Provincial government announces new temporary COVID-19 restrictions

The Government of Ontario today announced it is introducing updated public health measures to slow the spread of the Omicron variant and preserve hospital capacity. The measures will take effect Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022 and remain in effect until at least Jan. 26, 2022.

The government has announced a series of targeted time-limited measures. Those that may directly impact campus operations include:

• Social gathering limits reduced to five people indoors and 10 people outdoors and limiting capacity at organized public events to five people indoors.
• Employees are required to work remotely unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site.
  - Human Resources and the Human Rights and Equity Office have developed numerous resources to provide guidance to staff and managers related to remote work and caregiver responsibilities.
  - As it relates to faculty members, librarians, and archivists whose professional responsibilities are impacted by this announcement, Deans and the University Librarian, supported by Faculty Relations, are available to receive and consider requests for accommodation based on family status.
• The ARC will be closed effective Jan. 5. Virtual fitness programs and on on-demand workouts will continue to be provided recognizing the importance of physical activity to positive health and wellbeing.
• Campus libraries are limited to 50 per cent capacity. Curbside pickup of materials will be available.
• Retail food locations limited to takeout only.
• Details regarding residence dining facilities operations will be communicated in the coming days.
• Indoor meeting and event spaces are closed.
• Museums and galleries on campus are closed.

Students with program-specific queries are asked to contact their faculty advisor directly.  

We recognize that these changes can impact people’s mental health and well-being. Employees in need of support should contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program. Additional wellness resources are available on the Human Resources website. 

Students needing wellness support can contact Empower Me, 24/7 from countries around the world, Good2Talk, a 24/7 support line for post-secondary students, or Student Wellness Services.

For information about accessing campus that is specific to the Faculty of Arts and Science, please see our Campus Access Under COVID webpage.