COVID-19 Update: April 16, 2021

The provincial government is tightening restrictions in response to projections of significantly higher cases of COVID-19 in Ontario. The current Stay at Home order is being extended by an additional two weeks to May 20th.

It is important that everyone follow the new regulations in order to provide a healthy and safe work environment for those that continue to work onsite. This includes wearing a mask inside university buildings and following all active screening and COVID reporting protocols at the university and at our hospital and other partner institutions.

Working from Home

If you can work from home you must work from home. Supervisors are asked to review any approvals they may have given in the past to ensure that only essential work that cannot be done remotely is permitted on campus.

Increased enforcement of Stay at Home orders

Ontario has given police increased jurisdiction to stop people or vehicles to inquire for what essential reason they are outside of their home. Human Resources will be providing supervisors with letters for employees who are required to be at work.

Outdoor gatherings including on campus

Outdoor gatherings with people outside of a person’s household are prohibited. For those required to be on campus, this includes activities such as going for a walk with a colleague or having lunch or a break outside with another person.

Research at McMaster

The Vice-President Research Office reminds the McMaster community of the current research directives for both on-campus and fieldwork under Phase I restrictions as outlined here.

The pandemic continues to be a challenging time for everyone. As we adjust to the continued lockdown a special thank you to all those who continue to keep the campus running and provide essential services. Whether your work takes you to campus or if you are working remotely, it is important that we recognize the need for flexibility as we encourage everyone to take care of themselves, their co-workers and their loved ones.

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The provincial government is tightening restrictions in response to projections of significantly higher cases of COVID-19 in Ontario. The current Stay at Home order is being extended by an additional two weeks to May 20th.

It is important that everyone follow the new regulations in order to provide a healthy and safe work environment for those that continue to work onsite.  This includes wearing a mask inside university buildings and following all active screening and COVID reporting protocols at the university and at our hospital and other partner institutions.

<strong>Working from Home</strong>

If you can work from home you must work from home.  Supervisors are asked to review any approvals they may have given in the past to ensure that only essential work that cannot be done remotely is permitted on campus.

<strong>Increased enforcement of Stay at Home orders</strong>

Ontario has given police increased jurisdiction to stop people or vehicles to inquire for what essential reason they are outside of their home.  Human Resources will be providing supervisors with letters for employees who are required to be at work.

<strong>Outdoor gatherings including on campus</strong>

Outdoor gatherings with people outside of a person’s household are prohibited. For those required to be on campus, this includes activities such as going for a walk with a colleague or having lunch or a break outside with another person.

<strong>Research at McMaster</strong>

The Vice-President Research Office reminds the McMaster community of the current research directives for both on-campus and fieldwork under Phase I restrictions as outlined <a href="https://research.mcmaster.ca/covid19/update-from-the-vpr-covid-19-march-26-2021/">here</a>.

The pandemic continues to be a challenging time for everyone.  As we adjust to the continued lockdown a special thank you to all those who continue to keep the campus running and provide essential services. Whether your work takes you to campus or if you are working remotely, it is important that we recognize the need for flexibility as we encourage everyone to take care of themselves, their co-workers and their loved ones.

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Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 24073
Email: comms@mcmaster.ca

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