[Faculty] Temporary Lab Closure Contingency Plans

[Antin, Parker B - (pba)]

Dear Faculty,

Thank you to everyone who has have submitted a laboratory mitigation plan. This has been a significant effort, and your rapid response has been most appreciated.

The Unit Heads and I are reviewing the mitigation plans in preparation for submission to the VPRII’s office with this evening as a soft deadline. Some of you have also elected to temporarily close your lab and have submitted page 5 of the Temporary Lab Closure Procedure document. This document is attached.    

Betsy Cantwell has asked that everyone who submitted a laboratory mitigation plan also carefully consider how they would accomplish a temporary lab closure should this become necessary due to a statewide shelter in place mandate. There is presently no indication that this is being contemplated, but it will be advantageous for everyone to think through what this would mean for your lab. 

It is important that lab closures to be conducted in a strategic way that ensures rapid ramping up once the closure directive is lifted. A directive for comprehensive lab closures will likely require quick action, so I am asking everyone to carefully review the attached University Laboratory Lab Closure Procedure document. Should you elect to close your lab or are asked to do so, you will need work though the document checklists, then fill out page 5 of this document and return to your unit head. Page 6 is a sign that you should print out and place on the main door of your lab. 

In the event that we do receive a University-wide lab closure directive, some critical maintenance activities will be permitted to continue, for example maintenance of critical lab stocks or other resources and periodic maintenance of critical equipment. Once I have clearer guidance on the kinds of activities that will be permitted, I will circulate this information to you.

In the meantime,  be safe and stay healthy.

Parker