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Update: Outbreak at Pitman Residence has ended

April 29, 2021

Update: As of April 28, Toronto Public Health has confirmed the outbreak at Pitman Residence has ended. 

Students and employees impacted by the outbreak have been advised. We want to thank them for their ongoing cooperation and support in continuing to follow Toronto Public Health direction during this period. 

We continue to advise our community members to follow Ryerson’s health and safety protocols including:

Update: As of April 21, 11 confirmed cases have been identified in Pitman Residence. Ryerson University continues to work collaboratively with Toronto Public Health. 

Students and employees impacted by the outbreak have been advised.

Update: As of April 13, 8 confirmed cases have been identified in Pitman Residence. Ryerson University continues to work collaboratively with Toronto Public Health.

On April 12 Toronto Public Health (TPH) declared an outbreak at Pitman Residence. Ryerson University has been advised that a total of 7 individuals living in Pitman Residence have tested positive for COVID-19. All individuals have been identified as close contacts of one another. All additional identified close contacts have been notified and are isolating. To protect the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals, we are not permitted to disclose any further information of a personal nature.

Ryerson working collaboratively with Toronto Public Health 

TPH has advised that these cases are unrelated to the suspected outbreak identified last week involving two external contractors. As there is no evidence of transmission between contractors who tested positive and Ryerson community members, last week’s suspected outbreak has been closed. Ryerson’s Environmental Health and Safety Team is continuing to work collaboratively with Toronto Public Health to follow any directives they provide in managing the outbreak.

Students and employees living/working in the impacted spaces have been notified. Students seeking support are encouraged to contact Housing and Residence Life at 1-888-960-1191. This hotline is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Additional student support can be found on the RU4U website which provides access to the many resources, programs and supports available to all students at this time. 

Please continue to follow protocol and self-monitor daily for symptoms 

As always, community members are advised to continue to self-monitor daily for symptoms and we encourage you to review TPH guidelines for individuals who may have COVID-19 symptoms or been exposed to a positive case (external link)  in the event that you develop any symptoms.

We want to remind our community members of the critical importance of supporting your health and that of your fellow students/colleagues by following Ryerson’s daily health screening protocols for students and employees and public health guidelines on proper infection prevention and control practices.

Minimizing COVID-19 risk on campus

For the past year, Ryerson has implemented a variety of health and safety measures to keep our campus safe.

  • Remote work and learning: Most Ryerson community members are working and studying remotely. Limiting the number of people on campus is one of the most effective ways to minimize risk.
  • Health screening measures: For community members who are required to come to our campuses for work or study, daily health screening protocols for students and employees is required.  
  • Physical distancing strategies: Individuals on campus are required to maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres.  
  • Personal protective equipment and other measures: In keeping with current public health recommendations and in support of the City of Toronto’s mask bylaw, Ryerson University requires mask use.  
  • Additional measures: Additionally, Ryerson has installed plexiglass barriers and posted signage to further reduce the risk of transmission on campus.

As a reminder, in deciding whether or not to communicate a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case on campus, Ryerson University considers

  • confirmed risk to the health and safety of the Ryerson community
  • the direction of local public health agencies

For more information, visit Ryerson University's information on Responding to Cases on Campus.

We want to thank our community for its ongoing commitment to following COVID-19 protocol and assisting in keeping yourself and our broader community safe during this challenging time.

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