COVID-19: U of T, Ryerson University announce plans to ramp up in-person learning

As Ontario officials say there are early signs the province is closing in on the peak of the COVID-19 Omicron variant case surge, two universities in Toronto have announced plans to ramp up in-class learning.

According to a memo issued by the University of Toronto on Wednesday, in-person classes will begin to increase on Feb. 7 after the school pivoted primarily to remote learning in December due to soaring COVID-19 cases.

“We know that there is uncertainty and apprehension around returning to in-person study and work, and we are relying on expert advice to support our community with enhanced safety measures,” University of Toronto vice-presidents Cheryl Regehr and Kelly Hannah-Moffat wrote, adding they believe continuing education is “essential” to society.

“Our students have told us how important physical presence on campus is to them – both for their academic work and for their mental well-being. U of T currently hosts thousands of students in our residences, many of whom have travelled far from home to learn and interact with their professors, classmates and friends.”

The document said plans for a resumption will vary at each campus and faculty, citing local pandemic-related factors. For instance, it said the health sciences faculties are still consulting due to a current broader strain on the medical system.

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The memo also said as of Feb. 7, staff members doing their work remotely will need to be ready to return to the university — noting they will be “expected to be within commuting distance.” However, it said managers will be meeting with employees and approval will be needed to work remotely and to work outside of Ontario.

When it comes to COVID-specific regulations for post-secondary institutions, the document said there are no restrictions on capacity limits, distancing and in-person classes due to public health measures and high vaccination uptake.

Staff said masks remain mandatory and proof of vaccination must be provided to the school. It said there is also a limited number of rapid test kits, but those are being saved for people with “higher-risk” situations.

Meanwhile, Ryerson University also announced on its website on Wednesday that a full return to in-person learning is expected by Feb. 28 and the transition back will start on Jan. 31.

Mohamed Lachemi, the university’s president and vice-chancellor, said the move was made “given the continued assurance from public health authorities that the spread of this variant will begin to abate in the coming weeks.”

Similar to the University of Toronto, the return-to-class plans will be specific to each program and faculty.

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“A return to in-person learning is in the best interests of students,” Lachemi wrote, while also reiterating public health-related measures that continue to remain in place.

“We know that the collaboration and conversation that happens in classrooms and labs, the access to in-person supports both in the classroom and beyond, and the community and relationships created by on-campus extra-curricular activities are just a few of the benefits of returning to campus. In-person interactions and engagement will also support and enrich the work of faculty and staff.”

On the same day the announcements were made, Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said recent COVID-19 data trends suggest the province is nearing the peak of the fifth wave.

“We’re starting to see glimmers of hope,” she told reporters.

Elliott said new hospitalizations are starting to slow and are doubling at a much slower rate than earlier in January, but the toll the virus is taking on the health care system will likely extend into February.

“I do want to be clear, February will continue to pose challenges, especially for our hospitals as people continue to require care of COVID-19.”

With files from Michael Ranger