NRAO/GBO Update - Thu 26 Mar
To all NRAO/GBO employees:
Second week operations in Infectious Disease Operating Status (IDOS) have continued. The North American NRAO/GBO instruments remain operational. IT systems are performing well. As a team, we continue to adapt to our new environment.
In an email yesterday I confirmed our Essential Services status with respect to state, regional or local restrictions, and a letter stating that exception will be available soon. To provide these services, we have left our North American instruments and support facilities online. In coming days, all Departments in both Observatories will begin analyzing their programs to understand how we can guarantee our operations in the coming weeks and months, talking with all of you to explore and document our key areas, essential activities and interfaces. Earlier this week NSF has authorized NRAO/GBO to continue charging all salaries and benefits to the current awards in coming months, and I believe we are secure from a financial situation at least through the end of this fiscal year (October), and possibly longer. We are very fortunate to have this support from the NSF.
At the moment, there are no NRAO/GBO staff (or their family members) with confirmed cases of COVID-19, but this may change in the near future. In developing your strategies for social distancing and isolating yourself and your family, if there is any guidance or information we can provide to assist you, don’t hesitate to ask (please contact Jody Bolyard jbolyard@nrao.edu) or me). If you encounter illness (you or family, tested for COVID-19 or not), please let HR know at some point so we can assess overall staff health.
Please remember – timecards are due tomorrow. If you are having problems, reach out to HR immediately, thanks.
Across the Observatories, we are adapting to our new work practices. We are planning to restart science lunch and Colloquium talks soon, including our National Astronomy Consortium alum, Diana Powell, a PhD candidate at UC Santa Cruz. Participating in these types of remote presentations is a great way for all of us to remain engaged with each other, and support the broader mission of NRAO and GBO, while in IDOS.
My next note will be Tuesday March 31st. Any staff member with questions, concerns or comments, please contact your supervisor, Department Head, Site Director, or me. As this situation continues, new challenges will emerge and I welcome hearing from you if there is something we can help with, or you have suggestions. The website containing all our COVID support information is: https://info.nrao.edu/covid-19
Tony Beasley
