Western has advised researchers that if they cannot maintain appropriate social distancing in their facilities, they must prepare to close down their labs (see https://www.uwo.ca/coronavirus/research.html for the latest guidance). While this messaging has been directly largely toward labs in the STEM disciplines, social science researchers must be aware that these guidelines apply also to their research, labs, and research groups.
All face to face data collection should cease immediately: any protocols that currently involve in-person interaction must be modified to eliminate the necessity for face to face interaction between researchers, participants, or participants and researchers. Research labs and research groups (including faculty, graduate students, and research lab personnel) must meet virtually (using Skype, Zoom, or other technologies) rather than conducting face to face meetings.
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