USask issues additional supports in response to COVID-19 prevention

The University of Saskatchewan continues to follow the guidelines of both the province and the federal government. These guidelines are updated frequently in response to the changing situation, and our approach in this situation will change as well. All measures USask takes is to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of our campus community and beyond.

 Working remotely:

• The University of Saskatchewan supports work from home/telecommute arrangements in situations where work can be performed from home (or at an alternate location). However, ICT’s current priority and focus are to support the transition for teaching remotely, and therefore, ICT services may be limited due to the demand during this transition.
• With pre-K to Grade 12 schools and some daycares closing in Saskatchewan, there may be an immediate and/or ongoing need for employees with school-aged children to work remotely. The work from home/telecommute arrangement may be an appropriate option to support one’s childcare needs and the continued delivery of core and/or critical university operations and services. 
• If applicable, employees and their People Leaders should discuss and determine the feasibility of a work from home/telecommute arrangement applying the  attached principles, criteria and guidelines.  
• Some departments may require additional time to transition to work from home arrangements.

Campus Cleaning:

With fewer people now on campus, service delivery of cleaning and trades work on campus is being shifted to focus more on high traffic areas for the immediate future.

Specifically, the university is increasing the frequency and intensity of cleaning in high-touch/high-contact areas such as the residences, common dining areas, the University Library and Health Centre. These plans will be evaluated and adjusted on an ongoing basis and the university appreciates your patience and understanding as labour and supply resources are shifted away from regular operations.

Please report building closures and/or activity closures to the services division at 306-966-4496 in order to adjust services accordingly. If you see something that needs critical attention don’t hesitate to reach out and we will do our best to respond.

Support:

The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children.  If you need help, use the university's employee and family assistance plan. Also, be considerate to people around you. The World Health Organization has put out a Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak factsheet.

As we evaluate how we operate during the COVID-19 situation, we will continue to provide updates on any changes. All recommendations will follow the best advice and information available and will be implemented to keep our campus community safe with as little disruption to our students.

For the latest developments and information about the University of Saskatchewan's response to COVID-19, please go to www.usask.ca/updates

If you have any questions, please email covid19@usask.ca.