From: Dean Agriculture
Sent: May 28, 2021 1:43 PM
Subject: UPDATE Re Carman Research Farm - CLOSURE EXTENDED

Investigations of positive COVID-19 cases of individuals who have attended the Ian M. Morrison Research Farm in Carman continue.

Public Health leads all investigations into positive cases and identifies close contacts. As this work is not yet complete, we still do not have a full understanding of the extent of risk posed.

I am therefore extending the closure of the Ian M. Morrison Research Farm at Carman until at least Thursday June 3.

Anyone (faculty, staff or student) who has been at the Ian M. Morrison Research Farm at Carman since May 10 must work remotely from home until Thursday June 3 and monitor assiduously for symptoms of COVID-19 (https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/coronavirus/covid19_screening_checklist.pdf).  It is important that any potential for spread of the virus is not merely shifted to a Fort Garry lab or to the Point.  Therefore, stay home and self-monitor.

Although the restrictions with respect to the Carman Research Farm still stand, some low-risk EMERGENCY field work may continue.

The emphasis is on EMERGENCY work to preserve field work samples so that research can continue later.  Work is only permitted under the following conditions:

1)           Only emergency FIELD work is permitted (eg scouting for infestation, spraying, etc)

2)           Work can only be performed by University technical or academic staff (i.e., no summer students, graduate students, postdocs or research associates)

3)           All staff performing the emergency work continue to assiduously monitor for symptoms

4)           Wellness declaration is completed every morning prior to travel

5)           All PHYSICAL distancing (stay 2m apart) and PPE protocols (wear 3-ply masks, sanitizing surfaces) are rigorously adhered to (no peer to peer interactions in the field)

6)           Only one person per vehicle

7)           Vehicle has all necessary supplies for the day’s work and breaks

8)           Vehicle is fully gassed up in Winnipeg

9)           Daily journal of activities is maintained by personnel doing field work (as per approvals associated with permission for opening up for research last year)

Mr Justice Zhanda will be present at the Ian M. Morrison Research Farm, but the building will NOT be open.

If you have any questions on this please do not hesitate to contact me.

Martin

Martin Scanlon, C&G, PhD

Dean, Faculty of Agricultural & Food Sciences

University of Manitoba

Ph: 204 474-9380