If you are making minor changes – adding new people (trainees or other research personnel) or require access to a new lab – you do not need to submit a new application, rather simply amend your previous Research Activity Plan.

No. This does not signal a return for all researchers; rather only those who meet the criteria for Phases 1 and/or 2 and who have received permission from their ADR and Department Chair.  To submit a Research Activity Plan for approval, please use this portal.

You will need to complete the appropriate on-line form by using this portal. Once complete, this information will go directly to your Chair and/or ADR for approval, and you will be notified of your status by email.

This should be addressed by the PIs prior to submitting their individual on-line request for approval, as it is important that the numbers of research personnel returning are not duplicated, and only accounted for by one PI.

No. The health and safety of our university community remain our top priority.  During Phases 1 & 2 of our increased research activity, in order to respect physical/social distancing requirements, researchers are asked to limit the number of individuals to the minimum required to conduct the research.

No. Remote working continues to remain the preference and, currently, a return to campus or fieldwork remains voluntary for researchers. The research community will be advised if this changes. As with previous phases, all appropriate safety protocols must be in place before a researcher or any required staff or team member returns to campus or the field.

You are still required to complete the online form to request approval from your Department Chair and/or ADR before returning to your lab. Once granted approval, you must respect and follow all protocols and directives defined by the respective partner hospital or MIP.

All researchers must abide by the University’s health and safety measures at a minimum. If you feel that additional measures are required to ensure the safety of your research team, such measures should be considered in consultation with EOHSS or FHSSO.

Specific dates for the implementation of each phase will be set by the President and Vice-Presidents and communicated by the VPR, and is dependent on the success of the previous phase. Details on subsequent phases will be made available before specific dates are announced. In each phase, we will adhere to the guidance provided by Environmental and Occupational Health Support Services (EOHSS) and Facility Services on physical/social distancing, hygiene practices and (re)defined maximum occupancies/personnel density.

The health and safety of the McMaster community continues to be of critical importance. While McMaster proceeds with the phased increase in research activity in accordance with Ontario Public Health and government guidelines, its important that no one should feel compelled to return to research at this time. Research personnel who feel uncomfortable about their return to work, for any reason, can speak privately to their Dean, Associate Dean of Research (ADR) or the (acting) VPR. If you believe someone is experiencing mental health issues, please direct them to the University’s information on COIVID-19 Wellness Support, Employee and Family Assistance Program or the Student Wellness Centre.

Yes. All members of research teams are to comply with McMaster’s Workplace Preventative Measures for COVID-19: Hierarchy of Hazard Control.

Masks and PPE can be purchased through Campus Stores (HSC 1G1). Please visit https://campusstore.mcmaster.ca/stores/ to view their online catalogue or email hscstore@mcmaster.ca. A Mosaic chartfield and employee ID number are required to place your order.

Yes. McMaster now requires non-medical masks or face coverings be worn inside buildings that are normally publicly accessible, including entrances/lobbies, hallways, elevators and other common use facilities such as food services, stores, etc.

In some areas of research, surgical masks will be required. Please refer to the Return to On-Campus Research documents.

No. As each lab is configured differently a blanket formula won’t work for all spaces. If you require assistance determining how best to configure your space to accommodate your limited research team members, please consult with EOHSS or FHSSO for further guidance. Tips for reconfiguring lab space can be found in Adjust the Workplace section of the Hierarchy.

The University will provide overall guidance and install signage in buildings to direct traffic flow in the main/common areas, i.e., corridors and stairwells, including social distancing markers on the floors. As PIs have the best understanding of their labs and who needs to be working in it and when, they will need to describe how they will manage their space, respecting the COVID-19 Hierarchy of Hazard Control guidelines, in their request for approval. If you need guidance or advice, please consult with EOHSS or  FHSSO. Distancing markers will be available through Media Production Services.

Yes. EOHSS has provided guidelines for PIs to help with a safe re-start before allowing access to research personnel. Please see return to research checklist, along with a copy of the Research Guidance document. In addition, here are some examples of things to look for as you restart:

• Sinks, including pot sinks, may have air pockets due to shut offs – at first use turn taps on slowly and run until clear.  Ensure the flushing of the eyewash/showers for at least 15 minutes.
• Check all rubber tubing before connecting to glassware – it may have dried out and cracked. Replace as necessary.
• Check all solvent stills and peroxide formers before using. Consider hazardous waste disposal as necessary.
• Drain traps may have dried out – this will create a sewer gas odour in some labs. Pour water down the floor drains to refill the traps (running the sinks will have helped but some floor traps may be missed).  Contact Facility Services for trap oil that will float on top of the water and prevent it from drying out.

Hand sanitizer is currently in short supply across the country, however, the University is doing its best to source sufficient levels. Individuals are reminded to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds where possible. In combination with physical distancing, appropriate hygiene practices are a critical prevention measure for COVID-19. Please post the following in visible areas within your lab:

• Hand Washing poster
• Cover Your Cough poster

All buildings will be fully cleaned prior to researchers returning to their labs. Cleaning of labs – wiping down benches and equipment, sashes, knobs, etc., before leaving for the day – is the responsibility of the occupants. PIs should place signs or label shared equipment with reminders to wipe down before and after use, and remind all research personnel to wash their hands – at least 20 seconds with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer – when entering and leaving the lab. Custodial staff will increase the frequency of cleaning highly touched surfaces (handles, elevators, washrooms). The University is working to obtain additional cleaning supplies, should they be needed. More details can be found in Adjust Work Processes section of the Hierarchy.

Plexiglass shields and dividers can be installed when necessary to ensure physical/social distancing and should be discussed with your Department Chair and Facility Services.

McMaster will not be monitoring temperatures. Anyone who is feeling unwell must stay home. If someone has symptoms of COVID-19 or believes they have been exposed, they should utilize the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 self-assessment tool. More details can be found in Adjust Work Processes section of the Hierarchy.

Anyone who is feeling unwell must stay home. If someone has symptoms of COVID-19 or believes they have been exposed, they should utilize the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 self-assessment tool. More details can be found in Adjust Work Processes section of the Hierarchy.

The expectation is that personnel will come to campus only to do work that cannot be done remotely; going directly to their labs and then returning home. Researchers are asked to use their offices to store their food and personal belonging. La Piazza is now open with limited hours.