UofT confirms first COVID-19 outbreak on campus from outdoor activity
The University of Toronto has confirmed its first COVID-19 outbreak on campus from a close-contact outdoor activity.
According to the university on Monday, Toronto Public Health linked four cases to an “informal” athletic activity on the St. George campus.
UofT noted that all the individuals involved in the activity, “which was not sponsored or organized by UofT,” were on the university’s Back Campus field near Tower Road and Hoskins Avenue on November 8, between noon and 6 pm.
“The university is working closely with Toronto Public Health to assess the situation and conduct contact tracing. All those identified as having close contact with the individuals have been notified and are self-isolating,” UofT said in a statement.
“The university and Toronto Public Health are following up on all of the confirmed cases. University staff are in contact with the individuals to support them.”
As a precaution, the university temporarily closed the field and intensive cleaning of related indoor spaces was completed.
UofT also said that none of the individuals attended in-person classes based on the information gathering at the time, and all contact took place outdoors.
“Toronto Public Health has determined that there is low risk to other members of the community such as those who may have walked by the field during that time,” they added.
Since the start of the pandemic, 85 cases have been reported by members of the UofT community, with updated data published every Monday.
When the field is reopened, UofT said that members of the university can continue to play distanced, outdoor activities.
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