Adjusted COVID Protocols at RAC, MAC & Kerr Hall
Safely increasing capacity, improving access for students
While our COVID safety protocols have brought us through the pandemic with no recorded transmission of any infection in our recreation programs thus far, our goal is to increase capacity and remove barriers to participation as quickly as we safely can. We have gradually increased our capacity week-by-week since campus reopened on February 28, and more changes will come into effect on Monday, March 21, all aimed at making it easier for our students to move with us.
Masking optional while physically active, otherwise required
Effective March 21, masks are strongly encouraged, but optional while actively participating in Athletics & Recreation programs at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC), Recreation & Athletics Centre (RAC) and Kerr Hall. Students and members are required to wear masks before and after participation - and while on the sidelines - but not while actively participating. Masks remain required for staff always, with the exception of group fitness instructors while actively teaching.
In keeping with broader university policy, masks remain required when not being physically active, including while entering/exiting Athletics & Recreation facilities and in common areas like hallways and changerooms. Likewise, proof of vaccination remains required, though students are no longer required to show their RyersonSafe proof of vaccination at the door.
We have priortized the health and safety of our community across the pandemic, including maintaining a higher standard around mask requirements than provincially required. This shift in policy is an acknowledgement of our province's evolving approach to managing the pandemic, and the difficulty participants have wearing them during certain activities, especially higher-intensity cardio activity.
Masks are effective at reducing transmission of COVID-19, and we encourage our students and members to wear a mask while physically active whenever possible. If you find your mask has become wet and uncomfortable mid-workout and you need a replacement, our staff will be happy to provide one.
Changes to pre-reservation requirements
Effective March 21:
- Reservations will no longer be required for the following activities and times:
- RAC and MAC Fitness Spaces: Weekday mornings before 10:15am
- RAC Pool Lane Swims: All swim times, including Women's Only and Trans + Gender Diverse Swims.
- Drop-in sport reservations will shift to only being available to book 48 hours prior to their start time to help avoid "no show" reservations made 6 days prior and move toward a more spontaneous "drop-in" feel
- All reservations will remain bookable until 15 minutes before their end-time to allow greater flexibility - if you're walking by the RAC, MAC or Kerr Hall and want to join in, check if there's a spot available online or ask our staff!
Programs and times with greater demand will continue to require pre-reservation to ensure our capacities are not exceeded and that students and members are not disappointed when being turned away at the door.
Physical activity as wellbeing and learning strategies
Regular physical activity remains one of your best wellbeing and learning strategies, proven to bolster your creativity, recall, attention and understanding, as well as your mood, sleep and digestion.
What more could you ask for heading into exams?
All in-person and online programs are freely available to Ryerson students.
