A statement from President Fearon released this morning outlines new health and safety procedures and regulations for the upcoming winter semester. The announcement follows rising fears and concerns over the uptake in COVID-19 cases, which has led to the acceleration of booster dose distributions throughout the province.

Classes will begin on January 10, 2022 as was previously promised, but GBC programs and student services will roll back to the delivery methods assigned at the beginning of the fall semester. All classes excluding labs, clinicals and shops will be online once again. The college is set to update the status of programs delivered early next week.

All student field, clinical and lab placements will proceed as planned.

Beginning next week, students and staff are asked to avoid non-essential visits to campus. If anyone is required to be on campus for classes, note that cloth masks will no longer be acceptable – only 3-ply disposable masks may be worn. In addition, face shields or eye protection are necessary when physical distancing is not possible.

The government has advised all Canadians to avoid non-essential travel. International students with classes that require in-person learning are asked to make themselves available in January to return to campus.

“While COVID fatigue has hit us all, it is critically important that we all do our part to keep ourselves, our families and our community safe,” said President Fearon. “We’re hopeful that everyone will be able to take a well-needed break over the holidays. We’re in this together, and together we will get through this.”

All members of the George Brown community are implored to book their booster shot as soon as possible.