COVID-19 Update: Limited Building Access

Dear Colleagues,

The safety of the public and our staff continues to be the Smithsonian’s main priority. To that end, we must thoughtfully balance the needs of mission critical work with the goal of slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protecting our most vulnerable employees.

We will continue to rely on units to practice social distancing and minimize face-to-face interactions among those who are performing mission-critical activities, such as animal care and security. As a reminder, mission-critical work is defined as in-office tasks that are necessary for continued building operations and infrastructure, or is critical to life and safety of persons or species, or research. In particular, it is vital that we minimize or eliminate face-to-face interactions with highly vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and the immune-compromised.

Non-mission-critical functions that cannot be performed remotely, such as exhibit installation that can be delayed or that require in-person interactions, may be postponed or significantly curtailed. Unit Directors have flexibility to realign individuals or work units to accomplish this.

Beginning Monday, March 23, staff (including emergency and essential employees) considered to be in highly vulnerable populations, as defined by the CDC, should not report to Smithsonian-owned or leased facilities.

Additionally, beginning Monday March 23, non-emergency, non-essential staff must have the permission of their supervisor or facility director to enter a Smithsonian-owned or leased facility.

Later today, The COVID-19 response team will provide more detailed information on how highly vulnerable staff should self-identify and the procedures for controlling access to SI facilities.

Thank you and stay safe,

Lonnie Bunch
Secretary

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