On August 3, along with the rest of Virginia Tech, the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute will enter the next phase of modified operations during which some additional personnel will return from teleworking to onsite work.
The following links are to guidance on the reopening of the university, the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, and research operations:
Message from the director, Q&As and information regarding on-site precautions, telework and safety, for the research institute and graduate education. July 29, 2020
Virginia Tech updates plans for student testing (July 29)
COVID-19 testing, tracing and case management (July 28)
Information from Virginia Tech Vice President for Human Resources Bryan Garey (July 28, 2020):
Daily COVID-19 Self-Assessment Screening for the Research Institute
Virginia Tech’s Plan for the fall semester
Community Wellness Commitment
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? Updated July 28: The front doors of the Riverside 2 building will be open during normal business hours. Guests entering must also wear masks, keep appropriate distance, sign in at the reception desk, fill out the health survey, and have their temperature scanned. The Riverside 4 building will remain on restricted access.
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? Updated July 28: The front doors of the Riverside 2 building will be open during normal business hours. Guests entering must also wear masks, keep appropriate distance, sign in at the reception desk, fill out the health survey, and have their temperature scanned. The Riverside 4 building will remain on restricted access.
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.
