Ryerson’s three residences follow strict COVID-19 protocols
Ryerson University’s three residence buildings are operating at 35 per cent capacity, according to Valerie Bruce, associate director of housing operations and administration.
The residences Pitman Hall, Daphne Cockwell Complex and the International Living/Learning Centre have enforced extensive protocols to ensure the safety of students, according to the student affairs dedicated COVID-19 page.
Included in the protocols are mandatory masks in all common rooms, plexiglass barriers in the lobby and enhanced cleaning throughout the building. The buildings will be operating at a one-student-to-bathroom ratio in all spaces. This means that some four-bedroom apartments may only support one resident, said Bruce.
James Caza, a resident of Pitman Hall, posted a viral TikTok video showing life as the only occupant of a four-bedroom apartment, while still paying the standard residence rate. Caza said that the protocols, while lonely, have been fruitful.
“Most of the time people are good at following distancing guidelines,” he said.
In order to support social distancing, the Ryerson Residence Council also organized an entirely virtual orientation week for residence students. Events included a virtual trivia night and a viewing of Bee Movie using Netflix Party, a third-party add-on for the streaming service that lets people come together in a virtual environment and watch videos together online. According to the Ryerson Residence Council Instagram page, residence advisers will be delivering online weekly floor meetings to their residents.
Those efforts seemed to have helped at least one resident.
“It was lonely at first,” said Caza, “but once I found people, it’s been a great experience.”
Housing and Residence Life has also started a COVID-19 support line, available to residents who are experiencing flu-like symptoms. The phone line’s purpose is to connect residents to the “appropriate campus and community resources,” according to the student affairs page.
