COVID-19 Stay At Home Order Update

In addition to  (PDF file) new orders from Toronto Public Health regarding workplace safety last week (external link) , on January 12, the provincial government issued a Stay-at-Home Order for Ontario (external link) , effective Thursday, January 14. While Ryerson is already compliant with much of the direction outlined in the stay-at-home order, we are reminding colleagues that, unless it is not possible for your duties to be completed from home, you should not be coming to campus during this time.

What if I am unable to attend work due to COVID-19 related illness or isolation requirements?

To encourage transparent reporting and limit further spread of COVID-19, we would like to ensure that all RFA and CUPE 3904 contract lecturers are aware of their access to sick leave provisions in their respective Collective Agreements in the event that they are unwell or required to isolate due to COVID-19.

In these circumstances, please work with the relevant office of your Dean/Chief Librarian/Chair/Director/Supervisor who will coordinate as needed with Workplace Wellbeing Services.

Additionally, if you have been on campus in the preceding 14 days from the diagnosis or isolation requirement, please also review information for employees on reporting COVID-19 cases to determine if you should submit  (google form) Ryerson’s Self-Declaration form (external link) .

What if I am required to attend campus to complete my duties?

If you are required to continue to come to campus, please be reminded of important processes that Ryerson has implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19 in your areas, including:

• Maintaining physical distancing by at least two metres throughout the workplace and during eating and rest periods (e.g. lunchrooms, change rooms, washrooms). 
• Wearing a mask while on campus as outlined by the Mask Use Guidelines. 
  • Note that the new order requires masks to be worn at all times indoors (including in offices) and recommends masks be worn outdoors if physical distancing of two metres cannot be maintained. The mask policy will be updated to reflect this. 
• Completing Ryerson’s health screening form prior to attending campus each day.
• Reviewing information on what to do if you feel unwell while on campus.
• Please also ensure you have confirmed any departmental-specific COVID-19 procedures prior to visiting campus, such as department-specific contact tracing logs. 
• Ensuring you are completing and passing the required health screening form at all times before accessing campus.

Please also ensure you have reviewed the information about Planning for a Gradual Return to Campus online and confirm any department-specific guidelines with your Faculty/unit.

Office access

All previous approvals to work on campus for teaching and/or administrative work are revoked. The relevant office of your Dean/Chief Librarian/Chair/Director/Supervisor will go through the review process again following the provincial government’s new criteria and will grant approvals, only in exceptional circumstances.

Colleagues should continue to work from home. Office access is only permitted if the tools and technology you require to work, teach and/or conduct SRC activities are not available offsite. We are asking Deans/Chief Librarian/Chairs/Directors/Supervisors to evaluate these instances on a case-by-case basis, and to be discerning in their decision making.

In the meantime, please ensure that you have an email from the relevant office granting approval as proof of being allowed to be on campus. 

I’m concerned about balancing dependent care and my duties. Where do I go for support?

While RFA and CUPE 3904 members may have already adopted flexible work practices, it is essential that you speak to your Dean/Chief Librarian/Chair/Director/Supervisor about any new or adjusted options that could support your work.

All cases will continue to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. 

SRC activities

For information related to SRC Activities, please visit the website of the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation. Latest Update January 13, 2021.

Curb-side pick up for course-related materials

Curb-side pick up for essential items (e.g. lab kits) is acceptable as long as all other delivery options have been exhausted. A gentle reminder that shipping of any materials wherever and whenever possible is preferred and can be arranged. Please be prepared to provide proof that no other option was available, should you be asked to do so once on campus.

Library operations

The Library will be keeping staff on site in a limited capacity to make sure e-reserves and digital course readings are processed and available for winter courses. The Library will continue to support digital delivery of programs and teaching, learning and SRC. This includes research help and instruction, D2L course support, and access to core academic and SRC resources and services. Workshops continue to be offered online.

Laptop and wifi hotspots are available to students with exceptional need (and as available). Items already requested via Contactless Print Pickup will be processed for delivery wherever possible. Accessible formats and closed captioning requests will continue to be provided. Temporarily suspended services include book returns, scan and deliver, and new print pickup requests. Study space bookings and SRC appointments within the Library will continue to be restricted. If you have questions or concerns about Library services, please visit library.ryerson.ca or reach out to your subject librarian. 

Student study spaces 

Communal student study spaces in the Library, the SLC or other campus buildings will continue to be restricted.

Thank you for your continued support 

It cannot be overstated that we are continuing to move forward through unprecedented times and we want to thank you for your continued efforts.

If you have any questions about remote work and return to campus processes, please connect with your Dean/Chief Librarian or Chair/Director/Supervisor as relevant.