U of T closes gyms, implements other changes amid new Ontario COVID-19 measures

The University of Toronto is taking a number of actions in response to new public health measures introduced by the Province of Ontario to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Effective Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, the following changes take effect:

• Fitness facilities: Closing of indoor gyms and fitness centres (i.e., exercise classes and weight and exercise rooms).
• Food services: Operations on all three campuses will shift to take-out only, and seating in dining halls and food service outlets will be closed.
• Limits to organized activities:  All social gatherings and organized public events will be subject to a maximum of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors where physical distancing can be maintained. The two limits may not be combined for an indoor-outdoor event.

In-person teaching and instruction at universities are exempted from the new restrictions. However, residents of these regions are advised to limit non-essential trips outside of their homes. With that in mind, U of T is asking its principals and deans to review in-person activities, including instruction.

“We are asking all faculties and divisions to consider carefully the limited in-person activities that are now taking place on our three campuses to ensure they are essential,” said U of T Vice-President and Provost Cheryl Regehr. 

Examples of essential instruction include lab courses, music and practical instruction, learning that requires hands-on activity and health professions’ practical training. 

At present, approximately 90 per cent of courses are being offered remotely. Information on decisions to move additional courses to remote instruction will be provided by individual faculties.