Give Me SPACE!

As NASA Johnson Space Center employees, we all want our SPACE; but, in these extraordinary times, the SPACE we need now is more personal than extraterrestrial. Given the evolving worldwide spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, Johnson reminds team members to give each other SPACE — by following these key tips while Johnson is in Stage 2 of the response framework:

• Stay home – Telework is mandatory for mission-essential and non-mission-essential employees unless your position requires you to be on-site

• Personal space – Must be maintained and respected at all times

• Action to all – Verify your VPN access, get IT equipment you need to telework

• Cleanliness – Wash hands always and often

• Example and Educate – Lead by example and educate the people who don’t know

As we approach the 50th anniversary of Apollo 13, it is important to consider that no matter the challenge or daunting realities, Johnson thrives when we unite together in the face of adversity. This is not a mission to bring our crew home. This time, the adversary is invisible, and we are the entire crew — and must do everything possible to protect each other, the NASA family. Slowing the spread of disease means we exponentially protect our families, the community and all Earthlings.

This is a mission we must accept. So, what to do?

Give Me SPACE.

Stay home. Telework is mandatory for mission-essential and non-mission-essential employees unless your position requires you to be on-site.

Personal space. At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the practice of social distancing (six feet between you and others). Also follow CDC and local guidance on avoiding large gatherings of people. 

Action. Since telework is mandatory for almost all employees, be sure you are equipped to do everything your job entails. Verify your VPN access, get the IT equipment you need to telework and get acquainted with the resources that will help you work remotely.

Cleanliness. Wash your hands, the right way and much more often than you typically would. Keep hand sanitizer handy, or use what has been provided. Common courtesy is paramount: Clean/disinfect all frequently touched surfaces in your workspace.

Set the Example and help Educate. Exhibit the behaviors you would like to see in others (frequent hand washing, sneezing into your sleeve, disposing used tissues immediately, wiping down your work area and giving people space). If you see someone that is not following these behaviors, politely try to offer some education that could help prevent the virus from spreading!

Check the CDC website frequently for the best guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19. Some other things to consider (sourced from CDC.gov):

WATCH FOR SYMPTOMS

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

HOW COVID-19  SPREADS

Person-to-person spread:

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

IF YOU SUSPECT YOU HAVE COVID-19 OR HAVE BEEN EXPOSED

Call your primary care physician or an emergency room.

We know you have health questions and concerns, and many of you have reached out to the JSC Clinic. To avoid impacting the JSC Clinic’s daily support role, a dedicated email address has been set up for you to submit your COVID -19 related questions: jsc-clinic@mail.nasa.gov

Medical professionals will monitor this inbox to help answer your questions, but please do not use this email or go to the clinic or Employee Assistance Program offices if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19.

For more on Johnson’s continued response to COVID-19, please visit Roundup Reads or JSCSOS.

Click to see Example and Educate.