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NRAO Coronavirus COVID-19 Response > news > NRAO/GBO - Essential Services

NRAO/GBO - Essential Services

In recent days, several states have implemented “lockdowns”, where people are meant to remain at home and most businesses are requested to close. Messages indicating these changes are being sent widely on phone systems. In each case, the states have designated a list of “Essential Services” which are an exceptions to the lockdown order.  These lists are all derived from the following Federal specification: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce

In the “OTHER COMMUNITY-BASED GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS” section of this document are several items directly related to NRAO/GBO activities, including 

  • Workers that maintain digital systems infrastructure supporting other critical government operations
  • Workers at operations centers necessary to maintain other essential functions
  • Educators supporting public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and  universities for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing other essential functions, if operating under rules for social distancing 

After analyzing the state-by-state Executive orders, and with positive input from the NSF, AUI is adopting the formal position that NRAO/GBO operations, in all locations (including all VLBA sites), are Essential ServicesIn each state in which we operate, the new legislation has been reviewed, and in all cases our exception is clear. Please disregard any local notices you are receiving regard state or local closures of businesses. In coming days, I will distribute a standard letter that can be used in any real-world situation where a challenge is made to a NRAO or GBO employee attempting to travel or access our facilities (at present: generally only our skeleton crew, but also other staff members after authorization).

I believe it is very unlikely that anyone’s status or movements will be questioned, but please rest assured that full responsibility for this Essential Service assessment lies with me and AUI, and that our important work must continue.  If you have any questions or comments, please contact your Department head and/or me directly.

Tony Beasley
NRAO/AUI