Dear Students,
The Provincial government issued a Stay-at-Home Order effective April 8, 2021 to curb the transmission of COVID-19. The Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy’s reopening plans and procedures will continue to align with public health measures, as well as the University’s guidelines and recommendations. In the event further regulations are announced by the Province, we will provide further updates.
Our focus remains on teaching, research and supporting students as they complete the winter term.
I would like to provide the following update and reminder concerning teaching, rotations, research and building access.
Teaching, Rotations & Labs
Classes continue to take place virtually with exceptions only for essential in-person teaching, including lab-based course instruction and experiential training.
The majority of courses will continue to be delivered online.
The Office of Experiential Education continues to meet with partners to determine the potential impact of the provincial measures on rotations. All placements can proceed under the current lockdown measures.
The Mask Fit sessions scheduled for today April 08, 2021 at the Faculty can continue as planned. Students are expected to follow public heath measures and LDFP guidelines regarding mask/physical distancing protocols at all times while at the Faculty.
Final exams will proceed as planned.
Research
Research activities will continue for those groups who have an approved Restart Research and Recovery plan for in-person research activities. However, all face-to-face research activities involving human subjects and off-campus research activities, which are not COVID-19 related, must stop.
All research staff and trainees should work remotely when possible.
Approved in-person research activities must follow the Red (Control) level of the LDFP Guidelines for Research Restart and Recovery. This limits the maximum capacity to four persons per lab module (lab space + trainee office space). The maximum room capacity is four in the lab and three in the trainee office space.
Building Access
Students are discouraged from visiting the building given the Provincial directive. The building continues to be locked 24/7 and accessible by FOB only to those designated as essential only.
Students who are not on the essential research list will not have FOB access to the building.
Elevators are accessible by FOB only and capacity is restricted to ensure physical distancing.
Before entering the building, please complete the UCheck assessment, and sign into the building using the QR code or manual sign in sheet at the entrance. Please obey all signage providing guidance on how to safely access the elevators, stairwells, labs, bathrooms, etc.
UCheck
UCheck is U of T’s self assessment health screening tool that generates a COVID risk status. It is required by all students, faculty and staff and is available online (UCheck) or by completing a paper-based log each time you come to campus (available at first floor reception desk). No one should come to campus if they receive a red status.
Masks
University Policy requires non-medical masks or face coverings to be worn indoors in common-use spaces on University property, including the Pharmacy Building. Please note that face shields are not a replacement for masks. Click here for U of T’s Mask FAQ.
Following Protocol
We all have a shared interest in being in a safe and healthy environment where everyone is following physical distancing protocol and has completed a (green) self-assessment.
If you have any questions about safe building use or concerns, please contact: Tina Harvey-Kane, Director of Facilities Management.
Further information can be found on our website page Reopening: Plans and Procedures and all students are encouraged to stay informed about access and safety protocol, policies and procedures as our building operations and activities continue to evolve with public health and University guidelines.
Sincerely,
Lisa Dolovich,
Professor & Dean
Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy
University of Toronto