So far, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Humber College and York University have indicated their willingness to review their coverage policies if the guidelines change.
“The university may reinstate the requirements for indoor vaccinations and masks if public health recommendations change,” TMU told CTV News Toronto on Tuesday.
In correspondence, Humber and York said their institutions will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 and public health guidelines.
“As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to follow the direction of public health and may adjust our approach as things continue to evolve,” a Humber spokesperson told CTV News Toronto.
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Over the summer, TMU, Humber and York abandoned their mask mandates following provincial guidelines that lift the cover in most Ontario settings in June.
Seneca College and OCAD University — both of which have maintained mask mandates in classrooms, labs and other places where physical distancing isn’t possible — said they will continue to do so until further notice.
The University of Toronto said their institution has no updates to share about the coverage policy at this time.
The news of schools preparing to change course if guidelines change follows the city’s public health board asking Toronto’s top doctor to “urgently investigate” bringing back mask mandates in schools.
Their request followed a presentation at a Tuesday meeting citing “high” but “stable” levels of COVID-19 in the city, which appear to be increasing slightly, according to data.
Last month, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, Dr.  Kieran Moore said he is considering making a decision on provincial coverage recommendations as a “complex and difficult winter” begins to unfold.
At this time, no new recommendations or requirements have been announced.
The University of Waterloo reinstated the coverage requirement on Tuesday for indoor academic instruction.  From Wednesday, masks will be required in lectures, seminars, workshops, tests and exams.
The university said their decision was made due to data trends showing increased levels of COVID-19 with the aim of avoiding academic disruption.