JSC Plans Transition to Stage 2 for Oct. 19
Below is an email note sent to JSC employees at 12:30 p.m. CT 10/5/2020.
JSC Team,
I want to thank each of you for your continued dedication to the NASA mission and your efforts to maintain a safe workplace for our mission-essential and critical work. You have enabled the agency to achieve historic milestones in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic.
The JSC Pandemic Incident Response Group (PIRG), the center-level COVID response team, meets regularly to evaluate, discuss and take steps to ensure JSC remains a safe space for employees working on-site during Stage 3. The PIRG has also continuously monitored gating criteria necessary for transitioning to the next stage.
This morning, I accepted the PIRG’s recommendation, with agency approval, for JSC to begin the transition to Stage 2 of the agency’s Framework for the Return to On-Site Work on Monday, Oct. 19. Throughout the transition process, we will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our workforce.
· If your work area is expected to return on site during Stage 2, your supervisor should already have contacted you with detailed information about the plan for your particular office and requested that you sign a form acknowledging the center guidance and policies that must be adhered to on site in order to maintain safety for the entire team.
· All other employees will continue to telework.
· We will continue to closely monitor local case data over the coming weeks and are prepared to move back the Stage 2 transition date if the data indicates a troubling trend or if our medical experts do not have high confidence that we can safely return more employees to work.
· After the Oct. 19 transition, we will continue to closely monitor the situation on site and in our surrounding communities. We are prepared to return to Stage 3, if necessary.
Under Stage 2 of the agency’s Framework for the Return to On-Site Work:
Center Access – Employees who must be on-site to perform their work may return onsite with center/supervisor approval. All other employees will continue to telework. Mission-critical visitors only and with approval.
Health & Safety – Daycare centers may open. Fitness centers remain closed. Clinics defer physicals. Follow all center/facility safety protocols.
Meetings & Events – Conduct virtual meetings and participate remotely. Cancel or postpone large in-person meetings and gatherings.
Travel – Mission-critical travel only.
By safely, gradually, and thoughtfully increasing the number of employees working on site, we will continue to execute our mission and advance the important work we are accomplishing at JSC. This decision is the result of extensive analysis of COVID-19 case data, increased safety modifications throughout the center, and careful assessment of the procedures the center has put in place during Stage 3.
The center continues to prepare for an increased number of employees on site by enhancing safety measures, including the installation of clear barriers in common areas, limiting access to conference rooms, increasing cleaning frequency, flushing water from low-use buildings, and posting clearly-marked and detailed signage around stairways and elevators. The Center Operations Return to Site guide contains additional information about the measures put in place to ensure your safety at work.
Some members of the team may not feel safe returning to work right away or may need more time to address dependent care obligations or other such arrangements. I want to emphasize that you will not be forced to return to site before you are comfortable doing so. If you have concerns about returning at this time, please reach out to your supervisor.
We are all in this together. The continued success of NASA and JSC relies on each of us contributing to the mission by following the center guidance and remaining vigilant against the spread of COVID-19 at home and at work by wearing appropriate face coverings and social distancing.
Each of you plays a vital role in inspiring humanity and it is such a privilege to work with such a dedicated and inspired workforce.
MG
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