wear masks. Plexiglass protective shields will create physical separation between customers and staff at payment stations.

Cash payments will not be accepted. Check the bookstore website for updates.

Residences and quarantine accommodations

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Living in residence is a special and memorable part of the university experience, which is why U of T residence staff have worked hard to ensure that residence life remains vibrant, enjoyable and safe amid the new health and safety measures necessitated by the pandemic.

Physical distancing and occupancy limits will be observed throughout the fall, with no more than one student assigned to a room. Exceptions may only be made for siblings or students with specific medical concerns that require accommodation.

As is the case elsewhere on campus, residence buildings will see more frequent cleaning and disinfecting, added hand sanitizer stations and Plexiglas shields at kiosks and counters where student services are provided. Move-in days are being staggered over multiple days to reduce crowding.

The university will also provide access to quarantine spaces for students who won’t be living in residence but need a place to quarantine as per government regulations. International students are asked to contact their registrars to obtain a letter of support and ensure they have confirmation of their enrolment before finalizing travel plans.

Athletics

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OUR DOORS OPEN SEPTEMBER 8 and we are excited to see you again! ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Here is what to expect when you visit the Athletic Centre this Fall. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Registration begins tomorrow! ⁣

A post shared by U of T Sport & Rec (@uoftsportandrec) on Sep 2, 2020 at 8:28am PDT

Gyms and sports facilities at all three campuses will reopen in September with new health and safety measures, which include users having to book a time slot for their workout – a policy that helps control the number of people in the gym at any given time – and wear masks in the building, except during physical activity.

Students looking to lift weights at the Athletic Centre on the St. George campus will notice that equipment is spaced four metres apart, with weights and machines moved to the spacious field house. The Olympic-sized swimming pool will reopen with reduced occupancy.

At U of T Mississauga, students can sign up for one-on-one consultations with a trainer over Zoom as well as a six-week running program called RunUTM. Outdoor sports fields and courts are scheduled to reopen for use in September with new health and safety protocols.

Students at U of T Scarborough can access exercise facilities at the Pan Am Sports Centre. As is the case at other U of T gyms, students must book an appointment and wear a mask while in the building.

All Varsity and tri-campus competitions are suspended for the semester, but an array of mainly outdoor intramural sports are available to students. An e-sports league, which proved a huge hit with students over the summer, will return in the fall, with students able to showcase their e-sports skills in games including NBA 2K20, FIFA 20, NHL 20 and Madden NFL 20.

TCards

Students, faculty, staff and librarians on the St. George campus who require new or replacement TCards to access buildings, labs, meal plans and other services can book an appointment via CLNx to obtain their TCard.

New students are asked to submit a photo via MyPhoto. Once a photo is approved, students can set up a remote or in-person appointment via CLNx. Students who live in residence will be provided with their TCards in residence after they have had their photo approved via MyPhoto.

The U of T Scarborough TCard office will issue TCards if they are required for use in the fall semester. Students, faculty and staff can request this service by emailing tacrdoffice@utsc.utoronto.ca Student Housing and Residence Life will arrange distribution of TCards to students who live in residence.

The U of T Mississauga TCard Office will issue or replace TCards on an as-needed basis for building access, meal plans and other essential services. Anyone requiring a new or replacement TCard is asked to open a ticket at the I&ITS Service Portal (log in with UTORid).

U of T launches web tool to help community members self-screen for COVID-19

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 14:54:10 +0000

U of T launches web tool to help community members self-screen for COVID-19

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 09/08/2020 - 10:54

Cutline

U of T community members are strongly encouraged to use the online UCheck tool to complete regular COVID-19 self-assessments, including before coming to campus (photo by Diana Tyszko)

Topic

The University of Toronto is launching an online self-assessment web tool to help students, staff, faculty and librarians make informed decisions about coming to campus during COVID-19.

The tool, called UCheck, guides people through a COVID-19 symptom assessment. Questions include whether you are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms, have travelled outside of the country or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

UCheck is being launched Sept. 8 and will be available for the duration of the pandemic. It only takes a few minutes to fill out and can be accessed via smartphone, tablet or computer.

“As the province reopens and we gradually return to campus, we need to remain vigilant and remember that we have a shared responsibility to keep each other and the community safe,” says Kelly Hannah-Moffat, U of T’s vice-president, human resources and equity.

“UCheck is one of several new initiatives the university has implemented in recent months to limit the spread of the coronavirus.”

Other preventative measures implemented by U of T include offering a remote option for more than 90 per cent of undergraduate courses, enhanced cleaning, reduced occupancy in buildings, disinfecting public spaces and making changes to the physical environment across the three campuses to promote distancing. U of T’s mask policy, meanwhile, calls for non-medical masks or other face coverings to be worn in all indoor public areas. To help facilitate compliance, U of T is providing students, staff, faculty and librarians with two non-medical masks each.

As for UCheck, users can log in using a UTORid. The U of T community is strongly encouraged to complete a self-assessment on a regular basis, even though it is not mandatory. For most students, staff, faculty and librarians, that means completing the self-assessment every time you visit the campus. Students living in residence and others who regularly work on campus should complete the self-assessment daily. Regardless of whether you use UCheck, it is critical that you don’t come to campus if you have any symptoms related to COVID-19.

It’s recommended that you check your status once every five days, even if you are not visiting the campus.

Upon completing a UCheck form, users will either receive a green notifier, signaling that they are OK to visit campus, or a red notifier, indicating they should not go to campus as well as information about who they should contact and links to further information.

Students who receive a red notifier should not come to campus. Students who live in residence should not leave their residence rooms and are asked to contact residence staff.

Anyone who has symptoms is also advised to refer to the Ontario Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 page for further direction and to find a local assessment centre.

Students should also complete the illness self-declaration form on ACORN. Students may also contact their registrar to request academic accommodation.

Anyone that requires additional health information is encouraged to reach out to: Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, their local health-care practitioner or, for students, their campus health centre:

St. George: 416-978-8030
U of T Scarborough: 416-287-7065
U of T Mississauga: 905-828-5255

All self-assessment responses will be kept confidential and will not be received by the university. The data collected through the platform is encrypted and stored within Canada. The web portal was developed in partnership with Thrive Health, a B.C.-based health-care technology company with experience handling sensitive data. The company exceeds data security and privacy standards for handling health information safely and are the developers of the Canada COVID-19 app, which they built in partnership with Health Canada.

UCheck is not a contact tracing or exposure notification app. Members of the U of T community are encouraged to install Canada’s COVID Alert app, which provides potential exposure notifications.

Sandy Welsh, U of T’s vice-provost, students, says UCheck is one of the many ways the university aims to support students this fall.

“It’s important that we each do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19,” she says. “We’re all in this together.”

UCheck

U of T’s UCheck ambassadors remind community members to complete COVID-19 self-screening

Learn more about the UCheck Ambassador Program

Even with vaccines, health self-assessments remain important, U of T experts say

12 ways U of T is preparing for a safe return to in-person instruction

Download a transcript of the infographic

1. UCheck health screening

2. Scheduling changes and capacity limits

3. Physical distancing measures

4. Non-medical face masks

5. Enhanced cleaning and more sanitizing stations

6. Industry-leading classroom ventilation targets

7. Upgrading building ventilation and air filtration

8. Contact tracing through QR codes

9. Monitoring wastewater in large residences

10. Rapid screening

11. Department-specific COVID-19 guidelines and tools

12. Vaccination

Visit ������Ƶ for the latest updates

12 ways U of T is preparing for a safe return to in-person instruction

Download a transcript of the infographic

1. UCheck health screening

2. Scheduling changes and capacity limits

3. Physical distancing measures

4. Non-medical face masks

5. Enhanced cleaning and more sanitizing stations

6. Industry-leading classroom ventilation targets

7. Upgrading building ventilation and air filtration

8. Contact tracing through QR codes

9. Monitoring wastewater in large residences

10. Rapid screening for some essential staff

11. Department-specific COVID-19 guidelines and tools

12. Supporting Ontario’s vaccination drive

For the latest updates visit ������Ƶ

U of T community members isolating, precautions taken after four test positive for COVID-19

U of T requires COVID-19 self-assessments before visiting campus

10 things you need to know about the fall semester at U of T

Remote learning and working

Mask policy

Physical distancing in classrooms and buildings

Online COVID-19 self-assessment

A focus on cleaning and hygiene

Time for takeout

Libraries and bookstores

Residences and quarantine accommodations

Athletics

TCards

U of T launches web tool to help community members self-screen for COVID-19

Access the UCheck self-screening tool here

Visit ��Ƶ for the latest updates

For the latest updates visit ��Ƶ