Health and Safety
Last updated Friday, Oct 23, 2020.
The commitment to the health and safety of all members of our U of T community is paramount. A phased approach to returning to our campuses will follow the requirements of government and public health authorities. The Ontario Government’s Framework for Reopening our Province has outlined three phases of return, and the University of Toronto’s return will follow the stages set out in this roadmap.
As we move through these stages, several requirements will remain in place. All members of the community who have symptoms of COVID-19, or are required to quarantine due to contacts or travel history, must self-isolate. Physical distancing requirements for activities on our campuses will be based on the advice of public health officials. The University’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Office will advise on these and other requirements, including the use of personal protective equipment in certain roles.
It is expected that in the early stages of return, most employees who are able to work from home will continue to do so for some or all of the time. During this phase, all elements of research that can be undertaken from home, such as data analysis and writing, will continue remotely. Instructional activities will be planned so that the best possible student experience will be provided in a safe manner. The University will also be mindful of local advice from public transit authorities. Above all, we must be prepared for a resurgence of cases in our community and for some public health measures to be re-imposed.
Wearing of masks or other face coverings
To further help limit the spread of COVID-19, the University of Toronto has implemented a temporary policy requiring non-medical masks or face coverings to be worn indoors in common-use spaces including classrooms, hallways, lobbies and elevators on university property on all three campuses.
This follows new City of Toronto and City of Mississauga bylaws that require the wearing of masks or face coverings in enclosed public spaces, and will remain in effect as long as Ontario public health authorities recommend that mask-wearing is necessary in indoor public spaces.
At UTM, all residence students will receive masks in their Welcome Kit. Otherwise, masks will be available for distribution at several locations across the campus. Masks are available at the following locations between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.:
- Facilities Management & Planning, Room 2220, 2nd floor, Maanjiwe nendamowinan
- Service Desk Atrium, CCT building
You must present a valid UTorid to receive your masks.
- Learn about face coverings and how to properly wear, fit, remove and clean your non-medical face mask.
- Further information about how to use and take care of your U of T-provided mask can be found here.
- How will U of T's non-medical mask policy work in practice? Vivek Goel answers common questions about when and where masks will be required, exemptions and the reasons behind the new policy.
Additional information and details about the application of the policy, exceptions and medical accommodations are available in an accompanying draft Guideline, which is available on the websites of the Office of the Vice-President & Provost and the Vice President, Human Resources & Equity. The draft Guideline may be updated periodically as our response to COVID-19 evolves.
UCheck Self-Assessment Tool
The University of Toronto has launched the UCheck self-assessment web portal to support the health & safety of our community as we gradually return to campus this fall.
Accessible via web browsers on computers, tablets, and smartphones, UCheck will allow faculty members, librarians, staff, and students to generate a COVID-19 risk status by completing a quick and thorough self-assessment that is tailored to U of T. Once generated, this risk status will recommend whether individuals should visit campus in person. More features will be rolled out in a phased manner.
University health resources
UTM’s Health & Counselling Centre (HCC) remains open for non-urgent health appointments and offers personal counselling appointments by telephone. Reach the HCC by telephone at 905-828-5255.
Find updated Information about HCC’s operations and services and read answers to frequently asked questions on the HCC website.
For urgent or after-hours health matters, please consult the HCC’s list of after-hours resources and walk-In clinics in Peel Region.
University of Toronto Health Services (for students)
- UTM Health & Counselling Centre: 905-828-5255
- St. George Campus Health & Wellness Centre: 416-978-8030
- UTSC Health & Wellness Centre: 416-287-7065
Online fitness and meditation resources
The UTM Athletics YouTube channel features an extensive library of free home workout routines and meditation exercises led by staff experts from the Recreation, Athletics & Wellness Centre. More virtual programs, including group classes, virtual personal training, a running program and esports intramurals are available on the #MoveUTM Virtual Programs webpage.
Check out the RAWC's Home Workouts playlist for free online workouts for pilates, yogilates, barre, tabata and more.
The RAWC's Mindfulness & Meditation playlist features guided meditations and yoga videos for all levels of experience.
Mental health resources (for students)
- Access a list of UTM and GTA Mental Health Resources on the HCC website, including:
- Students currently residing in Ontario may access personal counselling through the HCC by telephone appointments between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
- Students residing outside of Ontario may access counselling resources across Canada here.
- Students who currently reside outside of Canada may access counselling supports through My SSP, a service available to all University of Toronto students. Here are tips for how to access MySSP internationally.
- U of T Family Care Office
Mental health resources (for faculty and staff)
- HR&Equity support and advice for employees working at home
- Events, resources and guidance for mental well-being
- Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) (downloadable PDF)
- COVID-19 updates to EFAP supports and services
- The Homewood Health Client Services Centre, 1-800-663-1142, offers advice, counselling, and help for all employees and their dependents. Services are offered remotely and confidentially 24/7/365. Additional tools and resources for managing anxiety, stress and other mental health concerns can be found at Homeweb.ca
- Mental Health While in Quarantine, Self-Isolation, or Working Remotely (downloadable PDF)
- Wellness and Work From Home Toolkit
- U of T Family Care Office
- U of T Guidelines on flexible work arrangements
- Wellness Together Canada—self-directed e-mental health tools, peer support and live counselling from Health Canada
- Big White Wall—anonymous peer-to-peer online support for anxiety, depression and mental health
Additional mental health resources
- Access Mental health and COVID-19 information from The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Quick Links
Telehealth Ontario
Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information from a Registered Nurse.
- Phone: 1-866-797-0000
- TTY: 1-866-797-0007
- Hourse: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Region of Peel Public Health
The Region of Peel Public Health website offers information about mobile COVID-19 testing centres, mental health supports and community support services.
- Phone: 905-799-7700
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week.
STILL HAVE COVID QUESTIONS? Submit a question here or refer to the following pages for more details:
