Engage Toronto is committed to the health and safety of our community. 

We are following the direction of public health officials to take precautions against  COVID-19. Should we receive additional direction from officials, and/or Ryerson University, we will act immediately and accordingly. 

To protect the health and safety of study staff and participants we have taken the following steps:

Changes to Participant Experience

• COVID-19 SCREENING – We will be asking screening questions over the phone or online before study visits and again immediately before entry to the study site. Anyone with symptoms or a potential COVID-19 exposure is encouraged to postpone their study visit and seek COVID-19 testing at a local assessment centre.
• STUDY VISIT ARRIVAL – We ask that participants phone the study office upon arrival so that a study representative can meet them at the door. When entering the study site, we ask that participants sanitize their hands right away.
• BRING A MASK – Participants are required to wear face masks for the duration of their Engage study visit. We will be supplying masks to participants, as needed. 
• CONSENT PROCESS – We encourage participants to review the informed consent materials ahead of their study visit to help with a speedy intake.
• PHYSICAL DISTANCING – We ask that participants remember to give study staff a space of 2 meters. Study staff will also maintain a distance of 2 meters or more whenever possible.
• BRING A SNACK – We are no longer able to supply refreshments and encourage participants to bring any necessary snacks or drinks. We have water in disposable cups/bottles available as needed.
• CONTACTLESS PAYMENT – We encourage participants to opt for e-transfers for honorarium payment.

Additional Safety Measures

• Regular cleaning and sanitizing of the study site, with a focus on frequently touched surfaces.
• Sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the study site.
• Study staff self-screen for symptoms daily and will stay at home if sick.
• Study staff have been trained in safety measures, like frequent hand washing and PPE (personal protective equipment) use.
• Use of appropriate PPE by study staff during any participant interaction (e.g., face shields, masks, and/or gloves).
• Increased time spacing between study visits to reduce overlap of participants and to allow for better physical distancing (unfortunately, this may reduce our flexibility for scheduling).

At this time, we are encouraging individuals at elevated risk to contact the study office (416-979-5000 ext. 552158 or toronto@engage-men.ca) to discuss alternative options for participation. This is in keeping with Ontario’s public health guidance, which strongly recommends that persons 70 years of age and older, those who are immunocompromised, and those who have chronic medical conditions stay home and avoid all but essential outings in public places. This might include those with the following conditions: lung disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, cerebrovascular disease (e.g., past stroke), cancer. 

How You Can Help

Please follow the preventative measures recommended by public health officials. Help us keep everyone safe by doing the following:

You should get tested for COVID-19 if you have one or more symptoms of COVID-19, you were a close contact of someone who has COVID-19 or you are concerned you may have been exposed to someone who might have COVID-19.

Find an Assessment Centre

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