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Some Ontario universities delay return to in-person classes for winter term as COVID-19 cases rise

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McMaster University is among several Ontario universities that are delaying the start of in-person classes following the holiday break amid a rise in COVID-19 cases.

David Farrar, President and Vice-Chancellor at McMaster, said the school is making “some short-term modifications” to the winter semester.

Classes for the winter term will still begin on Jan. 10, however they will be held virtually for the first week, Farrar said. In-person instruction will begin the following week on Jan. 17.

Farrar says the changes are a proactive effort to enhance safety and provide as much certainty as possible as the university begins the winter term.

Employees at the school have also been asked to work 100 per cent online until Jan. 17.

“Although temporary, these modifications will be important safety measures as we go through the next few weeks,” said Farrar in a message on the school’s website. “By planning in advance, we hope that everyone is able to enjoy their upcoming holiday time and we encourage all members of our community to disconnect from work and classes over the holidays and take time to rest and rejuvenate for the year ahead.”

York University is also beginning the winter term online but the in-person delivery of courses and most on-campus activities will now start on Jan. 24.

York officials say the decision was made based on recent guidance issued by the Ontario government and a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant.

Holiday events and in-person meetings planned for this month have also been cancelled or switched to a remote format at the school.

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