To the surprise and delight of faculty and staff, Brock announced last week that the University would be closing for an additional two days — Thursday, July 2 and Friday, July 3 ­— to fully enjoy the Canada Day holiday. The two days are considered holidays declared by President Gervan Fearon in addition to the ‘floater’ day already provided to eligible employees.

However, despite the extended University closure, researchers who have been scheduled for access to their on-campus research spaces on these days are allowed to proceed at their discretion.

The ability to continue research if desired to do so has been made possible by the generous contributions of staff members at Brock who are stepping in to work through the holidays to support researchers.

“This will enable ongoing work by researchers investigating COVID-19, by laboratory-based graduate students in the final stages of their degrees, and by other researchers approved for facility access,” said Tim Kenyon, Vice-President, Research.

“These researchers are working hard to make a difference under difficult pandemic conditions. Their access to facilities on these two extra holidays is supported also by Brock staff colleagues from across the institution, who are helping ensure a safe, secure and well-resourced research environment.”

It is crucial that researchers minimize their footprint while on campus by limiting movement and being diligent in their cleaning and sanitizing efforts.

Laboratories across the University opened for a substantially wider range of approved users on June 15. The expansion of access was approved based on the Plan for Expanded Access to Research Facilities and Sites During Pandemic, which was drafted by the Research Access Task Force chaired by Associate Vice-President, Research, Michelle McGinn. The Plan received input and proposals from more than 400 researchers and graduate students.

The Plan provides a comprehensive outline of safety requirements, including detailed instructions on how to properly use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clean and disinfect research facilities and equipment.