Hi all,

Given the rapidly changing situation around COVID-19, I just wanted to make sure everyone in the lab is aware that you are strongly encouraged to work from home and attend meetings virtually. A lot of us do this already, to varying degrees. At this moment, no one is strictly required to work from home, but just a reminder that it is an option that I would encourage you to consider seriously.

Social distancing is one of the most effective means to avoid spreading of a disease, along with basic guidelines as follows.

Regardless of whether you decide to work from home, we do want to heavily encourage everyone to follow PHAC guidelines https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html for preparing and staying healthy:

Wash your hands with soap and water frequently (Handy graphical guide to best handwashing practices https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fmaritimeprogress.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F07%2F1082Y.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fmaritimeprogress.com%2Fproduct%2Fhand-wash-technique-poster%2F&tbnid=5R9Dus4wMj1bqM&vet=12ahUKEwjNy7a5h5boAhVD66wKHbTvAYkQMygDegUIARC7Ag..i&docid=5PZNhVvFcqeBEM&w=298&h=421&q=hand%20washing%20poster&ved=2ahUKEwjNy7a5h5boAhVD66wKHbTvAYkQMygDegUIARC7Ag) If you are sick, stay home. Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette (cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw the tissue right away, or the inside of your elbow and wash your hands immediately) Avoid touching your face as much as possible, especially mouth, nose and eyes Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (or, in lieu of this, wash your hands after touching such surfaces)

Please do let me know if you have any questions or concerns,

Best, Fanny