COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness Plan Assistance
Update June 29, 2020:
The University is transitioning back to on-campus lab activities and research. All workers currently on campus must follow the Guidelines for Working on Campus During COVID-19. More guidance documents can be found on the COVID-19 Response (Infectious Disease Program) webpage.
For general information on the overall Campus Return to Work Plans, please visit the Ready For You Website.
Please note: COVID-19 emergency preparedness information will remain on the Health and Safety Website due to the dynamic nature of the pandemic.
Previous Update April 2, 2020 (not applicable anymore):
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The university is currently conducting essential research and lab activities on-campus only. Researchers and lab personnel will not be allowed to access their on-campus spaces unless approved by the VP Research and Innovation and Risk Management in order to be classified as essential research and/or lab activity.
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Essential researchers and lab personnel who are continuing to perform on-campus work during this time must follow public health recommendations (see more below).
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Researchers and lab personnel should keep in mind the following below:
Stay Current
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Main Updates: please visit the Ontario Tech Website
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Research Questions: Please visit the online FAQ. If you have any more questions please reach out to the appropriate person or email: research@uoit.ca
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Rely only on official messages from the university for Ontario Tech updates.
Plan Ahead
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Review the procedures found in Extended Closure of Research and Laboratory Activities.
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Review the Laboratory Ramp Down Checklist that should be completed prior to leaving the lab once an extended closure is announced.
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Biosafety Laboratories: please refer to the biosafety emergency preparedness plan assistance page.
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Radiation, X-Ray, and Laser Laboratories: please refer to the radiation emergency preparedness plan assistance page.
Accessing Laboratory Spaces During a Period of Essential Research and Lab Activities Only On-campus
Unless classified as essential research or lab activities, lab personnel will not have access to their research laboratory space. Approval must be given by the VP Research and Innovation and Risk Management. The approval procedure can be found on the Extended Closure of Research and Laboratory Activities webpage.
If You Are Essential Research or Lab Personnel:
You must follow public health recommendations while working on-campus:
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follow all laboratory rules and procedures,
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follow the check-in/check-out rules of the university, found in the March 24, 2020 COVID-19 update,
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practice proper hygiene (wash your hands, cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards),
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maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres,
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avoid crowding and non-essential gatherings while working,
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no more than 5 people for essential gatherings,
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avoid common touch greetings, such as handshakes,
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stay home if you are ill,
