As the holiday season approaches, I wanted to share some information to help you make an informed decision about your holiday plans. I recognize that the holiday period is often a time to get away, relax and spend time with family and friends. Finding safe ways to stay in touch with loved ones has become more important now than ever before. As Ontario works hard to limit the spread of COVID-19, I would like to encourage you to consider limiting your travel and in-person social interactions during the holiday period.
Staying on campus during the holidays
York Undergraduate Residences will remain open and operational with limited services from Wednesday, December 23, 2020, 4:30 p.m. to Thursday, January 7, 2021, 12 noon. Plans are in place to ensure the health and safety of all community members. Security, on-call maintenance, emergency repairs, and Residence Life support will be available. A few community events will be held, and some on-campus dining options will be open. Guests remain not permitted in residence. The usual $400 fee for students remaining in residence during the holidays will be waived. If you plan to stay on campus during the holidays, please take the following actions:
- Confirm your intent to stay on campus by completing the Undergraduate Holiday Status Form by 12 noon, November 23, 2020. Students who do not complete this form will lose building and room access over the holiday period.
- Complete the mandatory screening form every day. This daily exercise allows York University to get in touch and support students living on campus who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Travelling during the pandemic
Students travelling within Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), are not required to quarantine before returning to the York University campus. However, please follow the health and safety measures below.
If you plan on travelling outside of Ontario over the holidays, please make yourself aware of travel restrictions across Canadian provinces and territories. If you plan on travelling outside of Canada over the holidays, please keep the following in mind:
- A 14-day quarantine period remains a federal requirement for all travelers (including Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents) entering Canada from international locations (including the US).
- York students entering Canada from international locations must make arrangements to quarantine off campus. Students are not permitted to quarantine on campus.
- York International is available to coordinate off-campus quarantine accommodations and students travelling outside of Canada over the holidays will be responsible for the cost. Please visit the York Quarantine Information Page for more information and to request quarantine accommodation.
- Follow the health and safety measures outlined below.
Health & Safety Measures
Regardless of your travel plans this holiday season, I would like to remind you about health and safety measures to safeguard your health, reduce the risk of transmission and limit future outbreaks of COVID-19:
- Minimize contact with those other than your immediate family “bubble”;
- Wear a mask or face covering in all indoor spaces and when you can’t maintain 2-meter physical distance outdoors;
- Practice physical distancing and frequent handwashing;
- Use hand sanitizer when handwashing is not available;
- Avoid touching your face;
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces;
- Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; and
- Stay home and self-isolate if you are sick (use the self-assessment tool); are in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case; are COVID-19 positive; or have travelled internationally recently.
Support & Resources
If you have questions or concerns about staying safe on or off campus, please contact the Office of Student Community Relations (OSCR) between Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at oscr@yorku.ca or 416-736-5231. You can also reach out to OSCR if you need referrals and support, both internal and external to York, help with complex issues or assistance with personal issues related to the pandemic.
I wish you the best of luck as you near the end of the fall academic term. Stay safe and healthy during this holiday season.
Sincerely,
Lucy Fromowitz
Vice-Provost Students