Dear Members of the PharmSci Research Community,
The University of Toronto released an update relating to research operations, based on the provincial government announcement to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant. We would like to echo that effective January 5th, 2022, we will continue to operate in STEP 2 of the LDFP Guidelines for Research Restart and Recoverywith no instructional space designation. Provided we can ensure the 2 meter physical distancing requirement, the maximal capacity will be limited to 6 persons per lab module (lab space + trainee office space). Please note the maximum room capacity in the trainee office space will change to 3 persons. If additional desk space is required, please ensure you book the space via the room booking option using Microsoft Outlook, details on booking space can be found on the links below:
- Room Booking using Outlook on the web
- Room Booking using Outlook on Windows
- Room Booking using Outlook on Mac
In addition, the University is requiring the following to be adhered to until Monday, January 31, 2022:
- All research work that can be conducted remotely must be done remotely. Faculty should work with their teams to reduce on-campus
presence to the extent possible.
- At least 2-metre physical distancing within a research space (e.g. with the lab)
- If physical distancing cannot be maintained, you will need to contact EHS
- Face-to-Face (F2F) research: In-person research activities must be paused until January 31, 2022 with some exceptions, please review the Review Of Face-To-Face (F2F) Human Participant and Off-Campus Research page
- International Travel: As of December 15th, 2022, all university sanctioned activities outside of Canada are cancelled for U of T students, until further notice. For thesis related work, please contact safety.abroad@utoronto.ca for options
Finally, the Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) has informed the animal research community of PPE changes when accessing DCM and related facilities. In addition, they strongly recommend that new animal use be postponed until the end of January. The DCM will reach out the animal research community directly.
In order to keep our community safe, it is imperative that everyone respect the guidelines and processes in place at the LDFP. Please adhere to the masking policy, physical distancing 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
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Research Office (m.folinas@utoronto.ca or sam.dalfonso@utoronto.ca).
Thank you and Stay Safe!
Micheline Piquette-Miller
Associate Dean, Research