Attachment 5 -NIST Visitor and Contractor Protocols for Mitigating COVID-19 Exposure on NIST Campuses_06152020.docx

NIST Visitor and Contractor Protocols for Mitigating COVID-19 Exposure on NIST Campuses

Document Date[footnoteRef:1]: 06/15/2020 [1: For revision history, see Appendix A]

INTRODUCTION

NIST is committed to protecting the health and safety of our staff and others coming on to our campuses by implemented measures consistent with CDC guidelines to mitigate COVID-19 exposure. Towards that end, NIST staff (hereafter referred to as “Sponsor”) bringing visitors or contractors, who will be performing work in NIST workspaces, on to campus are required to provide the following information to them in advance of the visit. Further, while visitors and contractors are on campus, the Sponsor must ensure they comply with the requirements in place to mitigate COVID-19 exposure.

Contractors working under their own safety plans and performing work in areas controlled by them on the NIST campus must work with their Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to modify their safety plan to include COVID-19 mitigation strategies. Further, they must abide by NIST requirements when in NIST workspaces.

RESTRICTED ACCESS

The following individuals will not be permitted access to NIST campuses:

· Those exhibiting symptoms of a COVID-19;

· Those recovering from COVID-19 who have not yet met criteria to end isolation and return to work;

· Those who have been exposed to someone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, is presumed positive for COVID-19, or has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days; and

· Those who have traveled to or from areas that present an elevated risk or exposure to COVID-19 within the last 14 days.

Additionally, individuals recovering from COVID-19 will only be allowed on campus when the following three conditions are met:

· No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers;

· Other symptoms have improved (for example, your cough or shortness of breath has improved); and

· At least 10 days from onset of symptoms.

Finally, there are individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and others who are at risk. It is the employer’s responsibility to protect their employees. NIST has instituted policies to protect staff who are in these categories. It is the responsibility of the employers of visitors and contractors to have made these considerations as well.

PRIOR TO CAMPUS ARRIVAL

Any individual coming on to campus must conduct a personal health screening by reviewing the COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire (attached). This self-screening must be performed every day an individual desires access to a NIST campus. Should one answer “Yes”, “False” or “Unsure” to any question, they should immediately contact their Sponsor and not attempt to access the campus. NIST is not collecting this data by any means (hardcopy or electronic). By entering campus on a given day, one is indicating they have complied with this requirement for that day.

ACCESS TO CAMPUS

Follow instructions for access to Campus provided by your sponsor.

· If the Visitor Center is open, obtain a paper “Visitor” badge but do not put it on. Proceed to the Security Officer at the gate and display the paper badge and ID against a closed window. If wearing a cloth face covering or mask, briefly remove it while the Officer is inspecting the badge and ID. Proceed when waived through.

· If the Visitor Center is not open, your name will be on a list of approved visitors at the front gate. Proceed to the Security Officer at the gate and display your photo ID against a closed window. If wearing a cloth face covering or mask, briefly remove it while the Officer is inspecting the ID. Proceed when waived through.

WHILE ON CAMPUS

Sponsor Instruction Visitors and contractors are not expected to know all NIST requirements to mitigate COVID-19 exposure. Therefore, Sponsors are required to provide location-specific instruction for the workspaces to be visited or used, including traveling though NIST buildings and in common areas.

Cloth Face Coverings or Masks A cloth face covering or mask is required at all times while on campus unless given explicit direction by the sponsor. An individual who cannot tolerate wearing a secure cloth face covering or mask, e.g., for medical reasons, must notify their Sponsor in advance. Please see CDC guidance for safe use of face coverings.

Workplace Distancing Individuals on NIST campuses are required to maintain at least 6 ft (2 meters) of physical separation so long as doing so does not create a greater hazard. The Sponsor will provide additional requirements or guidance if workplace distancing is not possible.

Personal Hygiene While on campus, individuals are required to:

· Refrain from physical greetings such as handshakes and hugs;

· Cough or sneeze into the arm, shoulder, or tissue and away from others;

· Keep hands clean by regularly washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipe; and

· Disinfect surfaces and items touched using disinfectant supplies provided by NIST.

Signage Individuals on campus must comply with the directions on signs.

Food and Drink Cafeterias will not be open. Water fountains will be available, however, NIST is recommending the filling of water bottles, when practical, and not drinking directly from the fountain.

Appendix A. Revision History

None – Initial document

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