Hi, everyone. I wanted to reach out to you on behalf of all of us at the Salk Institute during this challenging and uncertain time to update you on our response to this pandemic. As of this week, 90% of our workforce are performing their responsibilities remotely. Those who are still on-site are performing essential functions for the Institute, and we extend our deepest appreciation to them at this time.

We’ve implemented a scientific operations plan to ensure that disruption to critical research is limited until we can return to regular operations. Importantly, we’re taking additional steps to respond. Already, we’ve begun collecting and donating surplus personal protective equipment to local hospitals to protect healthcare workers who are on the frontline in responding.

But we believe there’s more we can contribute. We’ve created a committee of Salk faculty with expertise in virology, immunology, and infectious disease to help identify additional COVID-19 research. We’re also looking at ways we can provide additional support to our students, postdocs, faculty, and staff during this period.

At a time like this when we are all compelled to remain socially distant, we’re reminded how much we value our community of supporters. We miss seeing you here on campus and having the ability to talk about research and gain your perspective and ideas. I look forward to walking around the campus, seeing and greeting you, watching sunsets, and attending our wonderful Salk events with you in the near future. We will continue to keep you updated on our efforts as things progress. In the meanwhile, please take care of yourself and those close to you. Thank you.