Screening

There will no longer be screeners at the building entrance. Individuals entering the building are responsible for screening themselves by: (1) completing a health self-attestation ResponsiBLUE each day before entering, and (2) having completed the online training program COVID 19: Working Safely in U-M Research Areas for Labs. Individuals entering the building are expected to monitor their temperature daily. Short term visitors (less than 2 weeks) are required only to complete the health self-attestation.

Guidelines for Entering the Building to Access the RDC:

Individuals are expected to protect themselves and others by:

  • Wearing face coverings
  • Practicing physical distancing
  • Practicing hand hygiene
  • Observing posted signs with guidance on infection control requirements

Limited Lab Access during COVID19 Pandemic

The Michigan RDC received permission by the UM Office of Research (UMOR) to reopen the MRDC, in a limited capacity and complying with University and State Regulations, beginning Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

We are excited to be able to facilitate the continuation of research while safeguarding everyone’s health and safety.  As a reminder, in addition to the reopening of the RDC, virtual access will continue for eligible and approved projects. Please see the established guidelines below in regards to accessing the RDC.

Process to access the RDC

PI to request project reactivation 

As all projects were paused when the RDC was closed, any project will need to be reactivated before you will be able to resume work in the RDC.  To request reactivation of a project, the project PI should email Clint Carter ([email protected]) providing the project number and permission to reactivate.  This will restart the project clock.

Complete required training

Any researchers wanting to use the Michigan RDC will need to complete UM training “COVID 19: Working Safely in UM Research Areas” via My LINC and send an email to the Co-Director, Joelle Abrambowitz ([email protected]), with the date of completion.  

Scheduling RDC Lab Space

Once Clint Carter has confirmed that the project has been reactivated, researchers may schedule time in the RDC via SignUp Genius.  For our initial reopening, we will have four workstations and three shifts available per day, Monday-Friday: morning (8:15 am – 1 pm), afternoon (1:30 pm – 6 pm), and evening (7 pm – midnight).  To accommodate access for all who need it, we ask that you sign up for no more than 4 shifts per week.  If additional shifts remain 24 hours before the start of the shift, you may also sign up for these shifts. 

Building Access

Each day you plan to enter the building you will need to complete the daily self-screening questionnaire before entering.

Please note that before entering the building, you will need to go through an in-person screening at the main entry of ISR.  Screening is only available 8:15 – 9 am and 1:30 – 2 pm. 

During the screening, ISR staff will be at the main entrance to validate authorized access, take your temperature, and verify your completion of the daily self-screening questionnaire. Have your certification of training: COVID 19: Working Safely in UM Research Areas available for inspection on your phone or in hard copy. Wear a mask or face covering. University policy requires face coverings anywhere on all campuses at all times and follow the (new) signage posted in the building to help maintain social distancing at all times.

Once you go through the screening, you will be free to come and go for the rest of the day.  However, if you miss the screening window, you are not permitted to enter the building.  If this schedule poses a problem for you or if you have urgent research needs, please let us know.  

Password reset

Prior to using the RDC for the first time since reopening, please reset your account password.  This can be accomplished by visiting the following website: https://pss.tco.census.gov.  Note: If you are unable to reset your password because your account has been disabled, please call the CES Help Desk and ask to have your account re-enabled: 301-763-3333, options 2, 5.

Guidelines for working in the RDC

Alarm

Please remember to disarm the alarm before entering the RDC, and rearm the alarm if you are the last to leave.

Safety procedures

To protect everyone’s health and safety, it is essential that all RDC visitors comply with the following procedures during all phases of re-opening, and to ensure that ISR complies with University and State regulations.

  • Only four researchers can be in the lab at a time.  If you find more than four researchers in the lab at one time please email me immediately.
  • Maintain at least six feet of distance from other researchers at all times.
  • You must wash your hands before entering the lab.
  • You must sign in and sign out of the lab using the RDC log. Researchers must provide their own pens.
  • University policy requires face coverings to be worn at all times, on all campuses, and in all buildings, including the RDC.
  • Disinfect all work surfaces, including tables, monitor screens, keyboards, and mice with disinfecting wipes before and after use (cleaning supplies will be provided).
  • Wipe door handles and sign-in sheet with disinfecting wipes or paper towels sprayed with 70% ethanol solution (provided).
  • Dispose of all garbage, including wipes, into a trash can outside of the RDC.
  • No food or drink is allowed in the lab.
  • No personal items or notes should be left at workstations.  Any personal items should either be removed from the lab at the end of your shift or placed in your locker.  Any personal items remaining in the lab are subject to disposal.
  • Do not enter the lab if you are ill.
  • If you are ill or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, report your illness to the FSRDC Executive Director, Joelle Abramowitz, [email protected].
  • If cleaning supplies are running low, please email [email protected] and [email protected].

Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we transition through our phased reopening during these unprecedented times. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about any of the information above.