COVID-19 Team Update: Message from Occupational Health Services
Dear Colleagues,
Nearly two years into this pandemic, and COVID-19 continues to be a challenge for all of us. But it is a challenge we can handle, just as we always have, by following the rules and safeguards the Smithsonian has put in place.
One of the best ways to stop COVID-19 from spreading is to limit the opportunity the virus has to move from person to person. Part of that involves Smithsonian’s Contact Tracing procedure. When someone is sick, they report that to the COVID-19 inbox, and our Occupational Health Services staff works quickly to get in touch with the employee who is sick as well as with anyone they may have come into contact with at the workplace.
Because the Omicron variant is so contagious, we have more employees reporting positive diagnosis or symptoms than ever before. This means it is taking us longer to get in touch with each of you that have reported. We are aware of the delay, and we apologize. Our staff is working around the clock to make sure everyone is contacted as quickly as possible. Please be patient. If you have a positive diagnosis or symptoms, stay home until you hear otherwise from someone within Occupational Health Services (OHS) – even if you begin to feel better. Work can wait. Your health and that of your colleagues is our top priority.
For the employees on site, please do your part to limit the spread. Proper face covering and social distancing are key. You must follow these rules. I know it is difficult. It is human nature to want to socialize with our colleagues. But for now, please keep your distance from others, minimize the time you interact with your teammates, and wear a multi-layer face covering when you are at the workplace. And as always, if you’re sick, stay home!
The good news is that Omicron, while highly transmissible, does not appear to be as serious for those who are fully vaccinated and boosted. If you have not been vaccinated yet or received your booster, there is no time like now. No one likes being sick, but there are so many steps we can each take to make sure we remain as healthy as possible.
Thank you all for do diligently reporting your cases, for doing what you can to limit the spread, and for continually doing all you can for the Smithsonian. Know that our OHS team is also doing all we can to help. Together, we will get through this surge and will come out as a healthier Smithsonian.
Stay safe and be well,
Dr. Anne Christensen (McDonough)
Associate Director, Occupational Health Services
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Posted: 6 January 2022
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