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<p style="background:white"><span style="color:black">Dear campus community,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="color:black">The university is almost back to full research operations. Some restrictions, however, have still applied to non-clinical human subjects research.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="color:black">Medical facilities and clinics seeing patients in Southern California are currently operating under much more flexible conditions than those on our campus, which is the case also at some universities that have relaxed COVID-related
restrictions applied to human subjects research.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="color:black">In light of this and after consultation with the Research Ramp-up Committee and EH&S, the university is rescinding, effective November 1, 2021, all COVID-related restrictions described in a </span><span style="color:#455A64"><a href="https://campusreturn.ucr.edu/sites/g/files/rcwecm4671/files/2021-05/Risk_Matrix_for_%20HSR-051421.pdf"><span style="color:#F4002B">matrix
shared earlier</span></a>. </span><span style="color:black">Virtual interventions are still recommended, whenever possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="color:black">Please note: The university still requires that lab PIs use the work site specific plan (WSSP) tool so that EH&S can review and approve procedures on a case-by-case basis. The protocols involving higher risk interventions, as listed
in the matrix, may need to provide additional information before approval. The EH&S biosafety officer will assist in assuring that COVID-safe practices are in place and documented, including the use of N95s for research staff when applicable. As always, all
protocols involving human subject research need to be approved by our Institutional Review Board (IRB).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="color:black">Thank you for your continuous efforts in implementing safety measures in our research activities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background:white"><span style="color:black">Sincerely, <br>
<br>
Rodolfo H. Torres,<br>
Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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