COVID-19: All announcements

December 14, 2022

Recommendation to wear a mask in indoor public places

With the holiday season just a few days away, we encourage you to continue to use protective measures such as hand washing and physical distancing to limit the transmission of respiratory viruses. Please note that wearing a mask indoors, in public places, is also recommended. Hand sanitizing gel and masks are still distributed in the centres.

What to do if…

You have a fever

You must stay at home, inform your manager and use your absence bank if your health condition interferes with your work activities. If you are a student, we invite you to follow the usual instructions for absence established by your centre.

You have symptoms of a respiratory infection (cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, etc.)

You should wear a mask at all times until the symptoms disappear.

For the first 10 days following the onset of symptoms, we invite you to privilege remote activities such as telework, when possible, and to follow the other recommendations of the Government of Quebec: do a rapid test, keep your distance from others, avoid non-essential social events, and advise anyone you meet that you may be contagious.

Questions?

Visit this website to find out what you can do to limit the transmission of infectious respiratory diseases.

Please click here to consult the Quebec government’s health guidelines. You can also consult the COVID-19 section of our website or email inrs.covid@inrs.ca

We thank you for your valuable cooperation.

The Chief Executive Office

November 11, 2022

Important change regarding sanitary guidelines

As a result of the change in sanitary guidelines and in compliance with government requirements, the 5-day minimum isolation period is no longer automatically required for a COVID-19 positive case. However, you are encouraged to adopt certain behaviours to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 or other respiratory infections.  

Recommended behaviours

If you have a fever, you should stay at home, inform your manager and use your absence bank if your health condition affects your professional activities. If you are a student, we invite you to follow the usual instructions relating to absences established by your centre.

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection such as coughing, sore throat or nasal congestion, you should wear a mask at all times until the symptoms disappear. Masks and hydroalcoholic gel will continue to be distributed at the centres.

During the first 10 days following the onset of symptoms, we invite you to favour remote activities such as telework, when possible, and to follow the other recommendations of the Quebec government: perform a rapid test, maintain your distance from others, avoid non-essential social events, and advise the people you meet that you may be contagious.

Questions?

For more information on the Quebec government’s sanitary guidelines, click here. You can also consult the COVID-19 section of our website or email to inrs.covid@inrs.ca.

We thank you for your cooperation,

The Chief Executive Office

September 21, 2022

Invitation to hold on to best practices

Although the Quebec government has announced the end of the health emergency, we invite you to continue to observe safeguard practices and to respect public health guidelines. Through simple gestures, we hope to prevent outbreaks and maintain our activities.

Face coverings will continue to be distributed in the centres and hand hygiene will continue to be encouraged using hydroalcoholic gel dispensers or washing with soap and water. The choice to wear a mask as a preventive measure remains up to each individual. Members of the INRS community are invited to respect those who wish to continue to use this means of protection against COVID-19.

Current health guidelines

Those who have COVID-19 must immediately isolate themselves at home for at least five days and then wear a mask during all social interactions for five days following their isolation at home. Please visit Quebec.ca website to learn about self-isolation instructions for your situation (positive test results, unvaccinated people or cohabitation with a positive person).

Thank you for your great collaboration and we wish you a good Fall term.

The Chief Executive Office

May 11, 2022

Adjustments to sanitary guidelines in our institution

In accordance with government regulations, the sanitary guidelines in effect at INRS will change as of Monday, May 16, 2022. From this date and until further notice:

• The requirement to wear a mask at INRS will be lifted
  Masks will continue to be distributed on site. The choice to wear a mask remains personal to each person, and although not mandatory, it remains a practice that is encouraged by the CNESST. Members of the INRS community are invited to respect those who wish to continue to use this means of protection against COVID-19.
• Physical distancing will no longer be mandatory
• Restrictions related to eating are also lifted

Please note that masks will continue to be worn for the convocation ceremony on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

Current sanitary measures for symptomatic individuals

As of May 16, 2022, people with symptoms of COVID-19 no longer have to fill out the INRS COVID-19 reporting form. However, we recommend to remain in isolation at home, and tp wear a mask during all social interactions for five days following isolation at home. Community members are also encouraged to practice hand washing.

You can consult the COVID-19 section of the INRS website to find out about the health guidelines currently in effect on our site. If you have any questions, please email to inrs.covid@inrs.ca.

We thank you for your cooperation.

The Chief Executive Office

March 8, 2022

Adjustments to sanitary guidelines in our institution

In accordance with the sanitary measures proposed by the CNESST, here is an update regarding the guidelines in effect in our institution, starting March 8, 2022.

• In all areas, including classrooms, procedure masks must still be worn when a one-metre physical distance cannot be maintained or when there is no physical barrier. Procedure masks will continue to be provided free of charge o all community members at all campus entrances. Anyone wearing an N95 mask upon arrival at INRS may keep it.
• During meals, the mask may be removed. A maximum of 10 people may be seated at one table, and tables must be at least one metre apart unless there is a physical barrier.
• In meeting rooms, there is no more limited capacity.

We invite our community members to remain attentive and to respect the Preventive Measures and Health Instructions in effect, which are regularly updated on the INRS website. If you have any questions, please visit the COVID-19 section or email at inrs.covid@inrs.ca.

Thank you for your valued collaboration. Take good care of yourself and your loved ones.

The Chief Executive Office

Management of positive cases, with symptoms or contacts with symptomatic or positive individuals

We encourage everyone in our community to get a third dose of the vaccine: Clic Santé Portal.

If you have any questions, please visit the COVID-19 section of our website or email : inrs.covid@inrs.ca

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your caring and resilience. If you need support, please note that the Employee and Student Assistance Program (PAEE) has tools to help you through this difficult time. You can access free, confidential, 24/7 professional support by phone at 1-800-361-2433. The My EAP mobile app also provides immediate access to support wherever you are. Feel free to visit the INRS website to find out about the various psychological support services offered free of charge to our community.

We hope these measures will help to limit the spread of outbreaks and to maintain our activities. We would like to thank you for your great collaboration, and we wish you a good winter semester, despite these particular circumstances.

August 31, 2021

Updated guidelines for a safe in-person return to school

Following the recent directives issued by the Government of Quebec on the epidemiological situation, please find below the latest updates with regard to our activities to ensure a safe return to school.

• For all members of the INRS community, the wearing of a procedure mask remains mandatory at all times, including in classrooms, laboratories and libraries. It may be removed only to eating or drinking in designated areas. A person alone, in a closed room, may also remove their mask.
• Procedural masks will continue to be provided free of charge to all community members at all campus entrances.
• A physical distance of one meter shall be maintained for all community members.
• In classrooms, a distance of less than a meter will be allowed for members of the student community, who must maintain their procedural masks. Faculty members who remove their masks to give their classes will be required to maintain a distance of two meters in compliance with the standards issued by the CNESST.
• In laboratories, when the one-meter distance cannot be maintained, students and staff will have to add an additional personal protection to the procedural mask, namely a face shield.
• As of September 1^st, the vaccination passport will apply to certain activities deemed non-essential and at high risk of spreading COVID-19, namely sports, cultural and social activities. In addition, partners and guests will also be required to show their vaccination passport to access INRS facilities. Details regarding vaccination passport verification will be communicated at a later date.
• For international students, please note that some additional rules apply. We invite you to consult them and make sure you respect them before the start of the new school year.
• Please note that the welcoming activities related to the beginning of the school year and planned in the centers are maintained, in accordance with the instructions issued by public health authorities.
• Finally, for administrative staff members who do not provide direct services to the community, teleworking is encouraged; we ask you to refer to your manager for any additional questions.

Any questions?

If you have any questions or comments, we invite you to directly reach out to the management of your center or administrative unit. You can also visit the COVID-19 section on our website or send an email to inrs.covid@inrs.ca.

Thank you for your cooperation.

The Chief Executive Office

August 19, 2021

Update: An in-person Fall semester with some conditions   

Following the recent directives issued by the Government of Quebec on the epidemiological situation, please, find below an important update regarding mask wearing, starting at the beginning of the Fall semester.

• Although the Fall semester at INRS will take place in person and without the need for physical distancing, the wearing of masks will remain mandatory at all times, including in classrooms, laboratories and libraries. It may be removed only for eating or drinking;
• Procedural masks will continue to be provided free of charge to all community members at all campus entrances;
• A physical distance of one meter should be maintained between students in common areas, when possible.
• Welcome and integration activities should be conducted according to the guidelines issued by Public Health authorities. Details will be forwarded to you by your center.
• As of September 1^st, the vaccination passport will apply to certain activities deemed non-essential and at high risk of spreading COVID-19, such as extracurricular activities.

Any questions?

If you have any questions or comments, we invite you to directly reach out to the management of your center or administrative unit. You can also visit the COVID-19 section on our website or send an email to inrs.covid@inrs.ca.

Thank you for your valuable collaboration.

The Chief Executive Office

August 9, 2021

An in-person Fall semester with some conditions

Following the most recent directives from the Government of Quebec on the epidemiological situation and the encouraging participation of student communities in the vaccination campaign, here follows key information concerning our university activities for a safe start to the academic year.

Fall semester

For students, the Fall semester at INRS will take place in person and without physical distancing in the classrooms. However, in common areas, a physical distance of one meter must be maintained between students. In the laboratories, a two-meter physical distance will remain mandatory.

For staff and faculty members, the two-meter physical distance will continue to apply at all times.

Wearing a mask or face cover  

At the beginning of the Fall semester, masks or face coverings will continue to be mandatory at all times inside campuses, including in laboratories. However, students will be able to remove their masks once they are seated in a classroom, the library or a common area during a meal.

Procedural masks will continue to be provided free of charge to all community members at all campus entrances.

Vaccination passport

We are waiting for more information from the Government of Quebec regarding the vaccination passport and its application. Full information will be sent to you as soon as possible.

International students

International students already have the option of submitting their proof of vaccination information to the Quebec Vaccination Registry. We recommend that you do so to facilitate the follow-up of your file.

Vaccination

Once again, we encourage you to get vaccinated and to get the two required doses if you have not already done so. For any questions regarding vaccination, we invite you to consult this document: https://inrs.ca/wp-content/uploads/FR_QR_Vaccination_4Mai-1.pdf

Any questions?

For any questions or comments, please contact directly the management of your center or administrative unit. You can also visit the COVID-19 section of our website or send an email to inrs.covid@inrs.ca.

The Chief Executive Office

June 1st, 2021

INRS anticipates an in-person autumn trimester without social distancing on all campuses

The Government of Quebec recently published public health guidelines for the return to school in the autumn and the upcoming shift to zone orange in all regions where INRS campuses are located. All key information concerning INRS activities is listed below.

Autumn trimester

As Minister Danielle McCann announced on Tuesday, 31 May, all training and educational activities are expected to resume in person, without social distancing, for the autumn trimester. The easing of restrictions is nevertheless conditional on the existence of a stable epidemiological situation and a 75% full vaccination rate (two doses) for individuals between 16 and 29 years old. If this objective is not met, certain measures will be maintained, notably wearing a mask and social distancing (one metre).

Vaccination

We strongly encourage you to get vaccinated with the two required doses. For all questions concerning vaccination, please visit:  https://inrs.ca/wp-content/uploads/EN-QR_QR_Vaccination_26_avril.pdf.

Shift to orange zone

Fieldwork that requires travel between regions may be undertaken provided governmental guidelines are followed. Laboratory research or internships that require the use of INRS facilities may continue provided that public health guidelines are followed, that is, social distancing of two metres and wearing a surgical mask.

For all other questions concerning international travel related to research or internships, please contact the management of your research centre.

Curfew

The curfew has been lifted in all regions classified as being in the orange zone. Official authorization to move around campus buildings after curfew is no longer required.

Working from home and interregional travel

Working from home continues to be prioritized, even though non-essential travel is once again allowed in orange zone regions.

Before traveling to another zone, we suggest that you consult the public health measures in place in all regions of Quebec: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus.

Wearing a mask

Wearing a surgical mask indoors continues to be mandatory for all members of the INRS community at all times on all campuses. You may only remove your mask to eat or drink or when you are alone in a room with the door closed.

We remind you that surgical masks are provided free of charge to all members of the INRS community at the entrance to all campuses.

Questions?

If you have any questions or comments, we invite you to contact the management of your research centre or administrative unit. You can also consult the COVID-19 section of the INRS webpage or write to inrs.covid@inrs.ca.

Thank you for your invaluable collaboration and have a good day.

The Chief Executive Office

A word of thanks

The COVID-19 vaccination campaign is in full swing throughout Quebec. We would like to give you some information that will allow you to plan your vaccination appropriately.

First of all, please note that the vaccination is inclusive. Vaccines are given free of charge to the entire population of Quebec, both to residents and to people coming from abroad, regardless of the length of their stay.

As well, vaccination is voluntary in Quebec. There is no obligation on your part to be vaccinated. Even so, the government of Quebec, public health officials, and the INRS strongly recommend it.

All you need to do to be vaccinated is to make an appointment. Your age determines when you will be eligible to make this appointment. For additional information and to make an appointment, please consult the Gouvernement du Québec website, under the tab “Making an appointment to be vaccinated”.

You can choose between numerous vaccination sites, depending on which suits you the best. Please note that we do not plan to open vaccination sites on INRS campuses.

You do not need a Quebec health insurance card to receive the vaccine. However, you will need to show valid ID such as a passport. Interpreters are allowed to accompany those needing language interpretation to vaccination appointments.

If you have any other questions about the vaccination campaign, please call the COVID information line at 1-877-644-4545 and select the “Vaccination” option. A health professional will answer all of your questions.

We hope that this information answers your questions. For any other questions or concerns, we invite you to contact the Director’s office of your research centre or administrative unit.

Have a good afternoon.

The Chief Executive Office

A word of thanks

Given that the Quebec government is maintaining health measures until further notice, we wish to confirm that the instructions in place at INRS remain unchanged for the time being. Therefore, all training activities must be continued virtually until further notice, despite the summer term, which will begin on May 3rd.

As of research activities requiring lab presence and internships in the university environment, they may continue, subject to compliance with current health measures, (social distancing and the requirement to wear a surgical mask).

Moreover, considering the ongoing situation, we understand that conditions are difficult for many of you for various reasons. Whether it is home schooling that adds to the daily workload, the lack of freedom due to curfew, the limited or absent interaction with your loved ones, or for any other reason that is up to you, we understand that the situation is having an impact on you, your loved ones and your lives.

Despite all of this, we have found that as the months go by, our community is as vibrant, dynamic, cohesive, creative and committed to the mission of INRS as ever. Thanks to your resilience and strong spirit, we were able to meet all the challenges that came our way, and together we will continue to meet them one after another to the best of our ability. We want to say thank you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for everything. Thank you simply and truly.

Any questions?

As you know, we will continue to closely monitor the health crisis and communicate with you frequently to keep you informed about the impact of the pandemic on our operations and our academic institution. In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, we invite you to contact your center or administrative unit management directly. You can also visit the COVID-19 section of our website or email us at inrs.covid@inrs.ca.
It is thanks to all of you that INRS continues to move forward and stays the course.

You are making the difference,

The Chief Executive Office

Impact of the extension and tightening of health measures on our activities

Following the recent announcement of the Quebec government regarding the extension of the special emergency measures in the Quebec Metropolitan Community and the tightening of the measures in the Montreal metropolitan area, we wish to inform you of the impacts of these announcements on the activities of our institution.

Distance learning

In the four research centers, all training activities must be held virtually until further notice. Faculty members will contact affected students to inform them of any changes regarding the format of their courses.

Research Activities and Internships

Research activities requiring lab presence and internships in the university environment may continue, subject to compliance with current health measures, including social distancing and the requirement to wear a surgical mask.

For research work that requires interregional travel, we invite you to check before travelling the measures in effect in other regions of Quebec: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Québec | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca).

For research work that requires international travel, we invite you to contact your center.

Curfew

The curfew in the cities of Montreal and Laval will apply from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., starting April 11th. For Quebec City and Varennes, the current curfew hours remain unchanged. The curfew in Quebec City is from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. In Varennes, it is in effect from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.

An official permission to move around the buildings after curfew hours is required. To obtain that permission, contact your center or administrative unit management.

Working in small groups

For the time being, and until further notice, small group work on site is unfortunately suspended in all centers.  However, all INRS libraries are still available at certain times for individual study and internet access. See the schedule: http://sdis.inrs.ca/horaire.

Teleworking

Prioritization of remote work is maintained and non-essential travel is to be avoided. Before you travel, we recommend that you consult the measures in effect in all regions of Quebec: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Québec | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca).

Mandatory wearing of a surgical mask

The wearing of a surgical mask is mandatory for all members of the community at all times and everywhere inside the different campuses. You may only remove it to eat, drink, and when you are alone in a room with the door closed.

We remind you that surgical masks are provided for free to all members at the entrances of all our campuses.

Any questions?

Please be assured that we will continue to closely monitor the health crisis and communicate with you frequently to keep you informed about the impact of the pandemic on our operations and our academic institution.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, we invite you to contact your center or administrative unit management directly. You can also visit the COVID-19 section of our website or email us at inrs.covid@inrs.ca.

Take good care of yourself and your relatives,

The General Management

Special emergency measures affecting our two centers located in Quebec City

Due to the recent evolution of the health crisis and to ensure the safety of the population, the Government of Quebec announced late yesterday the implementation of special emergency measures, including a curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

These measures will apply specifically in the Communauté métropolitaine de Québec in the City of Gatineau and the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais. They will be in effect from April 1 at 8 p.m. until April 12 at 5 a.m.

In this particular context, we would like to inform you of the instructions in effect at the Centre Eau Terre Environnement and the Centre Urbanisation Culture Société located in Quebec City:

• All training activities must be offered exclusively in virtual mode until April 12 at 5 a.m.
• Research activities requiring a presence in a laboratory and internships in a university environment may continue, in compliance with the health measures in effect.
• Official authorization to travel after 8:00 p.m. is required for members of the two Quebec City centers.
• Small group work is suspended until April 12 at 5:00 a.m.
• All INRS libraries, including the one of the Centre Eau Terre Environnement, remain accessible at certain times to community members for study and internet access. Consult the schedule : http://sdis.inrs.ca/horaire
• We remind you that non-essential travel should be avoided. Consult the measures in effect in all regions: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus
• Prioritization of remote work is maintained.

The instructions in effect at the Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, the Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and the Centre Urbanisation Culture Société in Montreal remain unchanged for the moment.

If you have any questions or for any clarification, we invite you to contact the management of your center or administrative unit directly. You can also consult the COVID-19 section of our website or write to inrs.covid@inrs.ca .

Thank you again for your continued cooperation,

The General Management

Important information about the next two semesters

As Spring begins, we have important information to share with you to better plan your studies and research projects at our university. 

Summer and Fall semesters

Since Quebec government has given permission to universities to gradually resume in-person attendance for students, especially to follow in-class courses, we are pleased to announce that INRS is ready to welcome students in a hybrid format for the Summer semester and in-person for the Fall semester, subject to directives issued by the Direction de la santé publique.

Preparation for the Summer semester is well underway. As planned, classes will begin on May 3, 2021. Please check the university calendar for important dates. We hope this course format will enhance your learning experience and well-being.

As for the Fall semester, we are already getting ready to welcome students on our various campuses. We plan to host all research and training activities in the Fall, while respecting the sanitary measures and rules issued by the Direction de la santé publique and the Government of Quebec.

Extension of the Flat-rate living allowance for the quarantine program

The Flat-rate living allowance for the quarantine program is designed to support students and postdoctoral fellows who must comply with mandatory quarantine requirements upon their arrival in Canada.

This program will continue until further notice to facilitate the arrival of international students.

For more information on the program, please refer to the Flat-rate living allowance for the quarantine Program section of our website.

Welcoming foreign students

If you are currently abroad and starting or continuing your studies or post-doctoral fellowship at INRS this Summer or this Fall, we are ready to welcome you in our facilities.

Regardless of your situation, we have all the information you need to support you.

For more information, visit the Welcoming Foreign Students in the Context of COVID-19 section on our website.

Procedure mask wearing

We remind you that the wearing of a procedure mask is mandatory everywhere and at all time within our respective campuses. It will continue to be mandatory for all students taking hybrid courses during the Summer semester or attending educational activities on campus.

Procedure masks are provided free of charge to all community members, including staff members, upon entering the campus.

Compliance with sanitary measures

We remind you to continue to strictly comply with the physical distancing of 2 meters at all time and to wear a procedure mask when moving around campus, classrooms and laboratories. We thank you for your continued cooperation.

We are here for you!

If you need help or if you feel that your psychological health is being affected, please feel free to consult the Psychological Support section for information on resources available to all community members.

If you have any questions or would like more information, we invite you to directly contact your center’s management or your manager. You can also refer to the COVID-19 section or write to inrs.covid@inrs.ca.

We wish you a sunny Summer semester and we thank you again for your hard work and valued collaboration,

The General Management

Adjustments for a gradual and safe return to campus

In order to break down the isolation due to the pandemic many students are experiencing, the Quebec government has announced new guidelines allowing for face-to-face teaching classes on university campuses located in the red zones.

A large number of INRS students have so far been able to hold face-to-face activities when their program required work and instrument handling in the labs. For these students, activities remain unchanged, except for the addition of more strict sanitary measures.

The Quebec government’s new flexibility is particularly aimed at INRS students who, until now, have been doing their learning remotely because of the theoretical nature of their programs, mainly, but not exclusively, those of the Centre Urbanisation Culture Société.

As of February 8, 2021, professors, with the authorization of their respective centre management, will be able to allow INRS students to come on campus, ideally once a week, in a class or pedagogical activity related to a class, although subject to the specific guidance issued for each center. All people authorized of moving outside of the permitted hours must always have received an official authorization.

The wearing of the procedural mask will be mandatory for all students who will be attending classes or other pedagogical activities. All procedural masks will be provided free of charge at the campus entrance.

We welcome the new issued guidelines and are pleased to be able to offer an opportunity for students who, until now, have not been able to participate in face-to-face teaching activities to do so in a safe manner.

We hope that this little-by-little presence of students on the various campuses located in Quebec City, Montreal, Laval and Varennes will promote the well-being of the full academic community.  In this respect, we would like to remind you that resources are available to members of the community. Visit the Psychological Support section of our website for more information.

If you have any questions or require further information, we invite you to reach out directly to your center’s management.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and good continuation in your study, research and work projects,

INRS General Management

COVID-19 Pandemic Update

On the recommendation of the Direction générale de santé publique and to ensure the safety of the population, the Quebec government announced yesterday evening the implementation of additional measures to break the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a curfew in effect between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

The new measures will come into effect on Saturday, January 9 and will be applicable for four weeks, until February 8, throughout Quebec, with the exception the Cree Territory of James Bay and Nunavik.

In this context, we would like to inform you of the instructions in effect at our research and educational institution:

• The prioritization of distance work is maintained.
• Research activities requiring a laboratory presence may continue, in compliance with the health measures in place and the additional measures announced by the government. Persons authorized to circulate outside the permitted hours will be identified by the centers and will receive an official authorization.
• Travel between regions should be avoided.

If you have any questions or require further information, we invite you to contact your team’s manager directly.

Thank you for your continued collaboration and take care of yourself,

INRS General Management

INRS can now welcome international students again

INRS applauds the Government of Canada’s announcement enabling international students pursuing or undertaking studies at INRS to be welcomed, as of October 20, 2020.

Since yesterday, international students have been able to travel to Canada if they attend a learning institution that has a COVID-19 response plan in place and approved by the Government of Quebec.

The list of learning institutions designated to admit international students has been released today by Immigration Canada. INRS is one of these institutions, ready and compliant to welcome again all students interested in coming to Canada to continue or begin their studies.

This is great news for our entire academic community, and we are pleased to share it with you.

Detailed information will be available soon to help students come to Canada safely.

Have a nice day.

INRS General Management

As announced on September 28, 2020 by the Direction de la Santé publique, the Greater Montreal, Laval, Capitale-Nationale and Chaudière-Appalaches regions will move to a red alert level as of October 1, 2020.

In compliance with the new Public Health guidelines and those specific to each center, we ask all members of the INRS community to follow the following instructions to ensure the safety and health of all:

• As of October 1, 2020, and until further notice, training activities will be held exclusively in virtual mode
• Laboratory research activities will continue to take place in presence.
• Research activities that can be conducted remotely will continue to be carried out in this way.
• Non-essential inter-regional travel to and from the three affected regions must be avoided.
• Teleworking is maintained as much as possible.
• Meetings or face-to-face events are prohibited.

For questions or clarification, we invite you to consult the COVID-19 section of our website or to directly contact your manager or supervisor.

Once again, we thank you for your understanding and collaboration.

INRS General Management

Update of the regions in the Orange Alert level

The Direction de la Santé publique announced today that the region of Laval has gone to the Orange Alert level. This region is added to the regions of Montreal, Capitale-Nationale and Chaudière-Appalaches already in this level since yesterday.

Therefore, to ensure your safety and health, we recommend that you favor working from home, limit in-person meetings with numerous colleagues, and avoid inter-regional travel from or to those regions until further notice, in accordance with the directives of the research centres.

If you have any questions or require clarification, we invite you to contact your manager or supervisor directly.

We thank you all for your understanding and your usual cooperation.

INRS General Management

Limit all non-essential travel

In accordance with the most recent directives of the Direction de la Santé publique, we recommend that all members of the INRS community (students, faculty, staff, executives and management) limit, until further notice, their non-essential professional travel to other regions of Quebec.

More specifically, we ask you to avoid inter-regional travel from or to regions that, as of 12:01 a.m. today, have gone to the Orange Alert level. These are the regions of Montreal, Capitale-Nationale and Chaudière-Appalaches.

If you have any questions or require clarification, we invite you to contact your manager or supervisor directly.

We thank you all for your understanding and your usual cooperation. Above all, stay safe and take care of yourself and your loved ones.

INRS General Management

To all members of the student community,

In compliance with the most recent directives of the Direction de la Santé publique, we inform you that as of Saturday, July 18, the wearing of masks in INRS establishments will be mandatory in all common areas – such as corridors, common areas, bathrooms and elevators – as well as in places where it is impossible to respect a distance of 2 metres. Removal of the mask will only be possible once seated in your office or classroom, if the space allows the minimum physical distance of 2 metres, and in compliance with the specific directives of each establishment, which may go beyond these minimum instructions.

If you unintentionally fail to bring your mask to one of the INRS establishments located in Quebec City, Montreal, Varennes and Laval, a mask can be given to you upon request. In addition, INRS will acquire masks that will be distributed to the entire community in the coming weeks.

Once again, in the current context, we thank you all for your understanding and collaboration.

INRS General Management

IMPORTANT – Fall 2020 semester

To all members of the student community,

As we enter the 10th week of the suspension of our in-class courses due to the pandemic, we would like to thank you for your adaptability and your resilience in this unprecedented context. We are grateful to each and every one of you for enabling us to maintain education and distance learning, as well as for the gradual resumption of our laboratory activities, thanks to your everyday efforts. We would also like to praise our students for the great perseverance they have shown day after day.

Also, we want to reassure all our students and future students. We confirm that INRS will offer all its programs as planned in the Fall semester. Yet, to comply with public health directives, nearly all of our educational activities will be offered remotely. A few exceptions will be made, namely for training and laboratory or field research, with smaller groups, in line with public health standards.

Ensuring the success of our students, their health, and the safety of our whole community are our core priorities. Discussions are underway with unions and student associations to ensure the success of this upcoming Fall semester. We are also working to implement support measures for students and professors to provide a stimulating and fulfilling learning and research experience.

We therefore invite all students to register for the Fall 2020 semester during the planned registration period, beginning on June 15.

Looking forward to seeing you at the beginning of the academic year; until then, take care of yourselves.

Luc-Alain Giraldeau, Ph. D.

Chief Executive Officier, INRS

Emergency Assistance Program for 2020 Summer semester

To all members of the student community,

As part of a first emergency assistance program for the 2020 winter semester, INRS provided financial support to several students who suddenly lost their jobs in March and were not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Even with the announced resumption of specific activities and the relief measures offered by governments, the current health crisis caused by COVID-19 will have impacts in the coming months. Not only has the pandemic limited employment opportunities for students, but it has also delayed projects and internships, undermined their funding and delayed immigration processing. Given this situation, INRS has decided to take action.

As of April 23, INRS announced its intention to provide compensation for the professors’ research funds used to finance students’ research projects. Scholarships that were supposed to be awarded to students from these funds should therefore be paid out as planned. In addition, INRS is now announcing a second phase of its emergency assistance program for students to ensure minimum income or income replacement for people whose financial situation is impacted by the pandemic in the short term.

The program is designed for students who do not qualify for Canadian emergency benefits or equivalent programs.

Eligible students not receiving a scholarship or employment income will be able to obtain a scholarship of up to $1000 per month for 4 months. An income supplement of up to $500 per month for 4 months will also be available to students who have experienced a loss of income related to the pandemic.

Terms and conditions

♦ Being in Québec or in a foreign country as a result of ongoing studies

♦ Starting or continuing education at INRS during the summer of 2020 OR having to postpone it due to the pandemic.

♦ Experiencing one of the following financial impacts as a result of the pandemic:

♦ Decrease in revenue for the 2020 summer semester

♦ See its expenses increase for the 2020 summer semester

♦ Experiencing financial insecurity due to the impacts described in the previous point

This student assistance fund for the summer is now available. All the details concerning the assistance program, as well as the application form, are available on the INRS website.

If you have any questions, please do contact the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Department at the following email address: sae@inrs.ca.

Partial resumption of laboratory and field research activities

To all members of the INRS community,

Like all academic institutions in Quebec, INRS is working to organize the gradual reopening of its laboratory and field research activities, in accordance with the Government of Quebec’s guidance. The resumption of these activities will be done in compliance with the standards set by public health and the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST). Over the next few days, each of the centres and departments will be called upon to provide plans for the organization of schedules and spaces. Partial resumption of research activities will begin next week.

Our objectives are to allow our students and professors to pursue their research projects, to maintain job security for our research professionals and to maintain the link with our partners by contributing to the collective relaunch effort. INRS thus wishes to continue to fulfill its role in the economic, social and cultural development of society through scientific research.

In light of our consultations with the unions, specific measures will be taken to provide a safe working and study environment and to protect people who will have to visit our institution or in the field.

These measures will include more intensive health maintenance and respect for physical distance. Students and employees concerned by this partial return to research activities will be notified by their director or research supervisor who will explicitly invite them to come to INRS or to their research field. This resumption will be done with respect for the health condition of each individual. More details on the return procedure will be communicated to you shortly by your respective departments. Finally, we would like to remind you that classroom courses remain suspended until further notice.

Once again, I would like to thank you for your perseverance and your commitment which make a difference for our entire community.

Best regards,

Luc-Alain Giraldeau

Chief Executive Officer, INRS

Special financial aids for students

To all members of the INRS community,

In the context of the closure of INRS facilities due to the pandemic, we are fully aware of the delay in the research projects conducted by our students and the financial impacts they generate. In fact, most of these projects are funded by government grants or other external donors for a fixed period of time. As a result and to compensate for this delay, INRS has decided to support its students until the end of the summer, if necessary, by compensating professors who fund their research projects for losses incurred due to the pandemic, up to a maximum of $3.3 million.

This financial support will complement the federal government’s assistance announced Wednesday (April 22), which provides a total of $291.6 million in assistance to, among other things, extend research scholarships for graduate student researchers.

Our student-researchers are at the heart of INRS’s mission. We would like to thank them for their sustained efforts and perseverance in the difficult context in which we operate.

Update on the Continuity of Academic Activities Plan

To all students and professors,

We wish to inform you regarding an update on the continuity of academic activities plan. The academic calendar has not changed. However, students and professors will be given an additional month to submit assignments and grades.

Assignments, including dissertations and theses, will be accepted until May 15 (instead of April 17), and grades until June 15 (instead of May 18). In addition, students will have the option of requesting the use of “pass” or “fail” grades instead of literal grades for course evaluation. Pass or fail will not contribute to the student’s average. The mention “failure” will not be taken into account in the application of the sanctions set out in our academic regulations (Règlement sur les études supérieures de l’INRS).

Three possibilities are offered to our students for gradings for the Winter term 2020:

♦ Literal grading

♦ Mention “success” or “failure”

♦ “R”, for postponed courses and evaluations

Emergency Assistance Program for Students Affected by the Pandemic

To all members of the community,

Over the past few weeks, I have been touched by your resilience and courage. I am particularly proud of the solidarity you have shown at this exceptional time.

Today, I would like to pay special tribute to our student community. The closure of INRS and the Québec-wide pause, which serve to limit the spread of COVID-19, may also create anxiety, to which financial insecurity could also be added. Some students may thus find themselves in a difficult financial situation despite the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) announced by the government, which some of our student population will not be able to access. I am therefore announcing two measures that INRS is taking in solidarity with its student community.

Emergency Assistance Program

As of now, INRS is setting up an emergency financial aid fund to support students who find themselves in a precarious financial situation. To access it, an application form is available online. The amount of assistance can be up to $1 500 per person. We have made sure that funds are already available and can be distributed within a week.

Mobilization of the INRS community to help our students

INRS forms a tightly knit community united behind the success of its students. I am mobilizing our new INRS Foundation to carry out a blitz of voluntary donations from you in support of our students. I encourage the INRS community to come together in these uncertain times. If your current financial situation allows it, you can make a tangible contribution to the emergency assistance program by making a donation. Your generosity will allow our students to continue their research training, a gesture that will make all the difference in the lives of our young scientists. Your donation, whatever it may be, is precious for the entire INRS community, and especially for our students.

In closing, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your kindness. We are living in a singular moment that makes us aware of the importance of the human and personal ties that we all have with one another. Let’s be supportive! Take good care of you and your loved ones.

With all my best wishes for good health,

Luc-Alain Giraldeau Ph. D.

Director General of INRS

Emergency Assistance for Students

To all students,

We are aware of the exceptional difficulties and financial stress that the current pandemic situation is creating for each and every one of you.

To help you get through this crisis situation, INRS will set up an emergency fund for students in need. Full details of these financial support measures will be announced early next week.

In addition, we are currently working with our university partners and funding agencies to support those of you who would find themselves obliged to extend the duration of their studies due to the closure of our facilities in the context of the pandemic.

We sincerely thank you for your perseverance in the current circumstances. Our entire community stands in solidarity with your situation. We invite you to take good care of yourself and of your loved ones.

Guidelines for maintaining academic activities

To all students and professors,

INRS is committed to providing the necessary flexibility to students and professors in order to facilitate the continuity of studies in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. All deadlines provided for in the Règlement des études (Règlement 2) will be applied in a flexible manner. The Graduate and Postdoctoral Department (GPD) is implementing several measures allowing all members of the community to complete the winter term 2020 in the best possible conditions given the circumstances.

University calendar and end of winter term

Note that the university calendar will not be adjusted, but flexibility in the application of deadlines will be offered. The winter term 2020 will end on April 17, 2020 as scheduled and the submission of grades to the Registrar’s Office will be completed by May 18, 2020 as planned. For programs in Urban Studies, the term will end on April 26, 2020 and the submission of grades to the Registrar’s office will be completed by May 8, 2020.

Remote instruction

Considering the closure of the INRS, it is highly recommended that courses, seminars, doctoral exams, and thesis defences be completed remotely whenever possible. For courses that cannot be completed remotely, the GPD will allow a great deal of flexibility for course extensions. The notation “R” (postponed) will be used systematically for courses that cannot be completed remotely. This notation allows another term for the delivery of grades. Depending on the development of the pandemic, it is possible that the notation “R” may, exceptionally, be granted for a second semester.

Evaluation of research activities

Research activities for the winter 2020 term will be evaluated as they stand at the closing of the INRS on March 13, 2020.

Registration for the summer 2020 term

Registration for the summer term 2020 will continue. The registration period has been extended until April 5, 2020.

Three options are offered to students:

♦ The possibility to register for an authorized absence without penalty (the form is available in the student portal IDÉ);

♦ The possibility to continue their studies and research activities at a distance, where possible, and with the approval of their research director;

♦ The possibility to enroll part-time. Students who change their status to part-time in the summer of 2020 will be able to return to full-time status in a future term.

Students are asked to contact their supervisor or tutor to determine the best decision to make. If you have any questions on these points, please do not hesitate to contact the Registrar’s Office by email at this address: registrariat@inrs.ca.

Admissions to INRS

Admissions to INRS will continue. For students who are not be able to present themselves in person, the possibility of starting their program remotely will be offered if their supervisor agrees.Postponement of a new admission, if necessary and without penalty, is also possible. In order to do so, please contact the Registrar’s Office by email at this address: registrariat@inrs.ca.

Internships

To this end, if the period of confinement continues, the GPD will explore, with you and your internship supervisor, the possibility of continuing your research activities remotely. Depending on the outcome of the pandemic, other options may be available to you, such as the possibility of completing your internship on a part-time basis or deferring it to the fall of 2020 or the winter of 2021.

Do not hesitate to contact your supervisor and the GPD if you need additional information.

Extension of the closure

Following the intervention of the Premier of Quebec, we wish to inform you that the INRS will be closed until May 1st. We thank you for your understanding and resilience in this exceptional context.

Message for students
Over the next few days, details will be communicated to students regarding online courses, the continuation of the session and registration for future sessions. We are aware of the concern that this exceptional situation is generating for you. We assure you that no student will be penalized for the consequences of the suspension of our activities.

We would also like to inform our graduating students and graduates that the Government of Quebec is postponing, for a period of six months, the payment of debts contracted through the Aide financière aux études, a decision that is welcomed by the INRS.

Convocation Ceremony
Under these circumstances, and to our regret, we are announcing the postponement of the 2019-2020 Convocation Ceremony, which was scheduled for May. We will be sure to recognize the success of our graduates at a later date.

Message for employees
Thanks to a common agreement with all the unions, over the next few weeks, each employee will be mobilized in order to allow us to make a shift towards the pursuit of online courses, when possible, as well as the continuity of our administrative activities, in telework mode while taking into account telework-family balance. Only essential services will be provided face-to-face. All staff will be paid during this period.

Thanks to the entire community

We understand the major impact of these measures for each and every one of you, whether it is in your studies, research or career. These government-mandated precautionary measures are intended to ensure the health and safety of society as a whole and to halt the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For any questions regarding the measures implemented by INRS, we invite you to write to the following address: coronavirus@inrs.ca.

Guidelines and information related to COVID-19

The Canadian government announced the closure of Canadian borders to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, with the exception of U.S. citizens, starting on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at noon. In addition, those with symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 will be prohibited from entering the country on commercial aircraft.

In this context, for Canadian students and trainees or permanent residents who are currently abroad, we encourage you to return home as soon as possible. INRS will provide you with the necessary support to enable your repatriation. Do not hesitate to contact your teachers or your centre management for this matter, as soon as possible.

For foreign students and trainees who are currently outside of Canada, you will be contacted by your professors very soon. INRS assures you of its support in these difficult circumstances.

In addition, INRS is currently working to put in place the necessary processes to allow students to complete the winter session properly. More details will be sent shortly.

Guidelines and information related to COVID-19

The Canadian government announced the closure of Canadian borders to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, with the exception of U.S. citizens, starting on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at noon. In addition, those with symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 will be prohibited from entering the country on commercial aircraft.

In this context, for Canadian students and trainees or permanent residents who are currently abroad, we encourage you to return home as soon as possible. INRS will provide you with the necessary support to enable your repatriation. Do not hesitate to contact your teachers or your centre management for this matter, as soon as possible.

For foreign students and trainees who are currently outside of Canada, you will be contacted by your professors very soon. INRS assures you of its support in these difficult circumstances.

In addition, INRS is currently working to put in place the necessary processes to allow students to complete the winter session properly. More details will be sent shortly.

New guidelines related to COVID-19

Our institution remains closed until March 27, 2020 and all our activities are suspended for a period of two weeks.

For students and interns who are currently abroad and who wish to be repatriated as soon as possible, precise guidelines will be communicated very soon to your teachers who will contact you.

Furthermore, the Government of Québec strongly recommends avoiding all non-essential travel abroad. Considering this recommendation and the obligation of our employees to isolate themselves for 14 days upon their return from abroad, we inform you that for those who will be leaving for a trip as of March 15, 2020, the 14-day isolation following the return will only be paid by the employer if the employee is able to use vacation, sick or family days or an accumulated time bank. Otherwise, the employee will be considered on leave without pay. As previously announced, staff members who have left the country prior to March 15 will be paid during their period of isolation without using the above leave days.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, we invite you to contact the CORONAVIRUS INFO line (1-877-644-4545). We also invite you to notify the INRS management if you consult a clinic designated COVID-19 for a screening test or for any positive result, so that we can take additional preventive measures.

We are aware of the important effects of these measures for each of you. We thank you for your patience and understanding under these circumstances.

Guidelines related to COVID-19

Our institution remains closed until March 27, 2020 and all our activities are suspended for a period of two weeks.

We would like to reassure students about the continuation of their session. INRS is considering the possibility of holding some thesis defenses, without any public gathering, by videoconference. You are also invited to continue your research or training by teleworking as much as possible. Finally, we confirm that scholarships payments will continue as agreed. INRS management would like to assure you of its flexibility and support to make up for lost time upon your return. We remain accessible by e-mail during the closing.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, we invite you to contact the CORONAVIRUS INFO line (1-877-644-4545). We also invite you to notify the INRS management if you consult a clinic designated COVID-19 for a screening test or for any positive result, so that we can take additional preventive measures.

Furthermore, the Government of Québec strongly recommends avoiding all non-essential travel abroad. Considering this recommendation and the obligation of our employees to isolate themselves for 14 days upon their return from abroad, we inform you that for those who will be leaving for a trip as of March 15, 2020, the 14-day isolation following their return will not be paid by the employer. The employee will be required to use vacation days or unpaid days during this period.

We understand the major impact of these measures for each and every one of you. We would like to thank you for your civic mindedness under the circumstances.

Starting on Monday, March 16, and until the end of the suspension period decreed by the government, INRS will communicate daily with the community via its website to update information, to outline evolving government guidelines and to communicate the terms and conditions of the return to work. Community members are asked to check their email and the INRS website on a regular basis.

Reminder

INRS would like to remind you of the preventive measures announced by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education regarding COVID-19. These measures must be implemented by the entire community.

♦ Access to our facilities is restricted to persons who are recognized by management as administering essential services. These individuals will be contacted by their manager. Compensation for all staff will be maintained.

♦Travel outside Canada by all employees, professors and students of universities in Quebec that had to be carried out in the performance of their duties is no longer authorized as of today, until further notice. This measure applies in particular to outings, internships, exchanges, international mobility programs, competitions and symposiums.

♦ We must also suspend exchange students from foreign countries who are to be welcomed into our institution as of March 13, 2020. Each person in charge – professor or member of the management – must promptly notify those concerned in order to avoid unnecessary travel.

♦ Each staff member and student returning from a stay outside Canada must respect a 14-day isolation period, as prescribed by Public Health. The INRS management has the mandate to enforce this measure. During these two weeks, and only for those who left the country before March 15, 2020, employees’ salaries will be maintained.

Quebec Government new directives related to COVID-19

Following the intervention of the Premier of Quebec, we wish to inform you that INRS will be closed for a period of 14 days as of Saturday, March 14, 2020.

All staff will be paid during this period. Access to our facilities will be restricted to persons who are recognized by management as administrating essential services. These individuals will be contacted by their manager. We ask our teachers and students to take safe measures to stop ongoing experiments, as soon as possible.

Classes are suspended for two weeks. We encourage you to continue your operations at home, if possible.

We understand that the seriousness and exceptional nature of these measures will have a major impact on the progress of research and studies conducted at INRS. These measures of precaution have been declared by the government to ensure the health and safety of our students, employees and fellow citizens. They affect everyone in the education and higher education networks and are based on the assessment made by the Direction générale de la santé publique du Québec and on the progression of COVID-19.

More details will be communicated shortly.

Quebec Government directives related to COVID-19

Travel outside Canada
Travel outside Canada by all employees, professors and students of universities in Quebec that had to be carried out in the performance of their duties is no longer authorized as of today, until further notice. This measure applies in particular to outings, internships, exchanges, international mobility programs, competitions and symposiums.

Exchange students

We must also suspend exchange students from foreign countries who are to be welcomed into our institution as of March 13, 2020. Each person in charge – professor or member of the management – must promptly notify those concerned in order to avoid unnecessary travel.

14-day isolation period

As of today, each staff member and student returning from a stay outside Canada must respect a 14-day isolation period, as prescribed by Public Health. The INRS management has the mandate to enforce this measure. During these two weeks, our employees’ salaries will be maintained.

However, the mandatory isolation does not apply to persons who have travelled abroad in the last few days, particularly during the March break week that ended on March 8, and who would have returned before March 13, 2020. However, the INRS recommends that such persons consider telework. However, these individuals should closely monitor their symptoms for 14 days following their return to Quebec. If they experience symptoms, they should isolate themselves immediately and contact 1 877 644-4545.

We are counting on your cooperation in reminding staff members and students of the importance of informing the institution’s management if they have been in contact with a person who has visited a country at risk or if they themselves have stayed there.

Indoor gatherings

As announced by Premier Legault, all indoor gatherings of 250 or more people in one location are prohibited. In addition, the INRS recommends that other gatherings be held by videoconference or postponed if possible.

Directives du gouvernement du Québec en lien avec la COVID-19

Nous souhaitons vous informer des mesures préventives annoncées par le ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur concernant le COVID-19. Ces mesures doivent être appliquées par l’ensemble de la communauté, dès maintenant.

Les déplacements hors du Canada de tous les employé(e), professeur(e)s et étudiant(e)s des universités au Québec qui devaient être effectués dans l’exercice de leurs fonctions ne sont plus autorisés à compter de ce jour, et ce, jusqu’à nouvel ordre. Cette mesure s’applique notamment pour les sorties, les stages, les échanges, les programmes de mobilité internationale, les compétitions et les colloques.

Parallèlement, nous devons surseoir à l’accueil d’étudiants provenant de pays étrangers et devant être accueillis au sein de notre établissement en date du 13 mars 2020. Chaque responsable – professeur(e) ou membre de la direction – doit aviser rapidement les personnes concernées afin d’éviter des déplacements inutiles.

En date d’aujourd’hui, chaque membre du personnel de notre établissement et chaque étudiante et étudiant qui revient d’un séjour hors Canada doit obligatoirement respecter une période d’isolement de 14 jours, comme prescrit par la Santé publique. La direction de l’INRS a le mandat de faire respecter cette mesure. Pendant ces deux semaines, le traitement salarial de nos employé(e)s sera maintenu.

L’isolement obligatoire ne vise toutefois pas les personnes qui auraient voyagé à l’étranger au cours des derniers jours, notamment pendant la semaine de relâche qui s’est terminée le 8 mars dernier, et qui seraient rentrées avant le 13 mars 2020. Cependant, l’INRS recommande à ces personnes d’envisager le télétravail. Ces personnes doivent toutefois surveiller de près leurs symptômes, et ce, durant les 14 jours suivant leur retour au Québec. En cas de symptômes, elles doivent s’isoler immédiatement et contacter le 1 877 644-4545.

Nous comptons sur votre collaboration pour rappeler aux membres du personnel et aux étudiants, l’importance d’informer la direction de l’établissement s’ils ont été en contact avec une personne ayant visité un pays à risque ou s’ils y ont eux-mêmes séjourné.

Comme annoncé par le premier ministre, tous les rassemblements intérieurs de 250 personnes et plus dans une même pièce sont proscrits. De plus, L’INRS recommande de tenir les autres rassemblements en visioconférence ou encore de les reporter si possible.

Pour toutes questions concernant les mesures mises en place par l’INRS sur la COVID-19, nous vous invitons à écrire à l’adresse suivante : coronavirus@inrs.ca.

Pour suivre l’évolution de la situation, nous vous invitons à consulter la mise à jour sur l’éclosion, publiée par le gouvernement du Canada, ainsi que les recommandations pour les voyageurs en lien avec le coronavirus.