The UMMS COVID-19 Workforce Safety Working Group has determined that next week’s planned return to campus will be delayed to Wednesday, May 20, instead of May 18.
This will impact the first group of individuals who are preparing to return to work. This group includes approximately one half of the laboratory research workforce and other essential staff required to maintain the proper functioning of the research operation. All have been notified and offered a free coronavirus screening test, which must be scheduled in advance and will take place at the Plantation Street Garage.
Delaying the first phase of our gradual research ramp-up to May 20 will allow additional time for all employees in the first group to have the opportunity to undergo testing and receive their results.
Importantly, and also effective May 20, the only employees who will be allowed to come to campus will be those who have a confirmed negative result to their coronavirus screening test.
Depending upon the status of local epidemiology in late-May, a second group of research staff will be scheduled to return to campus no earlier than June 1. Additional information will be provided as this date approaches.
Please note that all workplace safety and public health guidelines remain in effect as detailed in the Standards for Prevention of Workplace Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 plan shared Wednesday, which is available, along with many other resources, at https://umassmed.edu/coronavirus.
Questions may be directed to the UMMS infection control officer by emailing infection.control@umassmed.edu.
