COVID-19 Team Update: Summer Safety Tips
Americans have been rolling up their sleeves to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations, and nearly half of our nation’s population is fully vaccinated. We can now enjoy our favorite summer pastimes and many more opportunities to reconnect if we are mindful of a few basic precautions. As we head into the holiday weekend, take a moment to review the summer health and safety reminders below.
- If you’re sick, stay home! Whether you are vaccinated or not, continue to ask yourself the daily health screening questions before reporting to the workplace. Taking time to assess your health is also a good idea before attending public events and private gatherings. If you feel ill or have any unusual-for-you symptoms, even mild ones, stay home.
- Vaccination: Do not delay! Becoming vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself against COVID-19 and the highly contagious variants of the virus. Everyone 12 years of age and older is now eligible for vaccination, and state and local health department websites can help you locate vaccination clinics and make appointments.
It has never been easier to become vaccinated. Quantities are plentiful, and the Smithsonian is giving you the flexibility to make time for your appointment. Employees may take up to three hours of administrative leave to receive each dose of the vaccine. If you experience side effects from the vaccine, which is normal and typically resolves quickly, you may request up to eight hours of leave as part of the temporary Administrative Leave program. Please follow your unit’s leave request guidelines.
As a reminder, Smithsonian employees and volunteers are encouraged to send a copy of their vaccination card to Occupational Health Services at OHS-MedicalReview@si.edu after their final dose.
- Personal travel: The CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. Once vaccinated, you may safely travel within the U.S. but should take steps to protect those around you. Face coverings are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation and indoors at transportation hubs such as airports and metro stations. Be cognizant of state and local requirements including mask wearing and social distancing. After travel, monitor your health and isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow the CDC’s recommendations for unvaccinated people.
Before traveling internationally, learn and follow local requirements related to travel, testing, and quarantine. All air passengers coming to the U.S., including returning U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 viral test result no more than three days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past three months before they may board their return flight. Additional CDC guidance regarding international travel can be found here.
- Beat the heat: Many of us have already endured high temperatures this summer. Whether work or pleasure brings you outdoors, drink plenty of liquids and wear cool clothing. Pay attention to heat advisories, find air-conditioning during hot hours, and take frequent rest breaks. Look out for symptoms of heat related-illness including headache, dizziness, heavy sweating, and cold, pale, or clammy skin. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can impact people of all ages, but extreme heat poses the greatest risk for people under four and over 65 and anyone who has a pre-existing medical condition or lives in a home without air conditioning.
- Roll up your sleeves again for the Red Cross: The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage and is asking for your help. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those who are type O and platelet donors. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-Red-Cross (800-733-2767) to make an appointment. Every Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control.
- If you have received a COVID-19 vaccine, you will need to provide the manufacturer name when you come to donate. In most cases, there is no deferral time for individuals who received a vaccine if they are symptom free and feeling well at the time of donation.
If you are in search of additional resources, the CDC offers helpful recommendations for visiting parks and recreation facilities including playgrounds, campsites, beaches, and public pools. We hope you will find many opportunities to enjoy a fun, relaxing, and safe summer!
Stay safe and be well,
COVID-19 Response Team
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Posted: 1 July 2021
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