COVID-19 Update: Guidance on Smithsonian Personal Protection Equipment

Throughout the country, there is a severe shortage in personal protection equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, face shields, and sterile/disposable gowns. The Smithsonian community is an incredibly generous one. The desire to contribute supplies to the greater COVID-19 response is understandable.

First and foremost, the Institution has to protect our essential staff and living collections, which depend on having appropriate PPE to stay safe and continue doing their jobs. The current nation-wide PPE shortages are also affecting the Smithsonian, especially our colleagues who are protecting our fellow staff and the living collections. This includes the Occupational Health Service (OHS) nurses and healthcare providers who continue to serve onsite for those that are still required to work.

Also, please remember that all items purchased with Smithsonian funds are Smithsonian property and subject to SD 315, Personal Property Management, and the SD 315, Personal Property Management Manual. No items may be donated outside the Smithsonian without authorization from the Smithsonian COVID-19 response team.

However, if the Smithsonian identifies a surplus of PPE in our stock, we can look at options for contributing to the need in the medical community. We will be working within our established emergency operations structure to coordinate data collection on inventory details.

With thanks,

SI COVID-19 Response Team
si-coronavirusinfo@si.edu

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