Dear Faculty and Staff,

On Monday, November 23, Toronto implemented broad measures and restrictions to halt transmission of COVID-19. The Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy has updated itsreopening 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. It is strongly recommended that all faculty and staff continue working remotely unless otherwise required for operations.

I’d like to provide the following updates on teaching, research and building access:

Teaching, Rotations & Labs

Classes and exams continue to take place virtually with exceptions only for essential in-person teaching, including lab-based course instruction and practical training for health professions.

We expect lab-based courses and experiential education rotations to continue as scheduled and will send updates if this changes.

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 that 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 by FOB only. It is strongly recommended that faculty and staff continue working from home.

Full-time faculty have FOB access to the building 24/7. Non-full-time faculty require approval to access the building. Staff who are not on the essential research list will no longer have FOB access to the building.

If you do not have FOB access and need to enter the building for an explicit purpose (i.e. pick-up mail, files, etc.), please seek approval from your manager and Tina Harvey-Kane, Director of Facilities Management.

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.

Visitors, volunteers and guests are prohibited unless absolutely critical to being on site.

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). No one should come to campus if they receive a red status.

Meetings and Events

All meetings, including informal meetings with colleagues should be virtual unless absolutely necessary. Office space should be limited to one person. Course instructors who wish to record lectures in room 850 should reach out to the program directors, who will liaise with the Education Office to coordinate room access.

No events are permitted to be booked at LDFP.

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 and responsibility 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 hosted small group meetings inside their office and/or not being good departmental citizens. In the current lockdown stage, it is critical that everyone follow public heath measures.

If you have any questions about safe building use or concerns, please contact: Tina Harvey-Kane, Director of Facilities Management.

U of T Occupational Health & Safety General Workplace Guidelines

  • If carpooling with another employee from outside your household, please refer to the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Only critical items should be made available for pick up (e.g. textbooks), and then only contactless.
  • Where one is meeting in-person with (A) someone who cannot wear a mask or face covering, (B) within 2 meters of the person and (C) not separated by an impermeable barrier, the worker must wear a non-medical mask or face covering, eye-protection (goggles) and face shield.

We regularly update our Reopening: Plans and Procedures webpage and encourage all faculty and staff 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