The following COVID-19 update was announced on July 9, 2021. To read announcements involving USask's response to COVID-19, visit covid19.usask.ca.

Updated on-campus mask use mandate

All faculty, staff, students and visitors will be required to wear 3-ply single-use masks in all indoor spaces on USask campuses in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert. Beginning July 11, masks will no longer be required in outdoor locations on all USask campuses, except for prescribed activities, like Kids Camps, for example.

While the Government of Saskatchewan is easing its mandatory mask mandate, USask's masking guidelines will remain in place until August 31. These guidelines will be reviewed prior to the end of August and any changes will be communicated with the campus community.

Campus/Field Activity or Campus Access Requests

As of July 19, the Campus Access Request form will no longer be required for the following activities:

• Operations, including contractors and projects hiring contractors
• In-person meetings
• Research activity, including service technician/equipment maintenance visits
• Office access
• Video recording
• Retrieval of items
• Teaching and learning

The Campus Access Request application forms will still be required for:

• Large events (more than 150 people)
• Activities involving non-USask personnel working, visiting, or attending campus

Changed and removed COVID-19 protocols and processes

As of July 19, the Pandemic Response and Recovery Team (PRT) has made the decision to change or remove a number of processes and procedures put in place during the pandemic. As the university continues to gradually reopen, below are upcoming changes. All changes below are in effect on July 19.

The following research labs protocols and procedures have been removed:

• Laboratory Safety Manual – COVID-19 Pandemic Supplement
• Lab Cleaning and Disinfection COVID-19 Guidance
• Lab Notice Signage

 Requirements for the following academic protocols and procedures have been changed:

• Classroom Disinfection – COVID-19 Guidance
• Classroom and Academic Lab Operation Manual 

Additionally, the following general campus community protocols and procedures have been removed:

• Self-Monitoring Checklist/PAWS Pre-screening Log: however, this is a good practice and the continued use of the Daily Health Screening is encouraged although the tool for documentation of the screening will no longer be required
• Work Location Journal
• USask Cleaning Log/Cleaning and Disinfectant Log
• Health Declaration for COVID-19 – For Contractors and Externals
• COVID-19 Guidelines: Lunchroom and Break Room Use
• COVID-19 Guidelines: Vehicle Use and Vehicle Shared Use
• Health Declaration for COVID-19 – For Contractors and Externals

Campus beginning to open, with increased in-person services available

While many university buildings remain closed with access only provided to approved staff, faculty, and grad students, campus access requirements will be eased beginning July 19. While you no longer have to request access to campus through the PRT, members of the USask community are still encouraged to speak with their direct supervisor prior to accessing campus. In the coming weeks, colleges and units are submitting return to campus plans and more details will be available then.

The current status of many university services including those offering virtual or in-person services is available at covid19.usask.ca/campus-status.php.