Research Activities to Transition to Phase 2

The University of Maryland will transition its on-campus research operations to Phase 2, or “immediate presence,” on Aug. 24, Vice President for Research Laurie E. Locascio wrote in an email to staff and faculty today. Researchers who are able to continue to do their research remotely should do so and not return to campus at this time.

Phase 1, characterized as “limited presence,” went into effect June 8. Given the extremely low levels of COVID-19 positive cases in the research community and no evidence of transmission within the research spaces, Locascio said the Division of Research feels confident that health and safety compliance is high and the working environment is ready to proceed to Phase 2.

During Phase 2, laboratories and other research spaces will be allowed to function at 50% occupancy, provided it is possible to maintain the space requirements of at least 150 square feet per person. Research employees on campus during Phase 1 will be required to provide an updated description of their plans for maintaining appropriate physical distancing with the increase in personnel in Phase 2. As with Phase 1, all necessary health and safety guidelines must be strictly followed. These include requirements for physical distancing, face coverings, hand washing and disinfecting spaces. In addition, everyone coming to campus must complete the Daily Symptom Monitoring survey available at return.umd.edu. No one should come to work if they are feeling sick.

Phase 2 Requirements

• The document “UMD Safety Assuredness Procedures & Guidance Plan for Conducting Research During COVID-19: Update August 2020” must be revised and approved by the department chair and the dean prior to initiating Phase 2.
  
• All faculty, staff and students must provide a negative result from a PCR-based COVID-19 viral test administered within 14 days prior to coming to campus. Free on-campus testing will be available during the weeks of Aug. 17, 24 and 31. Registration is required. Terps may also be tested at a local testing site in their area. Reporting protocol for negative test results is forthcoming. Those who have been working on campus during Phase 1 are also required to be tested and should make arrangements to do so as soon as possible, but are permitted to continue working while awaiting test results, provided they complete and meet the conditions of the Daily Symptom Monitoring requirement.