Infectious Disease / Pandemic Response Program

The following information will assist university members in preparing for an infectious disease / pandemic situation.  If you have any further questions please email: healthandsafety@ontariotechu.ca 

COVID-19 information

The Ontario Tech COVID-19 Safety Plan summarizes the actions taken by the University to mitigate and control the risk of COVID-19 spread within our campus community. 

Download the Ontario Tech COVID-19 Safety Plan

• Vaccines
• Masks
• Ventilation upgrades and building readiness
• How to report an illness

Infectious Disease Training 

Specific training will be available as the University responds to emerging infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics.

COVID-19 Training:

• Return to Work COVID-19 training is mandatory for all Ontario Tech members returning to campus.  The training currently being organized by the University Operations Taskforce.
• Employees: To register for the training please go to the Infectious Disease Training: COVID-19 webpage for Employees.
• Students: To register for the training please go to the Infectious Disease Training: COVID-19 webpage for Students.

Infectious Disease Case Management Reporting

• These guidelines are based on the COVID-19 case management reporting.
• COVID-19 Reporting: Actions to be Taken by the Ontario Tech community.

Lockdown Directives

If Durham Region is in a lockdown or a province-wide shutdown in where we must vacate our laboratory areas, please refer to the information found on the Return to Remote Activities Preparedness webpage. 

Guidance Documents 

• Health and Safety Updated Guidelines.  This document communicates the actions that should be taken by individuals on-campus to ensure the safety of our workplace and community. 

• Enhanced Environmental Cleaning And Disinfection Advisory.  This advisory provides cleaning and disinfection guidance for those who are working on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic.  For more information on cleaning and disinfection, please visit the cleaning and disinfection FAQ.

• Contractor/ Service Provider COVID-19 Reporting Expectations. This document provides expectations of Third party contractors who come on campus. 

• COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness Plan Assistance.  This webpage will have information on steps to follow to prepare for and what to do during a period of campus closure.
   

Specific Areas

Research Labs / Teaching Labs

• Laboratory Guidance Document and Pre-start Laboratory Checklist.  If your lab is restarting after being in a state of extended closure, the Pre-start Laboratory Checklist should be completed.  The document also provides COVID-19 risk mitigation guidance for laboratories.

• Risk Matrix for Research Projects. The Risk Matrix for Research Projects is intended to assist Faculty Researchers with the creation of their safety plans.  A safety plan outlining a research project’s protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is required for all cases where 2-metres distancing is not possible or when other high-level risk factors exist (e.g. density issues; physical contact required).  If the activity occurring for the research project is not listed, please reach out to your FORC for assistance.  The Risk Matrix was created by the Return to On-campus Research Taskforce. 

• Laboratory Space Planning and Distancing Guideline.  To limit the exposure and spread of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus, it is extremely important to practice physical distancing. Staff and Faculty in charge of lab spaces are encouraged to clarify the new norms and behavioral expectations by following these guidelines. 

• Process to resume on-campus research and the Application to Re-Open Laboratory and/or Resume On-Campus Research Form and accompanying documents must be submitted for review.