Reopening guidance from the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) and the research institute:
In conjunction with the university’s efforts to restore in-class instruction and on-campus experiences for the fall 2020 semester, Virginia Tech will gradually transition from its current status of Essential Operations – as defined under Presidential Policy Memorandum 309 – to a modified operations mode by Aug. 3.
The Transition Plan, according to OVPRI, consists of three phases to complement Gov. Ralph Northam’s Forward Virginia plan to reopen the commonwealth, which is now in Phase Two. The Transition Plan provides a framework and process for scaling operations to be consistent with the governor on the easing of restrictions, and in accordance with university policy with public health guidelines in place. These guidelines are subject to change based on updated guidance from local, state, federal, or other public health directives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Fralin Biomedical Research Institute building doors remain locked? Yes, doors/stairwells will be remain locked and require prox card access for the time being.
Is after-hours work permitted at the institute? Yes, it is permitted (actually rotating shifts is labs is encouraged when possible and voluntarily agreeable to all parties) for people who have received permission of their supervisor, have had their supervisor notify the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Human Resources office (Ms. Pamela Stell) of that permission, including where the person will primarily be located when on site and approximately what days/hours they plan to be on site. The receptionist desk will not be staffed after regular work hours such that persons arriving to work after regular work hours are on the honor system for those times but still MUST complete the online questionnaire for each day and receive a green go in order to enter the building.
Do I have to re-check in at reception each time that I leave and re-enter the institute on a given day? No, you only have to do that one time on a given day when you first arrive at the building; you do not have to check in at reception every time you leave the building and re-enter during that day.
Are visitors allowed into the research institute? For the most part, no. Please do not bring visitors/family members to the building during this period. Outside visitors are being strictly limited to include a few small scheduled vendors plus deliveries, etc. Human subjects for research are currently being allowed in the building. When they enter, they will have to follow strict screening protocols for building entry and being escorted to/from research sites.
Where should I eat my lunch or snack? Please try to avoid having several people eating in small break rooms simultaneously. Outside spaced dining is strongly encouraged.
Please read both sections of the updated version of guidelines for Phase One research operations.
