July 29, 2021

Message from Mike Dunne, Director, Linac Coherent Light Source: Update on SLAC’s COVID-19 Protocols

Updated SLAC Access Requirements for Users »

Dear LCLS User Community,

This message provides an update on SLAC’s COVID-19 protocols. The COVID-19 Delta variant is causing a lot of concern across the country, being much more transmissible than previous strains. In accordance with the recommendations announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Energy has released updated COVID safety requirements for its buildings and facilities in areas of substantial or high community transmission (7-day case rate of greater than 50 per 100,000).

As San Mateo County is now experiencing substantial community transmission, SLAC has reinstated the COVID safety protocol requiring face coverings in all indoor areas (including vehicles), regardless of vaccination status, effective July 29.

Exceptions include:

-When working alone in an enclosed office or space that others will not be using with the door closed.

-When eating/drinking indoors, face coverings may be intermittently removed as long as you are at least six feet from another individual.

Other aspects of our protocols still apply: Unvaccinated/Declined to State people at SLAC still need to wear face coverings outdoors when within six feet of others and complete a daily Health Check. Fully vaccinated people do not need to wear face coverings outdoors and do not need to complete daily Health Checks once their proof of vaccination is uploaded.

Please be aware that there may be modifications as conditions and circumstances change, so always consult with your experiment Point of Contact and the LCLS User Office prior to arranging any travel.

If you have questions or concerns around these new rules, please review the SLAC Access for Users on the LCLS website, ask your experiment point of contact or send a message to the User Office at lcls-user-office@slac.stanford.edu.

Thank you for your patience as we continue to respond to the changing pandemic situation and for doing your part in keeping everyone safe.

Sincerely,

Mike Dunne
Director, Linac Coherent Light Source