January 2019 – July 2022
Curious about building capacity, our COVID-19 protocols, or on-site personnel limits? Ask Chris Lundell, who stepped into the role of Project Director for Laboratory Transition, leading the Lab’s transition efforts out of curtailed operations into the return to work pilot program. https://sites.google.com/lbl.gov/weareberkeleylab/supporting-science/chris-lundell?authuser=0
As is fitting in a year of firsts, the last Lab town hall of 2020 was, well, different. Instead of the typical question and answer format, there were festive sweaters, gosh darn cute animals, and an instant classic (and new Lab tradition) ‘Twas the Night Before the Periodic Table. Join the fun. https://streaming.lbl.gov/video-library
The Lab has developed a multidisciplinary 10-year strategic plan for research of SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 disease. The plan is designed to leverage our new capabilities and our core strengths, as well as to support our long-term mission research. Watch this replay of a brown bag on the plan. https://youtu.be/H16D5P2jgjQ
It’s hard to judge the proper social distancing space when there are no handy decals. These turkeys are meeting outside, which is good, but do they look like they’re six feet apart? Better check that math. Stay apart. It’s safer. Photo credit: Junze Zhou, Molecular Foundry https://covid.lbl.gov/
How many carryout containers equals six feet? Judging correct social distance can be hard without clearly marked signs. Be patient in situations where several people may come together, and give each other room. Oh, and here’s a hint – that table is six feet long. Stay apart. It’s safer. https://covid.lbl.gov/
As of Thursday, all Californians can use a smartphone-based app that uses location technology to notify a person if they have been in the proximity of someone who has a positive test for COVID-19. The app was trialed at the Lab last month. App use is voluntary, and no personal data will be shared. https://covid.lbl.gov/ca-covid-notify
The Lab’s cafeteria and coffee bar will close at 2 p.m. Friday and not reopen until some time in January. The low number of employees on site who are ordering food and drink make it financially impossible to continue operating the cafe, for now. Look for details on its reopening in January.
With Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) expiring at the end of the year, and continuing challenges posed by the pandemic, leave donations are needed more than ever. Read more about how employees can aid fellow Lab colleagues most affected by the pandemic. https://ehs.lbl.gov/2020/11/30/calling-for-donations-of-vacation-time-to-help-colleagues-impacted-by-covid-19/
Most recent COVID-19 case rate data have all Bay Area counties, except Marin, in the widespread category. The expected jump in case rates due to Thanksgiving week gatherings may not show up in the data for another few weeks. https://stratcomm-elements.lbl.gov/2020/11/30/directors-chart-of-spread-of-coronavirus/
Read the latest news about the Lab’s COVID-19 response in the Nov. 25 Return to Work Newsletter https://elements.lbl.gov/Email/Index/4d0b8d1e-50b4-441e-83c1-a39706e878f1?recipientCode=IW11WaY%2bQ1LFnoSCx6iTSeNS8kY%3d