COVID-19 Update: What does “closed to the public” mean to me?

Based on questions we’ve been receiving and to follow-up on the Secretary’s e-mail titled “Message from the Secretary: Telework”, we wanted to provide further information to help you understand what our status is at the Smithsonian.

Are we furloughed? Is this the same as being closed for weather? What is our current status for staff?

What we know about COVID-19 and how it is impacting our communities is changing quickly.

Here is where we are today, March 13, 2020, with our operating status:

Starting at 5:30 p.m. today, we are closing to the public. But that doesn’t mean we are stopping internal operations. We are in enhanced telework status for employees. This is NOT the same as a furlough or weather closure. Our goal with closing to the public and increasing teleworking is to provide work flexibility to employees and supervisors to achieve social distancing.

Staff are still allowed into all facilities (including post docs, fellows, and students). However, the volunteer program is temporarily suspended. Units now have many options to use to help protect staff and allow for greater social distancing options. These options include: flexible work hours (so people can commute at non-peak hours), enhanced telework opportunities, and staggered staffing.

Simply, if your work can be done from home, please do it from home. If there is essential work that you have to do on site, you may continue this work onsite using good social distancing practices.

If there is absolutely no work that a person can do on site or by telework at this time, then your unit has the option to put you on paid weather and safety leave.

To more fully explain the spirit of enhanced telework, see the questions and answers below.

Why are we being asked to telework?

We are asking employees to telework because it helps to slow the spread of the virus. When fewer employees come into the office, fewer social interactions take place. That means there’s less opportunity to spread the virus from person to person. Also, when you telework, you are keeping yourself and your colleagues safe. You’re limiting the number of interactions you have – from the people you encounter on public transportation to the people in your office.

How much should I telework?

Telework as much as you are able. The more you stay home, the more you are helping slow the spread of COVID-19. If you have a job you can easily do remotely, please take this opportunity to complete your work from home.

Does shifting my schedule help?

Yes! If you are commuting at off-peak hours, you won’t be taking public transportation with as many other people. You won’t be in the office with as many of your colleagues. Social distancing is a valuable tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Do I have to telework?

We are in an enhanced telework scenario. That means SI is encouraging everyone who is able to telework to do so as much as possible. If an employee needs to come into a building to get files, complete an office-specific task, or work in a lab (for example), that is permitted. But again, if the work can be done at home or isn’t essential, employees should take that into consideration when they’re deciding to come into the office.

Am I allowed in my work space if I need to come in?

Yes. This is not the same as a government shutdown. If an employee needs to come into a building to get files, complete an office-specific task, or work in a lab (for example), that is permitted. But again, if the work can be done at home or isn’t essential, employees should take that into consideration if they’re deciding to come into the office.

Please see the Telework and Leave FAQs on https://sinet.sharepoint.com/sites/COVID-19/ for more Telework specific details.

As always, please e-mail SI-Coronavirusinfo@si.edu for questions or concerns.

Related posts:

COVID-19 Update: New tools to help you telework ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was Feb. 8 – 14, 2020 Volunteer Spotlight: Maureen Bryant Remembering Michael Collins