USask Winter Term update: health and safety measures extended

Since the Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 campus updates on Winter Term, the Pandemic Response and Recovery Team (PRT) has been closely monitoring the spread of the Omicron variant—including modeling data, wastewater results, covid testing positivity in the community, and on- and off-campus cases.

The PRT and the President’s Executive Committee have made the decision to extend the current state of operation until February 7. Given the increased transmissibility of Omicron, in combination with the rising case numbers throughout the province, a brief extension of the current precautionary measures will help to ensure reduced on-campus transmission and to return our campus community back to more in-person activity as originally planned.

Until February 7, all classes that are currently being delivered remotely will continue to be in the remote environment, and all classes that are currently being delivered in-person at this time will continue as such. Students with questions about registration, withdrawal, or tuition payment deadlines should visit the Class Registration and Withdrawal Deadline website.

Employees currently working remotely will receive direct communications from their respective people leader with guidance on next steps. Like class delivery, the readiness of a return to work on campus will be assessed prior to February 7.

Given the data available, it is not anticipated that a further extension of precautionary measures will be required beyond February 7. Knowing that we are living through a quickly changing situation in many parts of Canada, we will continue to monitor and adjust our safety protocols as necessary to ensure the health and wellness of our campus and broader communities.

We all must continue to do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. This includes:

  • being fully vaccinated and expecting all members of the campus community to obtain their vaccination booster shots as soon as eligible;
  • wearing a required 3-ply single-use mask on all USask campuses and in all work locations at all times;
  • staying home if you are feeling sick (even if it isn’t COVID-19) so you do not spread any illness and not coming to campus until you are symptom free for 48 hours; and
  • using rapid test kits to test yourself prior to any gatherings in person with others (rapid testing kits can be confirmed here).

Any additional changes will be communicated as soon as determined, including any new requirements or restrictions announced by public health authorities. If you have any questions, please consult the FAQ for more information. 

Regards, and stay safe,

USask Pandemic Response and Recovery Team