COVID-19 Team Update: Social distancing in the workplace
The Smithsonian has put numerous safeguards in place to protect staff on site. These are working, and as such, we have had very few cases of on-site transmission of COVID-19 within our facilities. However, recently, Occupation Health Services (OHS) has observed a concerning trend. At the same time that the rate of positive cases in our communities and across the country is increasing, our internal contact tracing has revealed that the number of primary contacts, individuals who have interacted with someone who has COVID-19 without taking proper safety precautions, is also increasing.
The increase in positive cases around the country means that there is a now a higher probability that you will come in contact with someone who has COVID-19. Also, a new strain of the virus has been identified that is even more contagious. It is now more important than ever to protect yourself and your colleagues by continuing to wear a proper face covering and practice social distancing. Be especially aware of situations when you are not able to maintain your distance or you must remove your mask. For example, your risk of exposure will increase if you gather with others without masks for meals, to socialize, or even to take a smoke break. In fact, many of our primary contact instances are occurring over lunch when people are not wearing masks or in spaces where people gather to socialize without social distancing.
With a community as strong and close-knit as ours, it is natural to socialize at work, but the biggest risk factor for the spread of COVID-19 is personal behavior. Now is the time to redouble our efforts to keep each other safe. Wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing works! The more space we can put between each other, the better.
If you enter a break room and notice several people are already there, can you push back your meal or find another place to take your break? If the room has multiple tables and someone is already occupying one, sit at another. The same goes for locker rooms and any space where people come in close contact. Speak with your supervisor if you have any concerns about where or when you can safely take breaks, eat meals, and prepare for or finish your day. They can help you and your teammates find solutions. Each room has been labeled with a maximum occupancy limit. Follow this guidance, but remember, the fewer people in a space, the better.
Every time you choose to take a solitary break, eat lunch on your own, or simply say hello from a safe distance, you are doing your part to protect yourself and your colleagues. By extension, you are also looking out for your family, neighbors, and community. Giving your friends and coworkers space and wearing your face covering properly are imperative to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Should you be diagnosed with COVID-19, OHS staff will ask you, among other things, who you encountered when you were last at work. In case you find yourself in this situation, keeping a daily log of your interactions at work will make it easier for you to help OHS. This can be as simple as emailing yourself a list at the end of the day or jotting down your interactions in a notebook, keeping special note of who you saw and for how long. As an example, the National Air and Space Museum has their staff complete this form. If your unit already has requirements for keeping a contact log, please continue to follow their guidance.
Thank you all for the care you have shown each other and the efforts you continue to make to keep our community safe. Be proud of how far we have come and thank your colleagues whenever you see them diligently following the safety protocols.
COVID-19 Response Team
si-coronavirusinfo@si.edu
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Posted: 11 January 2021
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