NRAO/GBO update - Monday Aug 10th
We continue our return to full operations. The North American NRAO/GBO instruments are operational, with IT systems performing well. ALMA has begun regular reviews to consider restarting operations – the answer so far is “not yet”, but the “yes” day is approaching...
In our key states (NM, WV, VA) the number of COVID new infections seems to have passed through a second peak, and is starting to flatten again. It seems clear that nationwide early reopening of social and commercial activities in June had a negative impact, and that reapplication of the lockdown guidelines was required. Some parts of the US are still experiencing major outbreaks, and travel restrictions (e.g. 14 day quarantines for people entering NM) remain in place. The terrible cost of these flawed reopening experiments is measured in thousands of American lives.
There are no new reports of AUI/NRAO/GBO employees testing positive for COVID. All NRAO/GBO activities are following the RFTO guidelines and protocols. The new polices requiring face coverings, contact tracing, and the health checks have made us rethink how we work to meet our goals for delivering science. I want to express appreciation to everyone that stepped up in making our facilities as safe as possible through the pandemic surges. The work plans that govern all site activities provide details on the required COVID protections, and also address the means to work safely. I am proud of our responses, and ability to adapt to these changes. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, the COVID virus does not appear to be greatly reducing in intensity, and the path to a viable vaccine is unclear. I understand there is a growing “COVID fatigue” across the sites, but we need to remain vigilant, and respect the requirements. We cannot and will not relax our protocols until there is a lasting positive change in the COVID environment. Please feel free to reach out to your HR representative or Safety Team if you have suggestions, or need guidance to maintain a safe work environment.
The issues about children going back to school are upon us. Many of our relevant school districts are heading towards virtual schooling for the remainder of the calendar year. All approaches impact many of our staff members. People seeking assistance - please reach out to Lyndele and the HR team. We are actively considering what the Observatories can do to support people through this time. This topic is going to continue to evolve rapidly in coming months.
We are heading to the time of year where we trigger our annual Performance Evaluation Processes (PEPs). Given the extraordinary disruption seen over the past several months, and the significant uncertainties ahead, we have decided to shorten the PEP process to a simple 1-page form enabling dialog between supervisors and staff about outcomes of the past several months, and simple expectations for the coming year. More details from HR on the “short form” PEP in the next week or two. Our funding support for FY 2021 from NSF appears good, and the current plan is to provide an across-the-board 3% pay raise to all NRAO/GBO employees in January. Later this year, we will also provide special thanks to those staff members who have performed above the call of duty over the past difficult months. The NSF support of the Observatories has been outstanding, and we have a lot to be thankful for… so many people and companies in the country are in trouble.
Our plan was to transition to a more relaxed “Phase 2” of operations in early September. At this point, I’m going to push back evaluation of this change to December 1st. In your public lives, please continue to wear face masks, physically distance and wash hands frequently. If you need information or support, please contact your supervisor, Dept Head, ESS or me. The Observatories are doing well in trying times, with great support from NSF and AUI.
Tony Beasley
