January 2019 – July 2022
If you want to use the Lab’s Covid testing service, you must register before submitting your first sample. Samples cannot be processed if you have not registered. Save time and register first by calling the Covid Information Line at 510-486-5000. https://covid.lbl.gov/testing-at-the-lab
Alameda County remains at a high level of COVID per the CDC, with a steady number of cases at the Lab. At the high level, masks are required indoors, on shuttles, and in Health Services. Masks can be removed to actively eat and drink indoors as long as others are at least six feet away. https://covid.lbl.gov/
Face covers are required beginning today, no matter vaccination status. Options are an N95 respirator without an exhalation valve, a KN95 or FK94 mask, a surgical-type mask, or a cloth face cover worn over a surgical-type mask. Surgical masks are available at the Blackberry and Strawberry Gates. https://ehs.lbl.gov/coronavirus/
There has been a new focus on building ventilation since the start of the COVID pandemic. Several Lab specialists recently took part in a seminar on ventilation in Lab buildings. Learn about indoor virus transmission, the Lab’s ventilation systems, and changes made to improve indoor air quality. https://youtu.be/WWX9xXIyGpw
Alameda County has moved to yellow, medium risk of COVID, according to the Centers for Disease Control Community tracker. Masking is not required at Lab sites, but anyone wishing to wear a mask is encouraged to do so. Masks are still required on Lab shuttles and in Health Services Building 26. https://ehs.lbl.gov/coronavirus/
Join a panel of Lab subject matter experts to get up to speed on critical Lab topics such as safety, parking, transportation, gate and building access, food services, and emergency preparedness at a town hall today, April 13 at 3 p.m. https://calendar.google.com/event?action=TEMPLATE&tmeid=NXN2dGE5Y210cGZjaDFoYWs1dXMybWE0ZmYgbGJsLmdvdl80czRycmcxMmw2ZXFnNm5jbWMya3QwdmNnZ0Bn&tmsrc=lbl.gov_4s4rrg12l6eqg6ncmc2kt0vcgg%40group.calendar.google.com
Meetings or conferences of more than 50 in-person attendees are now allowed with division approval. Events that require support from Conference Services will use the Event Request System. Other gatherings will use a simple form. COVID safety protocols must be followed for all gatherings. https://sites.google.com/lbl.gov/2021-covid-19-information/home/leadership-messages/april-5-guidance-for-meetings-of-50-people-or-more
In a session Wednesday, the Lab’s medical director, Dr. Timur Durrani, shared the latest information on COVID metrics, the Omicron BA.2 variant now spreading, the importance of vaccines, and how the Lab calibrates its response to the pandemic. Watch the replay. https://streaming.lbl.gov/video-library
Join the Lab’s medical director, Dr. Timur Durrani, on Wednesday, March 23 at 10 a.m. for a presentation with Q&A on COVID’s evolving state and how the Lab is calibrating its response to the pandemic. Send your questions to covidinfo@lbl.gov. https://calendar.google.com/event?action=TEMPLATE&tmeid=MnFxM2Y5ZGNwbGY1Y3FwaGIxMTRnZXBubGMgbGJsLmdvdl80czRycmcxMmw2ZXFnNm5jbWMya3QwdmNnZ0Bn&tmsrc=lbl.gov_4s4rrg12l6eqg6ncmc2kt0vcgg%40group.calendar.google.com
DOE has approved the implementation of new masking guidance for the national labs. Effective immediately, indoor masks are voluntary for all people regardless of their COVID vaccination status (vaccinated and unvaccinated). Review all the details here. https://covid.lbl.gov/home/leadership-messages/march-9-covid-masking-requirements-change