Hi All,
Given the current rapidly changing situation, I would strongly encourage everyone to work from home as much as possible over the next two weeks. While I know this will be difficult, especially for those using specialized equipment, I think it is the best course of action at this point. For those who were planning to run user studies, I would suggest holding off for the time being, even if this means missing delaying a paper submission. Please reach out to me if you are wondering how to best manage your project and its timeline.
I personally do not know what my own plans will be, but I will certainly be trying to minimize my own time at the university. I was supposed to travel to Florida next week with my family for March Break, and we have not yet made a decision as to our plans. I will likely be available Tuesday and our 1-1's can be conducted remotely.
If there is anything I can do to facilitate your ability to work remotely, please let me know. If you have a question about taking equipment home, you can talk with John. If he is ok with it, I am as well. If it requires the purchase of new equipment, we can do so.
If you do need to come into the lab, it is very important that you follow proper hygiene. Details can be found here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavi rus-infection/prevention-risks.html#p
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Hygiene
Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:
* wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food
* use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
* when coughing or sneezing:
* cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand * dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
* avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
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Please reach out if you would like to discuss, or have questions or concerns. I will do whatever I can to support you during this difficult time. This is an unprecedented situation, and the best we can do is take it one day at a time, and keep an eye on the bigger picture (e.g. everyone's health and well-being).
Thanks,
Tovi