General Lab Information

Face Covering Status

On-site Face Covering Requirement Suspended as COVID-19 Level Decreases to 'Medium,' 1/26

January 26, 2024

On Friday, Jan. 26, the Hospitalization Admission Level of COVID-19 in Suffolk County decreased from "High" to "Medium" as weekly new hospital admissions of confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people dropped below 20.0, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As a result of this change, face coverings are no longer required on the Brookhaven Lab site or within Lab buildings, facilities, and vehicles. Of course, anyone may still continue to wear a face covering, and we encourage their continued use when traveling together with colleagues in vehicles or working with multiple people in small spaces. Please note that if the Hospital Admission Level increases to "High" again, face coverings will be required within buildings for everyone on site.

This change is in line with Brookhaven's workplace safety and re-entry plan (PDF).

This relaxation of controls does not mean that the virus is absent from our community. Stay home if you have a fever or are experiencing any COVID 19-related symptoms. Notify the Occupational Medicine Clinic (OMC) at Ext. 3670 immediately if you test positive for COVID-19 and have been on site in the previous 10 days, and take common-sense precautions to keep yourselves and your colleagues safe. Staff who test positive for COVID-19 must follow all OMC protocols.

Our primary concern continues to be the health and safety of everyone on site. We will keep employees informed about any additional changes to COVID-19 controls.

If you have any questions, please contact me at Ext. 5756.

- Ann Emrick
Deputy Director for Operations