Dear Students,
On Monday, November 23, Toronto implemented broad measures and restrictions to halt or interrupt transmission of COVID-19. The Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy has updated its reopening plans and procedures to align with public health measures for lockdown (grey), as well as the University’s guidelines and recommendations.
Our focus remains on teaching, research and supporting students as they complete the fall term.
I’d like to provide the following updates on 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 for the remainder of the fall term.
We expect lab-based courses to continue as scheduled, but students are asked to monitor their email for communications from their instructor related to any changes in the coming weeks.
Experiential rotations are continuing, including in Toronto and Peel regions.
Final exams will proceed as planned.
Research
Research activities will continue for those groups who have an approved Restart Research and Recovery plan for on-campus activities. However, all face-to-face research activities involving human subjects, which are not COVID-19 related, must stop.
All research staff and trainees should work remotely when possible.
Approved on-site 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
The building is now locked 24/7 and accessible only to those designated as essential by FOB only.
Students who are not on the essential research list or do not have in-person labs 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 obey all signage demonstrating 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’s 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.
Study Space
Student study spaces are available by request on the first floor, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through the end of the exam period.
Desks are strategically placed to ensure physical distancing is practiced. Second and third floor study spaces are closed.
Desks will be designated on a first-come, first-serve basis and available to book in Outlook where they are listed as PHM-150-A through PHM-150-J (Atrium), and PHM-120-A through PHM-120-F (Jack Kay room).
When students arrive at the building, please ring the doorbell and (if requested) present your T-Card to the first floor reception staff member. They will verify your identity, confirm which study space is booked, and direct you to the corresponding desk location.
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. We are aware of some instances in which individuals have moved furniture and/or are not wearing masks.
I appreciate that the building is a hub for both studying and socializing, but in the current lockdown stage, it is critical that everyone follow public heath measures. Anyone who moves furniture, removes caution tape or disregards mask/physical distancing protocol will lose building access privileges.
If you have any questions about safe building use or concerns, please contact: Tina Harvey-Kane, Director of Facilities Management.
We regularly update our Reopening: Plans and Procedures webpage and encourage all students 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