TO: Vice Presidents, Vice Provosts, Deans, Directors, Department Heads, and Managers

FROM: Kyle Cavanaugh, Vice President, Administration, Emergency Coordinator

RE: New Guidelines for Working On-site

In light of new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in our region, Duke is issuing new guidelines for all employees and contractors required to work on-site to support critical operations.

Guidelines:

  • Self-screening: before reporting to work, all individuals should take their temperature and assess any potential symptoms, which now include a broader range including fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose/sinus congestion, sore throat, muscle aches, and headaches. If you have ANY of these symptoms, contact the COVID-19 triage hotline at 919-385-0429, option 1. BEFORE reporting to work. If you develop symptoms, do not return to work until you have been cleared by Employee Health.
  • Wear a mask: based on new CDC recommendations, all individuals should wear a mask or cloth face covering in public. Those who work on-site in support of Duke’s critical operations will be provided a mask if they do not have one. Requests for masks should be coordinated and submitted by the department head on behalf of the unit. Healthcare workers should continue to use masks provided upon entry and follow the Masking Protocol for Team Members Guidance .
  • Maintain at least 6-feet social distance: continue to practice social distancing measures of maintaining at least 6 feet from others to prevent the transmission of the virus. Do not gather in groups and avoid crowded places and gatherings of 5 or more people.
  • Practice good hand hygiene: often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Please communicate these provisions to anyone in your area who must work on-site to support critical operations. We are expecting an increase in COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks, and these measures will help limit the spread and protect our staff, faculty, and contractors who are helping maintain our missions during this public health crisis. Thank you.