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Chemists at York University create more sensitive rapid antigen test

YFile Featured image shows rapid antigen tests by renato-marques-iUc8U9otEbs-unsplash

New research by a team at York University addresses limitations of current rapid antigen tests, reducing the potential for false-negative results.

Sergey Krylov
Sergey Krylov

Rapid antigen tests, like the COVID-19 home test, use a technology called lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), where a biological sample is placed on a strip of paper-like membrane and flows along this membrane to display a positive or negative result, generally within a few minutes. This kind of test has many advantages, namely simplicity and low cost, and it’s used for a variety of other infectious diseases; but a major limitation of LFIA is its low sensitivity, giving too many false-negative results.

New research by a team of chemists at York University comprised of Banting Fellow Vasily Panferov and postdoctoral Fellow Nikita Ivanov and led by Distinguished Research Professor Sergey Krylov in the Department of Chemistry, has now addressed that limitation by inventing an enhancement step for LFIA, whereby the sensitivity is increased by 25 to near 100 per cent. This step could be performed by an untrained person, in a matter of two minutes.

“Increasing diagnostic sensitivity of LFIA is an urgent and very important task in containing the spread of infections,” said Krylov. “If we think about COVID-19 for instance, about 40 per cent of those who are infected with the virus and have symptoms would test negative the first time. In a day or two, when the virus has multiplied to a very high level, they will get positive results, but it may be too late for preventing disease spread as the person may have not self-isolated.”

Krylov’s team developed their enhanced test and proof of concept for the hepatitis B virus; they were able to increase the diagnostic sensitivity of LFIA from 73 to 98 per cent while not affecting its 95 per cent specificity. The test requires a tiny drop of finger-prick capillary blood, making it practical for use on babies born from infectious mothers, for example.

The team’s enhancement step involves a simple procedure with low-cost accessory equipment that could be done in a primary care setting or lab to generate quick and reliable results. It involves adding a standard nanoparticle mixture and applying voltage to the strip ends (a process called electrophoresis). The electric field moves the immunocomplexes through the test strip so that they pile up on each other, enhancing the signal on the test (a darker positive line if the person is infected).

“The test would be done in two stages: the patient does the test as they normally would, and then if it’s negative or faintly positive, the enhancement step is performed,” said Krylov. “This could significantly reduce the workload of hospital testing facilities and facilitate more affordable diagnostics in resource-limited settings.”

Krylov noted that the same concept could be applied for sensitive testing in the food and beverage industry for contamination by toxins produced by bacteria.

Indoor masking, vaccination recommended to protect public health as Winter 2023 term begins

Image shows a medical mask, vials of COVID-19 vaccine and needles

As the Winter 2023 term begins, York University is reminding the community of the importance of keeping yourselves and others safe by following public health guidelines.

In alignment with recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, York is urging masking indoors and keeping vaccinations up to date.

Committing to a community of care approach at York is everyone’s responsibility as we do what we can to protect ourselves and others.

Important reminders:

  • Level 3 masks and N95 masks are available to community members for purchase from vending machines located on the Keele and Glendon Campuses.
  • Masks will be made available for free in high traffic areas on Keele Campus for the first two weeks of the winter term and on Glendon Campus at the vaccination clinic on Jan. 25.
  • Community members are encouraged to self-assess by completing YU Screen and should not come to campus if they are feeling unwell.  
  • We strongly recommend that everyone receives a complete COVID-19 vaccine series, including third or fourth doses and a flu shot.
  • York is making COVID-19 vaccine clinics available on campus — flu vaccines may be offered at these clinics, while supplies last, as well as at pharmacies.
  • Rapid tests can be obtained on the Keele and Glendon Campuses. 
  • Community members may order bulk quantities of COVID-19 testing kits for pick up by completing the following form: https://yorku.ca/go/bulkorder.

Please check YU Better Together for more information on how we can work together to protect public health.

Le port du masque à l’intérieur et la vaccination sont recommandés pour protéger la santé publique au début de la session d’hiver 2023

Alors que la session d’hiver 2023 commence, l’Université York rappelle à la communauté l’importance de se protéger et de protéger les autres en suivant les directives de santé publique.

Conformément aux recommandations du médecin hygiéniste en chef de l’Ontario, York recommande vivement de porter le masque à l’intérieur et de maintenir les vaccinations à jour.

Adopter une approche de bien-être de la communauté à York est la responsabilité de chacun, car nous faisons tout notre possible pour nous protéger et pour protéger les autres.

Rappels importants :

  • Les membres de la communauté peuvent acheter des masques de niveau 3 et N95 dans les distributeurs automatiques situés sur les campus Keele et Glendon.
  • Des masques seront mis à disposition gratuitement dans les zones à fort trafic du campus Keele pendant les deux premières semaines du trimestre d’hiver et sur le campus Glendon lors de la clinique de vaccination du 25 janvier.
  • Les membres de la communauté peuvent continuer à remplir le YU Dépistage et ne doivent pas venir sur les campus s’ils ne se sentent pas bien.  
  • Nous recommandons vivement à tout le monde de recevoir une série complète de vaccins contre la COVID-19, y compris la troisième ou la quatrième dose.
  • York offre des cliniques de vaccination contre la COVID-19 sur les campus. Le vaccin contre la grippe est également offert dans ces cliniques, jusqu’à épuisement des stocks, ainsi que dans les pharmacies.
  • Vous pouvez obtenir des tests de dépistage rapide sur les campus Keele et Glendon. 
  • Les membres de la communauté peuvent commander et ramasser de plus grandes quantités de trousses de test COVID-19 en remplissant le formulaire suivant : https://yorku.ca/go/bulkorder.

Veuillez consulter le site Mieux ensemble pour obtenir plus d’informations sur la façon dont nous pouvons travailler ensemble pour protéger la santé publique.

New book explores how COVID-19 has changed business supply chain

A new book edited by York University Professor Hassan Qudrat-Ullah provides research results and shares experiences in the area of supply chain management in a post-pandemic world.

Hassan Qudrat-Ullah
Hassan Qudrat-Ullah

Qudrat-Ullah, who teaches in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies’ School of Administrative Studies, researches dynamic decision making, system dynamics modelling, computer-simulated interactive learning environments, and energy planning models.

The book, Understanding the Dynamics of New Normal for Supply Chains – Post COVID Opportunities and Challenges, published by Springer, explores the “new normal” of the business supply chain. The didactic approach informs global enterprises on how to deal with the most significant issues in the current supply chain management.

Through a series of informative essays, the book provides an in-depth analysis of post-COVID opportunities and challenges. The book acts as an initiative for readers to understand the risks, opportunities and concerns resulting from the pandemic situation and is a key driver for business management among industry professionals and enterprises.

Understanding the Dynamics of New Normal for Supply Chains - Post COVID Opportunities and Challenges
Cover of Understanding the Dynamics of New Normal for Supply Chains

Readers will learn new insights and procedures to better manage multitier supply chains, predictability, and estimation of binding capacity. Understanding the Dynamics of New Normal for Supply Chains – Post COVID Opportunities and Challenges details modelling and technology-based customer demand and response management solutions. New techniques, methods and perspectives dealing with the estimation, acceleration or deceleration, and flexibility of logistics capacity are particularly emphasized throughout the manuscript. Real-world cases dealing with various aspects of the new normal for supply chains are analyzed.

The book is useful for industry professionals and enterprise firms in business management to effectively understand risks, opportunities and the pandemic situation.

Qudrat-Ullah is a professor of decision sciences at York University. Understanding the Dynamics of New Normal for Supply Chains – Post COVID Opportunities and Challenges is part of the Springer Complexity Series.

York calls for immediate indoor masking

Vari Hall Winter scene showing the Harry Arthurs Common

The University is calling on all community members to immediately resume masking indoors as part of provincial efforts to protect children and most vulnerable.

La version française suit la version anglaise.

Dear York community,

York University shares the concern of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) about Ontario’s overwhelmed children’s hospitals. As such, we are joining him — effective immediately — in calling on the York community to wear masks in all indoor settings except when eating or drinking.

Children’s hospitals are filling and surgeries are being cancelled as a result of an influx of severely sick children due to the flu, RSV and COVID-19. Respiratory illnesses are expected to peak in early to mid-December. In response, the CMOH Dr. Kieran Moore is urging masking indoors and a renewed effort on behalf of everyone to protect public health.

This is an already stressful time of year with exams and assessments around the corner. To help reduce transmission during high density in-person classes, examinations and other settings on campus, and maximize a good end of term, if you are able to wear a mask, do so. Treat it as a requirement for your own health and that of others. 

Committing now to a community of care approach at York is everyone’s responsibility as we do what we can to protect ourselves and others and, in particular, children and those who are most vulnerable in our society.

Important reminders:

  • Level 3 masks and N95 masks are available to community members for purchase from vending machines located on the Keele and Glendon Campuses.
  • Community members are encouraged to self-assess by completing YU Screen and should not come to campus if they are feeling unwell.  
  • We strongly recommend that everyone receives a complete COVID-19 vaccine series, including third or fourth doses and a flu shot.
  • York is making COVID-19 vaccine clinics available on campus — flu vaccines are also available at these clinics as well as at pharmacies.
  • Rapid tests can be obtained on the Keele and Glendon campuses. 

We will continue to monitor public health indicators and follow public health guidance to help our community respond to the challenges of the pandemic and other respiratory illnesses.

As a community we solve problems together.

Please check YU Better Together for more information on how we can work together.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

For more resources, please see a guide to health and safety conversations.

York demande la reprise immédiate du port de masque à l’intérieur

L’Université York demande à tous les membres de la communauté de reprendre immédiatement le port du masque à l’intérieur dans le cadre des efforts provinciaux visant à protéger les enfants et les personnes les plus vulnérables.

Chers membres de la communauté de York,

L’Université York partage l’inquiétude du médecin hygiéniste en chef (MHCE) de la province au sujet du débordement des hôpitaux pour enfants en Ontario. Nous nous joignons à lui pour demander aux membres de la communauté de York de commencer immédiatement à porter un masque dans tous les environnements intérieurs, sauf pour manger ou pour boire.

Les hôpitaux pour enfants se remplissent et des interventions chirurgicales sont annulées en raison de l’afflux d’enfants gravement malades dus à la grippe, au VRS et à la COVID-19. Les maladies respiratoires devraient atteindre un sommet entre le début et la mi-décembre.  Par conséquent, le Dr. Kieran Moore (MHCE) préconise le port du masque à l’intérieur et demande un effort renouvelé de la part de tout le monde pour protéger la santé publique.

Cette période de l’année est déjà assez stressante, avec les examens et les évaluations qui approchent. Pour aider à réduire la transmission pendant les cours, les examens ou autres situations à haute densité sur les campus, et pour permettre une bonne fin de trimestre, portez un masque si vous le pouvez. Considérez cela comme une exigence pour votre santé et pour celle des autres. 

S’engager maintenant dans une approche de bien-être de la communauté à York est la responsabilité de tout le monde, alors que nous faisons notre possible pour nous protéger et pour protéger les autres, en particulier les enfants et les personnes les plus vulnérables de notre société.

Rappels importants :

  • Les membres de la communauté peuvent continuer à remplir le YU Dépistage et ne doivent pas venir sur les campus s’ils ne se sentent pas bien.  
  • Nous recommandons vivement à tout le monde de recevoir une série complète de vaccins contre la COVID-19, y compris la troisième ou la quatrième dose.
  • York offre des cliniques de vaccination contre la COVID-19 sur les campus. Le vaccin contre la grippe est également offert dans ces cliniques, ainsi que dans les pharmacies.
  • Vous pouvez obtenir des tests de dépistage rapide sur les campus Keele et Glendon. 

Nous continuerons à surveiller les indicateurs de santé publique et à suivre les conseils de santé publique pour aider notre communauté à relever les défis de la pandémie et autres maladies respiratoires.

Résolvons les problèmes ensemble en tant que communauté.

Veuillez consulter le site Mieux ensemble pour obtenir plus d’informations sur la façon dont nous pouvons travailler ensemble.

Veuillez agréer mes sincères salutations,

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

Pour plus de ressources, veuillez consulter ce guide de conversations sur la santé et la sécurité.

Mask-wearing can hinder ability to recognize faces of others, masked or unmasked

A group of people wearing face masks

Recognizing someone may be more difficult when you are wearing a face mask – even if the person you are looking at is maskless, according to new research from York University.

Previous research showed that adults and children have difficulty recognizing faces when part of their face is obscured by a mask, such as those worn during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that it doesn’t get better with time.

This new series of experiments conducted at York sheds light on how face perception abilities are disrupted for the person wearing a mask, regardless of whether the person they are looking at is masked or unmasked. So as new Omicron sub-variants start circulating and people reach for their masks, researchers say they shouldn’t be embarrassed if they start having more difficulty recognizing friends and co-workers again.

“We wanted to investigate the effect of wearing a mask on face perception – something that hasn’t been explored before as far as we know – to see how the perception abilities of a masked observer changes in relation to others,” says Assistant Professor Erez Freud of York’s Faculty of Health, who co-authored the study with York undergraduate students Daniela Di Giammarino and Carmel Camilleri.

As part of the study, there were four different experiments involving 80 participants for each who were shown non-masked and masked faces while they themselves either had a mask on or off. 

The results were surprising. Wearing a mask affects the ability to recognize the faces of others. The crucial factor was not whether the presented face had a mask on or not, it was whether the participant had their mask on or off that made the difference. 

Freud says one explanation could be that when people wear a mask, they often think others can’t recognize them. “Masked observers might think their own faces are less recognizable and that could lead to reduced face processing abilities. This might have to do with how people view things from other people’s perspectives, a process called altercentric intrusion.” 

Another reason, he says, could have to do with the constant tactile stimulation to the lower part of the mask wearer’s face, creating a reminder that people can’t see that part of their face, and it may cause them to have difficulty perceiving that part of others.

The effect, however, only worked when wearing a mask in the typical manner – covering the nose and mouth.

“We also found that the effect of mask wearing on face perception is specific to situations only in which you wear the mask on the distinctive features of the face, such as your nose and mouth,” says Freud. “When we asked study participants to wear the face mask on their forehead, we did not find any effect of mask wearing on face perception ability.”

In addition, the effect only happens with faces, not objects. When participants were asked to recognize things like an orange, their recognition ability was not affected by wearing a mask.

“I was a bit surprised by the results of this study,” says Freud. “I didn’t think we would find such a robust effect of mask-wearing on face perception abilities, but I guess this is one of the reasons for which we do science.”

The paper, Mask-wearing selectivity alters observers’ face perception, was published Nov. 16 in the journal Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications.

Osgoode symposium marks human rights milestone with celebration of anti-discrimination program

Osgoode Hall Law School

In the Fall of 2021, with the battle against COVID-19 raging on, Osgoode Hall Law School students covering intake telephone lines were frequently receiving calls from citizens claiming they were being discriminated against because they refused to wear masks.

For students in Osgoode’s Anti-Discrimination Intensive Program (ADIP), it was a crucial lesson in front-line lawyering.

“That was a space where you’re kind of pushing yourself to think about human rights,” Osgoode Professor Sonia Lawrence told the audience at a recent symposium on human rights experiential learning coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Sonia Lawrence
Sonia Lawrence

The event, titled “From Classroom to Case Law: Human Rights Experiential Learning in the Code’s 60th Year,” was held Nov. 1 at the Osgoode Professional Development Centre. It was co-sponsored by Osgoode and the Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC), which mentors students in ADIP.

“How do we understand our negative reactions to some of these claims?” Lawrence asked. “How do you talk to people that you disagree with? This was an interesting experience to see the students walking through on their own.”

Osgoode’s ADIP students do a full-time placement with HRLSC conducting detailed legal interviews on files that are referred from intake. They field 24,000 phone calls annually from potential human rights claimants, among other duties. The students, who are assigned a personal lawyer mentor from HRLSC, also draft legal documents and partner with lawyers at mediation and on files scheduled for hearing by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Since its inception in 2011, ADIP has provided 130 Osgoode students with intensive training in anti-discrimination and administrative law.

Symposium speakers included Osgoode professors who have been involved with ADIP, ADIP alumni, prominent Ontario human rights lawyers and Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey, who is an Osgoode alumnus. The keynote address was given by Osgoode alumna Kimberly Murray, who currently serves as the independent special interlocutor for missing children and unmarked graves and burial sites.

“My time with ADIP equipped me with the confidence and the tools to embark on a career in human rights law,” said ADIP alumna Ania Kwadrans, who now serves as principal policy advisor for the University of Ottawa Refugee Hub. “My time at the HRLSC has continued to influence my career in so many ways.”

Faisal Bhabha, an Osgoode associate professor, said ADIP was a “win-win” in both its design and implementation because it provides quality education and prioritizes access to justice. “One of the things I love about the program,” he said, “is it provides a front-row view of the future of human rights.”’

The three pillars of human rights law

During a panel discussion on human rights law practice, prominent human rights lawyer Raj Anand, of WeirFoulds LLP, noted that Osgoode was an early leader in providing experiential legal education.

“That’s particularly important in the area of human rights because there’s a serious gap in access to justice for human rights claimants,” said Anand.

“It’s a truism in human rights law that the challenge is not knowing what you don’t know,” he added. “This is a void that ADIP is starting to fill.”

ADIP alumna Njeri Damali Sojourner-Campbell, who now serves as an employment, labour and human rights lawyer with law firm Hicks Morley, said one of the most important lessons she learned from the program was to never lose sight of the people who are at the centre of human rights law.

“I don’t believe people file human rights claims for fun,” she said. “I don’t believe in frequent fliers. These are people who are taking a risk.”

In her keynote, Murray emphasized that Ontario’s Human Rights Code had failed many disenfranchised groups – especially the Indigenous children who were effectively held as prisoners in the Indian residential school system. While the Ontario Human Rights Code was enacted in 1962, she noted, the last residential school in Ontario did not close until 1991.

Despite that failure, she added, progress has been made, especially with a major legislative reform in 2008 that created the three pillars of Ontario’s human rights system: the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and the Human Rights Legal Support Centre.

In his short remarks, Downey underlined the provincial government’s commitment to increasing diversity in the judiciary. “You will start to see the face of the bench changing as fast as we can,” he said. “It’s actually the people of Ontario who own the system and we need to make it bend to their will.”

The afternoon event ended with a networking reception sponsored by the Toronto chapter of the South Asian Bar Association.

Paper outlines how organizations can prepare for supply chain crisis

Featured image for technology

A new publication from researchers at York University’s Schulich School of Business urges organizations to build six complementary capabilities to better prepare for the next supply disruption.

Schulich Professor David Johnson
David Johnston
Johnny Rungtusanatham
Johnny Rungtusanatham

Supply disruptions are inevitable, but organizations can build the capability to avoid, mitigate and respond effectively. This is the focus of “Get Ready for the Next Supply Disruption,” published in the Sloan Management Review. The article was co-authored by M. Johnny Rungtusanatham, Canada Research Chair in Supply Chain Management and professor of operations management and information systems at Schulich, and David A. Johnston, George Weston Limited Chair in Sustainable Supply Chains and centre director of Schulich’s George Weston Ltd Centre for Sustainable Supply Chains. The authors also acknowledge the contribution of Schulich alumnus Parthiban Dhakshnamurthy, a recent graduate of the School’s Master of Supply Chain Management Program, toward their research. 

According to the researchers, it’s not enough for companies to ask the question of: “What can be done to avoid supply disruptions in their risk planning efforts?” Companies must also ask the complementary question of: “What can be done to manage “for” the eventuality of being disrupted?” Using the experience of Loblaws, Canada’s largest retailer and private employer, the authors discuss the strengths and weaknesses of managing for supply disruption revealed to many organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Organizations, whether private or public, manufacturing or service, must build six so-called ADDAPT capabilities to be better prepared for the next crisis-triggered supply disruption, argue the researchers. The six capabilities – anticipate, diagnose, detect, activate resources for, protect against, and track threats – together constitute the ADDAPT framework, which is based on the co-authors’ research into how public agencies and private enterprises experience and respond to supply disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.

With these ADDAPT capabilities, organizations can anticipate supply disruptions triggered by known risks and, just as importantly, imagine supply disruptions triggered by unknown but knowable risk factors. Organizations can be warned in a timely manner as to when and where supply disruptions occur; diagnose supply disruptions and their root causes effectively, as well as efficiently and effectively identify recovery options; marshal resources to bring interrupted supply back to expected levels; implement interventions to block-and-tackle against supply disruptions and their associated risks; and track and monitor leading supply disruption warning indicators.

However, the co-authors also note that building ADDAPT capabilities requires an investment in people and digital technology, as well as tested operational “playbooks” to guide rapid response and collaboration with suppliers.

Organizations can benchmark their preparedness for future supply disruptions – whether from pandemics, climate change or global conflict – by assessing the presence and maturity of the six ADDAPT capabilities, say the co-authors.

Vaccinations and test kits available throughout respiratory season

Image shows a medical mask, vials of COVID-19 vaccine and needles

York University is offering more on-campus vaccination clinics for COVID-19 and introducing flu shots to keep the community safe as the pandemic continues and respiratory season heats up.

COVID vaccines, including Pfizer monovalent and bivalent and Pediatric Pfizer (5-11 years old) are available by walk-in or by appointment at GO Vaxx clinics on Keele Campus taking place at the Lorna R. Marsden Honour Court on Nov. 10, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 from noon to 5 p.m.

Those shots plus Moderna monovalent and bivalent and the flu vaccine are available by walk-in only at Central Square, East Bear Pit on Nov. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

An additional walk-in clinic at Glendon’s Centre of Excellence on Nov. 22 from 10:30 to 5:30 p.m. will offer COVID-19 Pfizer monovalent and bivalent, Moderna monovalent and bivalent, Pediatric Pfizer (5-11 years old) and the flu vaccine.

Free test kits available

York is also encouraging community members to pick up free rapid antigen testing packages at a number of test pop-up clinics on campus.

The test packages can be claimed individually or in bulk, as York has a surplus of packages.

A pop-up test clinic will be held at Vari Hall, Rotunda, first floor and on the first floor of Central Square from Monday, Nov. 7 to Thursday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For other test pickup locations, please refer to: Rapid Testing | Better Together (yorku.ca).

To place a bulk order of 10 tests or more for a group of community members, please fill out this form and a member of the testing team will connect with you to facilitate your order. 

Any area interested in becoming a test distribution partner, can contact YORK-YUTestingClinic@yuoffice.yorku.ca.  

For more information on how York University is supporting the community, please visit the Better Together website at yorku.ca/bettertogether/

Faculty of Science launches Community 2022 initiative

Life Sciences Building FEATURED

This week, the Faculty of Science formally launched its Community 2022 initiative, which is aimed at helping faculty, staff and students reconnect in person and support the return to a more robust on-campus presence.

From left: Karyn Davies, executive assistant and manager, Dean's Office, with Gerald Audette, associate dean, faculty
From left: Karyn Davies, executive assistant and manager, Dean’s Office, with Gerald Audette, associate dean, faculty

“At the beginning of this term, we conducted a survey asking our community to outline what supports they most needed to reconnect with their Faculty of Science community members for a successful return to campus,” says Faculty of Science Dean Rui Wang. “Many expressed a sense of disconnection stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the community feedback, we collectively created this Faculty-wide, year-long initiative.”

Survey respondents overwhelmingly asked for more opportunities to connect in person within the Faculty, according to Melissa Hughes, senior advisor, Strategic Engagement & Policy in the Faculty of Science. “Our community also wanted more streamlined access to information on health and well-being and University policies related to COVID-19, seminars on research office policies and procedures and hybrid remote work, and improved technological supports for teaching.”

The Dean’s Office kicked off this community reconnection initiative with a Faculty-wide barbecue for the start of the fall semester. For some faculty and staff hired during the pandemic, it was their first time meeting colleagues in person; for others, it was an emotional reunion with colleagues they hadn’t seen since 2020.

The Community 2022 website, launched on Tuesday, Nov. 1, features events and supports for faculty, staff and students:

  • Events for social reconnection amongst faculty, staff and students, including Faculty-wide social gatherings open to faculty, staff, and graduate students, a monthly Dean’s Luncheon, and forthcoming events for undergraduate and graduate students to connect with their peers.
  • Initiatives to welcome community members who joined the Faculty during the pandemic, such as guided Faculty of Science tours and a Dean’s Luncheon for new faculty.
  • Supports for the return to more robust in-person teaching, with improved access to information on COVID-19 policies and procedures, teaching and learning supports, as well as improved channels to address technology support issues, including a forthcoming information technology roundtable.
  • Faculty of Science-led seminars on research office policies and procedures and promotion of University-led seminars to help with the transition to hybrid remote work.
  • Promotion of health and well-being through more streamlined access to information on University resources for faculty, staff and students, and forthcoming resources to help instructors support students’ well-being within their courses.
  • Upcoming improvements to the physical environment of the Faculty to encourage in-person connection, including a renewed student gathering space, improvements to the staff lunchroom and Dean’s Office reception area, and other improvements as needed.

The initiatives will be rolled out through the 2022-23 academic year. The Community 2022 website will be updated as events and resources are added. Wang notes that the initiatives support and are in alignment with the Faculty’s five-year strategic plan, Science for the Future.

“I want to thank our community for their feedback that informed the creation of this initiative, and for all they bring to their work within the Faculty of Science every day,” says Wang. “Community 2022 builds on our Faculty’s strong sense of belonging, togetherness and commitment to support one another. We are excited to continue building our Faculty of Science community together.”

COVID-19 transmission higher in households than workplaces, schools or community

COVID pandemic facemask

New research out of York University has found the transmission of COVID-19 is much higher in households than in workplaces, schools or the community, as the potential for prolonged contact with infected people is greater in the home.

The researchers looked at testing rates and turnaround times, vaccine efficacy, coverage and transmission, waning immunity, and public health measures under various lockdown, reopening and resurgence scenarios – from March to December 2020 – to find the best global vaccination strategies to control COVID-19 outbreaks.

They found testing helped mitigate transmission between members of the same household if results were available within the first 24 hours. PCR testing was widely available during this time, which is more sensitive than the current rapid tests, although the researchers believe even this testing is likely to help to curb transmission between family members. Ideally, public health resources would be available for PCR testing.

Huaiping Zhu
Huaiping Zhu

“Although vaccination helped decrease virus transmission, testing remains an important tool for virus containment as it allows people to isolate sooner,” says York University Professor Huaiping Zhu of York University’s Canadian Centre for Disease Modelling in the Faculty of Science and the corresponding author.

The study also looked at what percentage of the population needs to be vaccinated based on the level of immunity to the virus in the community. To control COVID-19 infections when there is waning immunity, 90 per cent of the public needs to be vaccinated. If waning immunity isn’t an issue, only 60 per cent of the population needs to be vaccinated with a vaccine that is at least 70 per cent effective.

Waning immunity could be an issue now heading into winter as recent uptake for booster shots, particularly the bivalent, has been low.

The research team, including lead authors York postdoctoral Fellows Elena Aruffo and Pei Yuan, found short immunity times coupled with an early relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as mask wearing and isolation, are key drivers for disease resurgence.

“High vaccination rates help delay a re-emergence of infection and give public health time to implement new measures. However, even with widespread vaccination, if we are in a high transmission phase of the virus, either most symptomatic people need to be tested or a short testing turnaround time is needed,” says Zhu, director of the NSERC-PHAC One Health Modelling Network OMNI.

Vaccine efficacy and distribution, waning immunity and public health measures all play a role in the degree of virus transmission.

“How quickly immunity wanes after vaccination could dictate how the vaccine is best rolled out,” says Zhu. “If immunity lasts a long time, then a fast distribution of vaccine is most beneficial, whereas if the immunity time is short, a slower distribution is more effective as everyone won’t become susceptible at the same time.”

The research team’s model is based on Toronto case data, but can be applied to any region.

The paper, “Community structured model for vaccine strategies to control COVID19 spread: a mathematical study,” published in the journal PLOS ONE, is a collaboration between York University, Toronto Public Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Zhu says more research is needed to better understand the implications of waning immunity.

The research was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian COVID-19 Math Modelling Task Force, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the York Research Chair Program.