Dear Members of the PharmSci Research Community,

The Provincial government has announced changes to the provincial framework that has resulted in expanded capacity.  The University of Toronto has reviewed these changes and has implemented the following changes to On-Campus Research, Human Participant Research and Off-Campus Research per the update provided on the COVID-19 and Research Operations.  In light of this information, the following changes will be implemented effective immediately:

On-Campus Research:

  • All on site academic research spaces will operate at normal capacity levels
  • Physical distancing is not required, but recommended when possible
  • Masks must be work per the UofT Face Mask Policy, including other applicable PPE
  • UCheck screening must be completed before coming on site
  • A reminder that laboratories should be prepared for the possibility of staff disruptions and or shortages

Human Participant Research:

As of February 28th, 2022, approved face-to-face (F2F) human participant research may resume, but must follow changes pertaining to:

Masking

COVID-19 testing (Participants who are not fully vaccinated)

Please consult the Review of Face-to-Face and Off-Campus Research for more information

Off-Campus Research:

Review the University’s Guidance on Research and Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Off-Campus Safety Planning Record

Follow local public health & 3rd party location requirements.

International Travel:

As of February 28, 2022, Global Affairs Canada has lifted the world-wide advisory to avoid non-essential travel anywhere outside of Canada

Please contact the Safety Abroad website, for information regarding international travel

Please consult the  Guidance on Research and Travel during the COVID pandemic and the February 8th memo for information about employee travel for University business, including research

We want to thank everyone for adhering to the University, Faculty and public health guidelines, but we must continue to be vigilant to keep our community safe.  Please adhere to the masking policy and practice additional hygiene measures that we all know. We include the links to all relevant guidelines:

LDFP Guidelines for Research Restart and Recovery

LDFP Reopening: Plans and Procedures

School of Graduate Studies Guidelines for Graduate Students Engaged in Research towards Degree Completion

University of Toronto COVID-19 Guideline Reopening Research Spaces

University of Toronto COVID-19 General Workplace Guideline

Update on COVID-19 and Research Operations

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Research Office (m.folinas@utoronto.ca, sam.dalfonso@utoronto.ca or lia.cardarelli@utoronto.ca).

Thank you and Stay Safe!

Micheline Piquette-Miller
Associate Dean, Research