On-site Face Covering Requirement Suspended as COVID-19 Level Decreases to 'Medium'

January 20, 2023

On Thursday, Jan. 19, the Community Level of COVID-19 in Suffolk County decreased from "High" to "Medium" as the weekly case rate moved below 200 cases per 100,000 population and the weekly new hospital admissions of confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people dropped below 20.0.

As a result of this change, face coverings are no longer required on the Brookhaven Lab site or within Lab buildings, facilities, and vehicles, regardless of an individual's vaccination status. 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 Community 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 (VPN may be required).

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 personal or business travel planned, review the Lab's detailed travel guidance.

If you have any questions, contact Tom Daniels, Ext. 4752.

— Jack Anderson
Deputy Director for Operations