January 2019 – July 2022
As is the case during any respiratory illness season, one of the best ways to protect yourself is to keep your hands clean. This means frequent washing and sanitizing as well as politely declining handshakes (high fives and fistbumps too, sorry). Try a friendly wave or elbow bump. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
The Lab has issued new guidance on travel, conferences, and events. Effective immediately, the Lab has suspended all international work travel and recommends minimizing non-essential domestic travel. Read more about conferences, meetings, and event guidelines. https://stratcomm-elements.lbl.gov/2020/03/10/march-10-covid-19-update-guidance-for-travel-conferences-and-events-visitors-and-telework/
JGI’s 15th Annual Meeting, the VEGA Symposium, and associated KBase, Fungal, and Algal workshops scheduled for March 22-26 have been canceled due to an abundance of caution surrounding the spread of COVID-19. Registration fees will be refunded. Click for more information. https://usermeeting.jgi.doe.gov/
Due to safety concerns, the American Chemical Society has canceled its annual meeting scheduled for March 22 to 26. Lab staff who were planning to attend can take steps to cancel their flight and obtain refunds for conference fees and car rental. See FAQs for more information. https://stratcomm-elements.lbl.gov/2020/02/28/covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/#bustravel
The Lab’s custodial team is increasing the cleaning of doorknobs, conference tables, and interior handrails. Restrooms will continue to be cleaned daily using disinfectant products. Elevators are also cleaned often, including disinfecting buttons, doors, and other commonly touched surfaces.
Employees are encouraged to print and post an educational flyer created by the CDC that offers six simple steps to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like the COVID-19 virus. Post the flyer in common areas, like break rooms and mailrooms, to help you and your coworkers stay healthy. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/stop-the-spread-of-germs.pdf
The Lab’s International Researchers and Scholars Office is available to provide support and assistance to researchers with coronavirus-related travel delays and to their managers or hosts. Read more about the latest travel restrictions. https://hr.lbl.gov/2020/02/09/lab-team-offers-support-for-coronavirus-travel-delays/
As scientists learn more about the coronavirus and how it spreads, there are several health hygiene tips that will help combat any virus, including washing your hands, covering your cough, and staying home if you are sick. The Lab’s new Pandemic page has more information. https://sites.google.com/lbl.gov/emergencies/pandemic
The new coronavirus that recently started in Asia is spread through person-to-person contact. If you have a cough and fever stay home until the fever is gone. You should also contact your doctor if the symptoms increase in severity. Read more about how to stay healthy. https://ehs.lbl.gov/2020/01/22/coronavirus-spreading-from-asia/