A video message from the Provost to graduate students and postdocs about returning to the laboratories can be viewed here.
As we open more of our laboratories, we wish to address some of the questions we’ve heard from students and postdoctoral fellows. We know that you are eager to resume your research, and we are equally eager to see Duke’s research enterprise resume operations with modifications as outlined below. We also understand that opening additional laboratories is not entirely without risk. We, therefore, write to let you know that safeguarding your health and safety is the top priority. Accordingly, we are instituting an array of measures which are informed by our infection control team and safety experts. These have been designed to reduce our risks as we re-enter laboratories, and ultimately, other workspaces across the university, as described below:
- A daily online symptom screening system to be completed before coming to work
- A robust symptom-based testing program for our workforce
- Installation of handwashing stations throughout our buildings
- Provision of face masks for those who don’t have their own
- Controlled access to buildings in order to reduce the density of people and facilitate social distancing
- Clear instructions tailored for each school, posted online and constantly updated to describe any changes, should they occur
- Mapping out of common spaces to show 6 ft distances
- Clear signs in common areas indicating safety guidelines
- Frequent walkthrough of labs by departmental leaders assigned to buildings
Carefully observing these measures will help to protect you. If you nonetheless show any symptoms of COVID-19, believe you have been exposed to the virus or have additional health concerns or questions about COVID-19, please contact student health (students) at 919-681-9355 or employee health (postdocs) at 919-684-3136 at any time. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, have been referred for testing by EOHW or student health, or are awaiting test results, you must notify your supervisor immediately and you may not come to work for any reason until approved by EOHW or student health
We have prepared the attached list of frequently asked questions regarding the reopening process and safety measures that must be observed. If you believe that your co-workers or colleagues are not observing the safety measures put into place, please contact the anonymous hotline at 1-800-826-8109 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or oarc.duke.edu.
This is a challenging time for everyone, especially as we return to activities that once seemed routine and may now feel unsafe. Should you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your advisor, your DGS, or to any of the services listed below.
Please know that our principal focus is your health and safety as we seek to resume the important research to which you have devoted your education and your careers.
Additional resources:
- DukeReach: 919-681-2455 or dukereach@duke.edu
- Duke CAPS: 919-660-1000; after 5PM on-call mental health support service: 919-966-3820
- Duke PAS: https://pas.duke.edu/about/counseling-services/online-counseling-services
- Mental telehealth bluedevilscare.duke.edu. Register once using the service key DUKE2020
- Duke student assistance fund
- For information regarding graduate classes, programs, and defenses/examinations, please visit the Graduate School’s Coronavirus Information page
Last updated on June 30, 2020