Salk minimizes on-site staff and takes additional steps around coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 20, 2020

Salk minimizes on-site staff and takes additional steps around coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 20, 2020

LA JOLLA—Due to the continuing spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s public health order last night for people to stay at home, the Institute is taking additional steps to minimize opportunities for viral transmission through the community.

Earlier this month, the Institute took swift action to close its campus to the public; prohibit employee travel and cancel all public tours of the iconic architectural landmark as well as all campus events through April.

This week, the Institute announced plans to go into a “maintenance mode.” After monitoring the evolving public health crisis caused by COVID-19, the Institute’s Crisis Management Team (CMT) initiated the following actions:

• The majority of Salk staff are now working remotely. A small number of personnel authorized to remain on campus are performing essential maintenance functions to protect life, safety and property.

• All Salk labs have taken steps to pause, delay or terminate research, with no new research efforts initiated.

This “maintenance mode” complies with the state’s order to help to save lives by minimizing the spread of the virus, while also accounting for a shrinking workforce due to school closures and projected increased cases of the virus.

Salk leadership and the CMT continues to monitor the situation to develop comprehensive, proactive approaches to this complex and rapidly evolving situation, to ensure the continuation of only necessary operations while protecting the health, safety and well-being of Salk staff, families, visitors and the community.