COVID-19 Update: Phase 1 Reopening Resources
As the Smithsonian prepares for the early stages of reopening, we want to highlight several frequently requested resources that are available on the Reopening webpage. These guidelines and tools, located under the banner “SI Guidance for Phase 1 Planning,” will be useful to individual employees as well as directors and supervisors who are designing and implementing unit reopening plans.
To echo the Secretary’s message from last week, remember that as more of us return to the workplace, the most important thing you can do for the Smithsonian community is to stay home if you are ill. Please also be reminded that you should not alter your work status until you hear directly from your supervisor and/or unit director.
Your feedback is helping guide the Smithsonian’s reopening. Please continue to share questions, suggestions, and ideas with the COVID-19 Response Team and Reopening Task Force by emailing si-coronavirusinfo@si.edu. Please also engage your supervisors and your unit’s Emergency Operations Group (EOG) representatives with questions specific to your unit and team.
Information for All Staff
- How to Report a Positive Test Result: If you are ill or experience symptoms associated with COVID-19, first and foremost, please stay home while you recover. If you test positive or are diagnosed by a healthcare provider with COVID-19, this link provides guidance on next steps including contacting the COVID-19 Response Team who will follow up and provide advice.
- Mandatory Use of Face Coverings: Smithsonian currently requires all staff to wear cloth face coverings on Smithsonian owned and leased property, when entering and exiting a facility, and while in common spaces and shared workspaces.
- Required Training on Coronaviruses/COVID-19: A new training module has been assigned to all Smithsonian staff. It covers important health and safety basics such as the use of cloth face coverings and hand washing. Staff without an SI email address can access the portal here. If you did not see the training announcement in your Inbox or Focused Inbox, please check your email folders labeled “Junk” or “Other.” For questions, please reach out to SISafetyTraining@si.edu.
- Cleaning Strategies: The Office of Facilities Management and Reliability (OFMR) is taking precautions to protect our community against COVID-19. Staff must also take responsibility to ensure workspaces, especially shared workstations, are cleaned and properly disinfected. Requests for cleaning supplies and CPE including face coverings, should be coordinated through one unit representative (e.g. your unit’s EOG Representative or Safety Coordinator) and may be made to OFMR via SF-SI-Supply-Team@si.edu.
- Higher Risk Employees: During Phase 1 and Phase 2, Higher Risk Employees will be allowed to telework or, if they are not telework eligible and are required to be on site, may seek an accommodation.
Information for Unit Leadership and Supervisors
- Workplace Flexibility Options: During Phase 1 and 2, there are a variety of workplace flexibility options available that management can consider based upon an employee’s specific circumstances and the needs of the unit.
- Risk Mitigation Strategies: This guidance provides information on risk assessment, risk control and mitigation measures, and additional references for controlling and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Risk Assessment Worksheet can be used in conjunction with the Risk Mitigation Strategies to assess a unit or activity’s risk exposure.
- Health Screening and SI Travel Requirements and Precautions: Additional guidance related to Health Screening, Travel Requirements and Precautions, and other topics are under development and will be announced soon. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact the COVID-19 Response Team.
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Posted: 12 June 2020
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Categories:
COVID-19 Updates , Education, Access & Outreach , News & Announcements , Spotlight
