[Cuga] JLab Update on Potential Coronavirus Cases- a message from Mike Maier

[Lorelei Carlson]

A Message from the COO
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A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

March 26, 2020

SUBJECT: JLab Update on Potential Coronavirus Cases
CONTACT: Mike Maier, mmaier at jlab.org<mailto:mmaier at jlab.org>

Today we are notifying the Department of Energy that two Jefferson Lab employees may have coronavirus. Although those who may have had contact with these two employees are already aware, we want to be as transparent as possible with our staff and User community.

On Saturday, March 21 we learned the spouse of a staff member tested positive for coronavirus. The staff member and their spouse believe the exposure occurred on March 8 at an off-site event where they later learned other participants tested positive for coronavirus. The staff member began exhibiting flu-like symptoms on Sunday, March 15 and has not returned to Jefferson Lab since leaving work on March 13.

Recognizing the potential coronavirus symptoms, and upon learning of the positive test for their spouse, the staff member notified their supervisor and Occupational Medicine on Saturday, March 21. The staff member, supervisor and Occupational Medicine worked together to identify others who may have had contact with the staff member during the week of March 9-13. Another Jefferson Lab employee who was in contact with the spouse off-site during the previous week reported symptoms and is considered presumptively positive. All other contacts are asymptomatic and continue to stay at home and away from the campus.

The two presumptive positive staff members have not been tested; therefore, we cannot confirm that they are COVID19-positive.

As we go forward, we will follow a similar sequence for other instances where employees, Users, or subcontractors report positive test results, have flu-like symptoms, or have close personal contact with a person who has coronavirus. When Occupational Medicine learns of a staff member who is potentially contagious, it will restrict the person from continued campus work, and when needed, will engage in contact tracing as done here.

To keep you informed Jefferson Lab will post a summary of presumptive and actual coronavirus cases on our COVID-19 portal. Details such as the names and work locations will only be shared within the immediate work group or work area to identify possible contacts. We ask that staff members who become aware of presumptive or positive cases and contacts respect the sensitivity of this information, so we don’t discourage others to come forward.

In closing we must reinforce three key points:

  1.  While we remain in MEDCON 6 don’t come on campus unless you are needed for a mission essential task, otherwise stay home.
  2.  Maintain 6-ft separation from others at all times.
  3.  Immediately report flu-like symptoms, a positive coronavirus test result, or close personal contact with anyone known to have coronavirus to Occupational Medicine and seek care from your personal medical professional.

12000 JEFFERSON AVENUE • NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23606 • USA • WWW.JLAB.ORG










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