Please watch this short video on how to safely navigate the Health Sciences Building.

This page was last updated on March 4, 2022 at 4:56 p.m.

Dear DLSPH Community,

With rates of COVID-19 infection continuing to fall in Ontario, DLSPH will return to in-person classes in the Summer Term, which begins May 9, 2022.

This decision means that all classes at DLSPH (Public Health Sciences and IHPME) will be conducted fully in person beginning May 9. Remote teaching will end as of that date, but U of T’s COVID safety measures, including vaccination and masking, will remain in place until otherwise indicated. In planning classes and other in-person activities for the Summer Term, we will follow our building’s COVID-19 usage plan, created in conjunction with DLSPH occupational and environmental health experts. This document will be updated as needed, and any changes to our building use, such as capacity limits for our classrooms and study spaces, will be communicated to all faculty, students and staff.

In less than a week, we are taking our first steps to bring back some of our smaller classes to the Health Sciences Building. For those returning on March 1 – and especially those attending in person for the first time – I would like to extend a warm welcome! I’m eager to meet as many students, faculty and staff as possible in person. For those not returning yet, please stay tuned to our social media channels and newsletters, and watch for photos and videos documenting our first day back.

I want to emphasize that the requirements and procedures for coming onto campus remain the same, and apply to our entire community. You must use U of T’s UCheck web portal before coming onto campus each time you intend to visit campus. If any of these requirements change in the coming months, we will continue to keep in close touch with you by email with updates.

Please note that U of T is now offering an app to help students find and book study spaces on campus. As well, we are making study space available in HSB 788, 789 and the 7th floor grad student lounge so that students can shift between in-person and online classes and other activities. If you are looking for housing this Spring, please know that U of T’s Student Life offers resources to help you find temporary or permanent spaces on campus or off campus.

Sincerely,

Adalsteinn (Steini) Brown
Dean

Mental Health Supports

New: U of T has updated Navi, its virtual mental health wayfinder to help connect you with support.

U of T’s My Student Support Program (My SSP) provides students with real-time and/or appointment-based confidential, 24-hour support for any school, health, or general life concern at no cost.

The Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is available to employees of the University of Toronto. This program is provided at no cost 24/7 and 365 days a year. Call toll free 1-800-663-1142.

DLSPH’s Building Use Protocols:

COVID-19-General-Assessment-Tool-February 17, 2022

Updated-Marked-HSB 4-7th floor plans 17 February 2022


Floor Plans Showing Occupancy Limits:

Health Sciences Building
Please hover the PDF to change slides

Revised-Marked-HSB-4-7th-floor-plans-7-February-2022-8

Gage Building
Please hover the PDF to change slides

Gage- Covid 19 Re entry plan

Frequently Asked Questions and Vaccinations

As we maintain continuity during these challenging times, we also aim to address all of your questions.

Click here to access our FAQ page.

You can also find live updates from JCB here.

You are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. Please read the Provost’s Q&A on vaccine requirements on campus.

Staying Well

DLSPH 8th Floor Lounge” on Quercus!

The 8th Floor Lounge provides a space for students, faculty, and staff to come together, connect, be social, support each other, and be in community. The 8th Floor Lounge can be entered anytime. We’re seeding our the 8th Floor with Inspiration. There’s something for everyone – whether you are inspired by art, nature, animals, music, dance, poetry, speeches, short films, memes, humour, or watching others poke goo. If what inspires you is missing – add it! This space is intended to be co-created so how our online community grows is only limited by our imagination! The 8th Floor Lounge currently includes the following ways to connect:

  • Discussion boards – add a topic that excites you!
  • Themed Virtual Meeting Spaces, such as The Lounge, The Kitchen, The Tree House, The Gym, The Spa, The Music Room and more!
  • An Inspiration Corner
  • Mental Health and Wellness Resources

Visit the Lounge here.

Life is complicated and doesn’t always go as planned. If you are in distress, we can connect you to the help you need. Here are some resources for learners and students.

For Students

For 24/7/365 support: U of T My SSP (multiple languages): 1844-451-9700; or download the app: uoft.me/myssp
Good 2 Talk: 1866-925-5454

Tips from Toronto Public Health

  • Take deep breaths. Simple breathing exercises can help ease stress. Try breathing in deeply, counting to three, hold for a count of three, and then slowly breathe out, counting to three.
  • Have a routine. Structure your day and maintain positive habits.
  • Let in the sun. Open windows. Sunlight can improve your mood.
  • Exercise, dance and have fun. Blow off steam and boost endorphins.
  • Call or virtually connect with loved ones. Lean on each other for support.
  • Stay informed.  Check credible sources of information for updates but take breaks when needed. Taking in the news all day can be draining. Unplug for a bit and recharge – listen to music, meditate, read or listen to a podcast instead.
  • Look for the positives. Share inspirational stories of people helping one another.
  • Engage your brain. Do a word search, Sudoku, jigsaw or crossword puzzle.
  • Help others. Volunteer to pick up groceries or walk the dog for a neighbour who is self-isolating. Helping someone else can make you feel good.
  • Seek help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out. Community help is available.

UofT GUIDES FOR STUDENTS

More Tips

Webinars

Don’t miss our weekly webinars with our DLSPH experts. Did you miss a webinar? Watch them all on our YouTube page.
Dashboard of the Dalla Lana YouTube page for COVID-19 webinars

DLSPH’s Notice and Information on Business and Academic Continuity

Past memos on business and academic continuity at DLSPH are listed below.

University of Toronto and COVID-19

The University of Toronto has developed a one-stop webpage for all university matters pertaining to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Funding Opportunities

The public health community has a wide range of knowledge, experience and skill sets to contribute to the fight against COVID-19. Listed below are immediate COVID-19 funding opportunities.

Toronto Public Health’s Resources on COVID-19

Toronto Public Health is monitoring all positive cases of COVID-19.

Public Health Ontario’s Resources on COVID-19

Learn about how the Ministry of Health is preparing for the 2019 novel coronavirus in Ontario. Find out how to protect yourself, what to do if you’re sick after you travel and how to recognize possible symptoms.

Government of Canada’s Resources on COVID-19

The Government of Canada has a number of valuable resources for the public as well as health professionals as we weather through this pandemic.