Ontario Unis Are Reopening Dorms To Give Health Workers A Safe Place To Isolate

Ontario is looking out for its healthcare workers on the frontline. As the province's total of confirmed cases continues to climb, health staff are working harder to save lives during this pandemic. In an effort to offer more support and safety, provincial schools like the University of Guelph are starting to reopen their doors and offer their dorm rooms to those workers who need to isolate or quarantine.

The problem of giving both COVID-19 patients and health workers a safe place to self-isolate has already led to hospitals constructing temporary field buildings specifically aimed at containing and battling the virus.

And the University of Guelph announced on Tuesday, April 14 the school will now provide space at its campus residences to health or emergency workers, particularly those who need or wish to isolate themselves from their own families due to potential exposure.

U of G spokesperson Angela Mulholland told Narcity by email: "I had a number of health care workers reach out to my department looking to see if we had any available accommodation. They expressed the concern that they and their colleagues had about returning to their homes after a shift.

"They were looking for someplace that they could practice self-isolation."

And the uni has already received "a number of inquiries," Mulholland adds. U of G started taking reservations on Wednesday, April 15.

Mulholland added that U of G is currently only able to offer the temporary accommodation until July 31.

U of G''s statement also noted there are apartment-style residences that can accommodate families if that becomes necessary.

Most Ontario universities have already closed their residences to students due to COVID-19.

And Guelph isn't the only Ontario school looking to help out.

Back in March, the University of Ottawa offered temporary homes to vulnerable families to ensure their safety until the pandemic ends, according to CTV News.

Meanwhile, the University of Toronto's Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing has offered 14 patient beds to local hospitals in the area, according to a statement from the school.

And this could start something of a trend, at least according to the hopes of medical staff.

According to Global News, 313 doctors and nurses penned an open letter to municipal and provincial officials including Toronto Mayor John Tory and Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

In the call to action, they urged swift action to help homeless people and housing issues during the pandemic. Included in that was a strong suggestion that the province opens up some 7,000 hotel rooms, housing units, and student residences.

University students have been making their own efforts to help with the health care shortage.

For example, a collaboration of Ontario students banded together to provide personal protective equipment in the province by offering 3D printed face shields for frontline health workers.

Now, universities are looking to play their part, too.