While in Canada

Definition of Fully Vaccinated

Toronto Metropolitan University is using the  (PDF file) province of Ontario’s definition of fully vaccinated (external link)  in it’s vaccine policy. According to the province of Ontario, to qualify as fully vaccinated, individuals must have: 

• the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or any combination of such vaccines,
• one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada, followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or
• three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada
• Received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago

Health Canada has authorized the following four vaccines (external link) : 

• Moderna Spikevax 
• Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty 
• AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) 

This definition varies from the definition of “fully-vaccinated” currently being used by the Federal Government for entry into Canada (external link) . 

As such, while you may meet the federal criteria (external link)  for entry into Canada, you may require an additional vaccine dose to be considered fully vaccinated according to the province of Ontario’s definition, and in order to attend in-person classes on campus. 

If you are unsure of your next steps as it relates to your options for vaccination, Toronto Metropolitan University Medical Centre physicians will be available to provide medical advice regarding COVID-19 vaccines. You can book an appointment by calling 416-979-5070 or by email at medicalct@torontomu.ca. 

To Access Campus You Must: 

 Community members encouraged to submit proof of Covid-19 vaccination status: 

It is reccomended that you submit proof of your fully-vaccinated status, and keep COVID-19 vaccinations current, per public health guidelines. 

Keeping track of the vaccination status of all of our community members will allow the university to shift back to requiring vaccination to attend campus quickly and easily, should it become necessary. Please note that your ability to continue to participate in academic, work and  other activities at the university may be impacted if the requirement for mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 is reintroduced, based on the updated information you provide about your vaccination status.

For information on how to update your vaccination status, please read through the “How to submit proof of vaccination status or update your status” section of the Vaccination webpage. 

For information on Toronto Metropolitan University’s vaccination policy, please visit Toronto Metropolitan University’s Vaccination website. 

 Wear a mask when indoors

You must wear a mask or face covering at all times while indoors. Your mask or face covering must cover your mouth, nose and chin. For more information, read through the Masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) website. 

Continue to physically distance: The two-metre physical distancing requirement continues to be required by law, and will remain in place until further notice.

 Check for any department specific protocol for visiting campus: 

Specific areas on campus will also have additional COVID-19 processes that must be followed in addition to health screening, such as booking an appointment in advance or completing local contact tracing log

 Report a Case 

If you have tested positive for covid-19, feeling sick or experiencing covid-19 symptoms, and/or have spent time with someone that tested positive for COVID-19 and have been on campus in the past 14 days, please follow the steps outlined on the Student COVID-19 Reporting webpage.

Traveling within Canada - COVID-19 Requirements

• If flying or boarding a train within Canada, you will be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more: COVID-19 Boarding flights and trains in Canada (external link) .
• Additionally, if you are traveling to another province or territory you should check individual provincial or territorial COVID-19 requirements (external link) .
  

Ontario’s Health Measures & Restrictions

• Proof of Vaccination Requirement: You will need to provide proof of vaccination to access certain businesses and indoor settings (e.g. bars, restaurants, nightclubs, sporting events, concerts, etc). Learn more: Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings, (external link) 
• Proof of approved Vaccination may be requested at indoor venues (concerts, restaurants, mall seating area, museums, art galleries, etc.):
  • The only accepted proof of vaccination will be an enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code 
  • To obtain an enhanced COVID-19: Proof of Vaccination  (external link) with QR code, you must submit your COVID-19 Immunization Records for Outside of Ontario Vaccination for Toronto (external link) .
  • This will differ depending on where you live in Toronto (and Ontario by extension), please find specific instructions depending on your Public Health Unit (external link) .
• Masking Mandates have been partially lifted for all indoor venues except the following:
  • public transit, including indoor areas and vehicles. This does not include businesses or organizations that provide sightseeing or touring services
  • health care settings
  • Please note some Businesses may request that a mask be worn on their premises. 

• Think you might have COVID-19?
  • You can take a self-assessment (external link)  to help you decide if you need a test.
  • Find a testing location (external link)  and learn what to expect during your test.

Check out our Living in Toronto Guide for  information on everything from General Cost of Living, to Winter Clothing, Cellphones,  Entertainment and more. 

Emergency Contact Information

The Global Learning team will be monitoring the global.learning@torontomu.ca email address outside of office hours in order to respond to any crisis or urgent issues that may arise. This refers to anything that would not require the support of a medical or healthcare professional (such as the services described below). 

It is important to note that all medical emergencies should be directed to the local emergency number, 911. More information can be found in our Living in Toronto site (Health and Wellness). You can find information on what to do if experiencing a mental health crisis on the Student Wellbeing site. If you do access these emergency services please inform us (the global learning team and/or your faculty exchange coordinator) when you are able so that we can offer additional support if needed (and if desired). 

When sending an email to global.learning@torontomu.ca regarding an urgent issue or crisis, ensure that the subject line reads: EMERGENCY Please note that the email address will be monitored periodically after hours (outside of 9 AM - 5 PM), and on weekends. 

Situations that are not considered an emergency or crisis include:

• Concerns with course selection and registration
• Lack of long-term housing for the duration of their activity (lack of immediate, short-term housing would be a crisis)
• Looking for logistical support to set up a bank account, get a phone plan, and overall settle into a new place. Our pre-arrival guide has detailed information and you should be able to connect with other students for advice/support