COVID-19 Update: Take normal precautions

Maryland reported their first three cases of COVID-19 in Montgomery County. These three cases were in one family following international travel. The Smithsonian response team is closely monitoring the situation and have taken these recent events into consideration as we continually evaluate the risk to our personnel, visitors, and living collection.

At this time, even though these cases are closer to home, the right precautions have been taken, and we are not recommending any changes to our regular day-to-day operations. We ask that you continue to plan for the possibility of a change in operating status should events warrant, but we are operating normally and you should report to work according to your normal schedule. We will continue to update the Smithsonian community so you always have the most current information available.

Per the Smithsonian’s Emergency Management Program (under SD109), the Smithsonian is using what we know about the COVID-19 to ensure a well-coordinated response. We have met with the Secretary as well as the Smithsonian Emergency Operations group and are continuing to meet regularly. We are focusing on answers to questions in the area of Human Resources, Special Events, Security, and Facilities Management.  Experts in each of these areas are ensuring that we have a comprehensive approach.  We appreciate your patience as we work out the details of our guidance to make sure the information is accurate and complete. New guidance and policies will be disseminated through SI wide e-mails and on our coronavirus-specific webpage. We encourage you to download the cloud-based Prism mobile app to stay connected to the latest news even without a network connection. The app can be found on the bottom of the Prism home page or through this link.

You might see some changes happening around the Smithsonian already from the first stage of our planned response. OFMR has increased the number of hand sanitizer stations in public areas over the past few weeks. They have also increased the frequency of cleaning in high-touch situations.  These are both effective ways to decrease the risk of respiratory illness. Handwashing and staying home while ill are still the best things you can do to protect yourself and the Smithsonian community.

COVID-19 creates a lot of anxiety and generates a lot of questions. As this is an emerging, constantly evolving threat, please know that response staff are working around the clock to create and disseminate the best, scientifically accurate information as quickly as possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisors or SI-Coronavirusinfo@si.ed with questions and concerns. Please note though, that due to high email volume, the inbox has a 48 to 72- hour response time for non-time sensitive questions.

Stay well,

Doug Hall
Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Finance and Administration
Coordinating Officer
Smithsonian COVID-19 Response Team

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