From:   Gina Trubiani, Director, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Health & Safety 
Date:  March 17, 2020 
Re:      [COVID-19] Public Health Process at the University of Toronto (PDAD&C #53)

This message is also for Chief Administrative Officers and HR Managers

In order to better respond to the global COVID-19 pandemic and protect the health of faculty, librarians, staff and students, the University is implementing new measures to track confirmed COVID-19 cases among members of our University community.  

Given the high volume of work experienced by public health authorities, the University is asking that any employee who tests positive for COVID-19 immediately report this result directly to U of T’s Occupational Health Nurse by email at ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca.  

The Occupational Health & Safety team at Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) will work with the appropriate offices to do our best to contact those who have had contact with the individual in U of T workplaces, in keeping with public health directives. Public health authorities may also continue to contact exposed persons as is their usual practice.   

Please note that the University must respect the privacy of individuals who are being tested or who have tested positive for COVID-19. Managers, Chairs, and Unit Heads should NOT send any messaging directly to faculty, staff, or others about suspected or confirmed cases.  

If you have questions regarding appropriate messaging about COVID-19, please contact gina.trubiani@utoronto.ca. 

For the latest information about U of T’s COVID-19 response, please see the University’s Coronavirus page. Please take the time to review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and the Human Resources & Equity page on COVID-19. If you or members of your unit have a question that is not covered, please consider using the Contact Us button located at the top of the FAQ section to submit your question.