Provincial universities OK to resume research

Laboratories allowed to reopen if COVID-19 precautions undertaken

While Saskatchewan’s universities will be largely holding classes online this fall, progress is underway to allow the cautious resuming of research on campuses over the next few months.

The provincial government announced Friday that public health officials had been in talks with the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina and Saskatchewan

Polytechnic and on-campus research will be allowed to proceed in a limited capacity.

The institutions have been in talks with public health officials to draft and roll out measures to protect those returning to campus, including increased cleaning protocols, physical distancing and limiting access to facilities.

While work on formal, phased plans are underway, here’s what that looks like so far:

UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN

The U of S said earlier this month that a “limited and very cautious reopening” taking place while primarily holding classes online will include limited classroom, laboratory, clinic and physical instruction.

The school updated its COVID -19 Pandemic laboratory safety manual this month to include rules for those looking to return to campus.

Researchers or lab managers will have to submit an application to reopen labs, including a list of areas to be used, PPE required and ways that physical distancing will be maintained.

All approved personnel will only be able to access their immediate working areas and will need to take an online health and safety course before being allowed to return.

UNIVERSITY OF REGINA

According to the institution’s most recent update posted online Friday, some lab and field work has been able to resume as a result of eased restrictions on some aspects of research.

SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC

As of May 26, Sask Polytech has received approval to have a small number of programs return to campus shops and labs in order to help students complete program requirements and graduate for the academic year.