We've been hearing of universities in the U.S. moving to online classes and closing down some dorms.
NEWSTALK 1010 reached out to Toronto's universities and colleges about how they are handling the outbreak.
We received the following responses:
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
The University of Toronto is following the directions of public health authorities who advise that the risk of community transmission in the GTA remains low.
The University has academic and business continuity plans that will be enacted as needed. Our plans focus on the need to ensure the health of our community, and the continuity of our courses and programs.
Please visit the website for FAQ's and updates that will refreshed as the situation evolves.
YORK UNIVERSITY
York University takes the wellbeing and safety of our community very seriously. The university activated an emergency planning team in January that includes senior administrators from across the institution to plan and respond quickly and effectively to any health and safety situation that might arise.
York is monitoring the worldwide COVID-19 situation closely and remains in contact with health agencies to stay up to date on information as it becomes available and follow their lead for any additional measures required. We have proactively communicated with our community, providing information on public health precautions, resources and supports.
The university is actively reviewing all options for the community, including academic options, events, international travel and enhanced precautions. We have already implemented a number of health and safety measures and remain ready to adjust or change our approach as the situation changes, including the possibility of moving to online instruction.
SENECA COLLEGE
Seneca continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and follow the guidance of Ontario's health authorities regarding preventative measures.
While the risk of infection remains low in Ontario, Seneca has prepared an emergency response team to co-ordinate activities should the situation change.
Classes are going ahead as scheduled and there are no plans to cancel them currently.
The health and safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance. This is an evolving situation and there are plans in place should the risk level change at any of our campuses.
HUMBER COLLEGE
Overall, we are obviously aware of the COVID-19 and are monitoring the evolving situation as it may impact the college and campus community. Currently, there are no known cases at Humber College. As of this email, all classes, campus operations and activities are continuing as scheduled.
General Operations:
The college has activated its Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) and has a pandemic plan and business continuity plans in place, should they be required. We are continuing to monitor the spread of COVID-19 carefully and are consulting with Toronto Public Health. The CIRT meets regularly and discusses all aspects of college, campus and classroom operations. We are committed to keeping students informed of necessary changes, to safeguarding their well-being and safety, and making decisions based on the latest public health guidelines and emerging information.
Residence Protocol (if required):
In the case where a student living in residence may require self-isolation, they will be asked to go home if possible. If they are unable to go home, the student will be self-isolated in a room with a private bathroom. Food delivery will be arranged for the student. If they have a roommate, the roommate will be required to monitor symptoms for 14 days and will need to self-isolate if they become symptomatic. Humber will take direction from Toronto Public Health on the appropriate measures to take.
Students, faculty, staff and the community can find updates on COVID and Humber at www.humber.ca/updates.
GEORGE BROWN
We are continuing to carefully monitor the COVID-19 situation. The College follows the advice of Public Health agencies and at this time classes, exams and events continue.
George Brown College is aiming to do everything possible to keep its community safe and healthy. That's why we have established a working group to inform, coordinate and guide our decision-making and response to this situation. We are also updating the college's Pandemic Plan so we will be prepared in the event a pandemic is declared. Recently we suspended all college-related international travel activities, including to the United States, for employees and students until the end April.
For more information on how we are responding to COVID-19, please visit our website here: https://www.georgebrown.ca/news/information-on-the-coronavirus/