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COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.  

If you are experiencing any new or worsening symptoms, were told to isolate or quarantine, or have tested positive for COVID-19, please complete the Ministry of Health’s provincial screening tool (https://www.ontario.ca/autoevaluation/), and follow the guidance and direction provided to determine self-isolation, self-monitoring and back to work or school timelines.   

York University continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 to help our community respond to the challenges of the pandemic. We assess pandemic information and data locally, nationally, and globally; including all provincial and municipal health information, guidelines, and directives. 

York students who have additional questions may contact Student Counselling Health and Well-being at schw@yorku.ca    

York staff, faculty, employees who have additional questions may contact Employee Well-Being at sfccm@yorku.ca    

Additional information regarding York University’s COVID-19 supports may be found below.

Anyone who has any symptoms of illness or tested positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to complete the Ministry of Health’s Provincial Screening Tool (https://www.ontario.ca/autoevaluation/) for further direction and guidance.

Information on Post COVID-19 Condition (Long COVID): EN | FR

Treatment of COVID-19 

  • COVID-19 treatment depends on the type and severity of illness and can range from symptom management to the use of specific antiviral treatment and even hospitalization. Consult your primary healthcare provider for more information. If it is a medical emergency, call 911. 
  • Antiviral treatment is now available for high-risk individuals to lower the risk of serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection. It is important to know if you are eligible for treatment and can be assessed using the COVID-19 antiviral treatment screener. Do not delay consulting your primary healthcare provider since some treatments need to be taken within five to seven days of your symptoms starting. 

York University continues to encourage that everyone receives a complete COVID-19 vaccine series, including updated booster(s), when eligible. Go to the Ontario vaccine site to check vaccine eligibility and to book an appointment or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Center at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY for people who are deaf, hearing-impaired or speech-impaired: 1-866-797-0007). 

Keele Campus

Vaccines are available at Shoppers Drug Mart at York Lanes, to book an appointment click here.

Glendon Campus

Please see Shoppers Drug Mart locations close to Glendon campus offering COVID-19 vaccines:

1601 Bayview

1601 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3B5

1860 Bayview

1860 Bayview Avenue, (UNIT 101) Toronto, ON M4G 0C3

Markham Campus

SHOPPERS DRUG MART Unionville Pharmacy

SHOPPERS DRUG MART Markham Town Square Pharmacy

Vaccine Links and Resources: 

York University is a mask friendly environment. The University paused the mandatory face mask protocol effective June 28, 2022. The University continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 and public health guidelines and, if necessary, public health requirements, including masking, will be reinstated.

Everyone’s choice to continue masking based on comfort levels and health needs should be respected. For more information, please visit: 

  • The Public Health Agency of Canada: COVID-19 mask use: Types of masks and respirators EN | FR
  • Health Canada:  How to Choose, Use, and Care for a Mask EN | FR

Where can I get a mask on campus? 

Community members with a valid YU-card may purchase masks from vending machines located on the Keele and Glendon Campuses. Vending machines are stocked with level 3 masks ($0.25 for a pack for three masks) and N95 masks ($1.00 for one mask).    

Please note that masks are currently available in these 4 vending machine locations:

  • Ross/Vari Link
  • York Lanes
  • Curtis Lecture Hall
  • Glendon

If you need to update your YU-card, please visit: https://www.yorku.ca/yucard/ 

The provincial government has started to wind down their distribution of tests through grocery stores and pharmacies. Participating grocery and pharmacy locations will be giving out free COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits while supplies last, with a limit of one box of five tests per household per visit. Please check the provincial government’s webpage for availability and distribution locations. (French: https://www.ontario.ca/localisateur-tests-rapides/)

Were you tested for COVID-19? 

COVID-19 testing locations and clinical assessment centres 

Testing should take place at home, before coming to campus. Students living on campus should complete the test before leaving their residence room/apartment. 

What do my test results mean?

Visit Toronto Public Health’s COVID-19 Testing Page: TPH: COVID-19 Testing and see section: Understanding Your COVID-19 Test Result.

Can I use the at-home testing supplies when travelling? 

For travelling purposes, please consult your local and destination guidelines regarding test requirements. Please consult the manufacturer’s guidance for information on maintaining the integrity of the test supplies during shipping (e.g., air travel). More information regarding local and destination guidelines may be found under Travel Health

Additional resource for testing: What is a Rapid Antigen Test? (ontario.ca)

Toronto Public Health (TPH) Resources:

TPH Hotline: 416 – 338 – 7600 TTY: 416-392-0658  

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday 

Email: PublicHealth@toronto.ca 

If you reside outside of Toronto, find your local public health unit here: Public Health Unit Locator (gov.on.ca)

For more information about cleaning processes at York: https://www.yorku.ca/facilities/our-services/property-management/custodial-services/   

For more information about ventilation at York:   https://www.yorku.ca/facilities/our-services/property-management/maintenance/

As COVID-19 remains part of our lives, it is important that we take personal responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe.  

Contact us: 

  • For students: SCHW@yuoffice.yorku.ca  
  • Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
  • For employees: SFCCM@yorku.ca  
  • Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Staff and faculty may find additional community health/COVID-19 resources by visiting YU Link.