A Message to All Our Stakeholders Regarding COVID 19

A Message to All Our Stakeholders Regarding COVID 19

A Message to All Our Stakeholders Regarding COVID 19

March 26, 2020

With the continuing global and provincial spread of COVID 19 it is important that we all do what we can to help reduce the spread of this virus.  Prairie Swine Centre takes our obligations and commitments to our employees, our animals, producers, funding agencies and the Canadian pork industry very seriously, and have implemented several precautionary measures within our business structure.

As a leader within the Canadian pork industry, over time, we have developed a system of policies and procedures that help us best manage events seen today.  We continue to build on these habits to ensure everyone remains safe and healthy throughout this critical period.  Biosecurity programs developed throughout the pork industry are serving all of us well.  Not only do they protect our animals, they better enable us to prepare for challenges identified in the coming days and months.

The role of Agriculture, and the pork industry, is never more important as we provide an essential service to all Canadians.  Throughout this challenging time, Prairie Swine Centre will continue to operate and carry out research, but we are taking several precautionary steps in our business and operating practices. As more information on this virus is available, we will continue to assess and adapt our practices.  We have recently adopted the following measures at the Centre.

• The management team at the Centre has developed a COVID-19 response plan ensuring continuity of operations and research programs, including planning and implementing new preventative measures.
• We have created a work from home plan for all staff possible.
• We have incorporated split shifts and physical distancing protocols in the research/production facility in order to reduce the number of staff present at one time and the frequency of face-to-face interactions. In addition, we also have improved cleaning and disinfection protocols..
• We have suspended all company travel.
• We require all staff who are returning from international travel to self-isolate for 14 days.
• We have restricted all individuals and companies from entering the Prairie Swine Centre office and production facility.
• We have eliminated in-person meetings, utilizing electronic and video communication when required.

We continue to monitor and follow the recommendations of the appropriate public health agencies.

Lastly, we encourage everyone to monitor and stay on top of the ever-changing environment and stay safe out there.

PSC COVID Response Letter 2020

Murray Pettitt

CEO

Prairie Swine Centre