Apr

COVID-19 Update: Science will determine decision-making

Thank you all for your continued patience, flexibility, and dedication as we all adapt to a new way of being One Smithsonian. From those who’ve had to adjust to a work-from-home lifestyle, to our front-line staff who must come to work to ensure the safety and maintenance of Smithsonian’s buildings and collections, it’s been a team effort involving sacrifice and creativity to keep each other safe while also supporting our mission.

Many of you have understandably shifted your focus to heading back to work and reopening to the public. While it is not time to return to your workspaces yet, the Smithsonian leadership and the COVID-19 Response Team have been planning for that future and will communicate any updates to our status as they become available.

Please know that the Smithsonian will use science and safety as the key decision-making factors in deciding when and how to bring employees back to work and when to open our doors to the public. This is not a decision that will be rushed, but will be done in a way to maintain the safety of our staff, visitors, and living collections.

Should you have questions regarding reopening or returning to work, or recommendations and ideas on how to do so safely, please email the resource inbox at si-coronavirusinfo@si.edu just as you have for all other questions or concerns that have come up as part of Smithsonian’s response to COVID-19. Those questions and comments may be used to inform the reopening planning.

As we begin down the path to recovery and reopening, we want to remind you to focus on your own wellbeing. These are trying times and it is easy to get overwhelmed. Please visit the COVID-19 website where you can access wellness-focused information. Smithsonian has many resources that can help you navigate the uncertainty. From EAP to webinars, and mindfulness to meditation, there are links, activities, and information on this site than can be of help you or your colleagues.

Stay safe and be well.

Sincerely,
The COVID-19 Response Team