The Research workgroup of the JHU 2020 Planning task force shared the following final report on June 12. Comments and questions can be shared via the JHU 2020 Planning feedback form.
This document represents of the final set of recommended guidelines for a gradual, phased reactivation of the full breadth of research activities at Johns Hopkins University— including laboratory-based, library-based, and human subjects research—in a manner that supports the safe return to campus of increased numbers of researchers and support staff.
“There is still significant work ahead to plan for academic and student life activities in the coming months, but it is rewarding to see a vital part of our enterprise resume.”
Denis Wirtz, vice provost for research
These guidelines are based on detailed recommendations and analysis from the 2020 Research Workgroup, led by Vice Provost for Research Denis Wirtz, and have been shaped throughout their development by significant input and review from research faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and school leadership.
Johns Hopkins University’s overall plan for resumption of on-campus activities is structured in phases. There are three main phases, which conceptually parallel those in the State of Maryland’s plan, the Roadmap to Recovery. This document was prepared in advance of the university’s move to Phase 1 of its plan.
| Phase 0, Minimal Density | Phase 1, Low Density | Phase 2, Medium Density | Phase 3, Near 100% Density | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research activity | COVID-specific research only | Increase research activity | Expanded scope of research operations | Return to full research operations |
| Primary work / lab | Minimal on-campus presence for research operations; still remote when possible; approved PI plan in place for essential research | Minimal on-campus presence for research operations; still remote when possible; approved PI plan in place | Remote preferred for those at higher risk; approved PI plan in place | Telework still utilized where possible; new hygiene practices as the norm |
| Building access | Highly limited | Limited, with possible shift work; swipe access | Wider access; tracking with apps | Open access |
| Occupancy of shared offices | No | No | Yes, with appropriate distancing | Yes |
| Density of lab spaces | Minimal | Managed through approved PI plans; 1 person per 150 sf of gross lab area | Managed through approved PI plans; capacity limits will be revisited | Near full capacity |
| Group meetings | None | Fewer than 10 people with distancing, masking, and appropriate space | Constraints on meeting size and use of general space align with university policy | Larger meetings; normal limits on room occupancy |
| Hygiene – follow CDC guidelines | Strict distancing, required face covering, minimal lab density, frequent hand-washing | Strict distancing, required face covering, minimal lab density, frequent hand washing | Required face covering and strict distancing | Recommended face covering; some potential lessening of distancing requirements |
| Cleaning | Lab-specific as per Phase 0 plans | New cleaning protocols in place; no shared surfaces, such as desks, keyboards, phones; common areas closed | Cleaning protocols remain; limited shared surfaces; some common areas reopen with distancing rules | Routine cleaning of labs and common areas |
| Health monitoring / Testing | Testing and contact tracing of symptomatic trainees and employees only | Testing and contact tracing of symptomatic trainees and employees only | Testing and contact tracing of symptomatic trainees and employees (TBD) | Vaccine, effective therapeutics, or substantial immunity amongst community |
| Undergrads | No | No | Possibly, subject to decision to resume on-campus instruction | Yes |
| Grad students / Postdoctoral fellows | Only for COVID-related research | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Clinical / human subjects | Only for COVID-related research | Therapeutic trials / interventional studies, with potential for direct benefit to study participants conducted in Johns Hopkins-managed facilities only | Phase 2A: Studies with limited or no prospect of direct benefit to study participants and minimal participant interaction in terms of duration and activity (e.g., biospecimen collection, limited interaction clinical assessments) Phase 2B: Studies with limited or no prospect of direct benefit to study participants and significant participant interaction (e.g., potential aerosol generating procedures or those requiring close contact for extended periods of time) | All other protocols involving in-person interaction |
| Libraries | Some digitizing of materials; curbside dropoff of books to be returned; begin curbside pickup of circulating materials | JHU library, archive, and museum staff continue to digitize needed materials for researchers; curbside dropoff and pick up of circulating materials; in-person access to non-circulating collections for small #s of trainees and faculty | Continued digitization and in-person access for JHU classroom instructors; as slots and staffing are available, researchers and instructors from the broader community | Non-JHU affiliates who rely on JHU collections for any other purpose; use of the space in research collections for inperson classes and the general public |
May 20, 2020
This session focused on issues related to research and relevant to faculty and staff, specifically the phased resumption of on-campus research activities.
All students, faculty, and staff who are participating in on-campus activities should monitor themselves daily for any symptoms. Anyone who has symptoms associated with COVID-19 or who has concerns about exposure to COVID-19 is strongly encouraged to call the Johns Hopkins COVID Call Center, or JHCCC, at 833-546-7546 to be triaged to determine if they meet the criteria for testing. In the case of employees, their supervisor will be informed that the employee is “off-duty” until cleared. In the case of students, their school’s Student Affairs representative will be notified that the student is “off-duty.” The student’s name will be shared with the student’s consent.
The JHCCC will inform you of your test result if you are tested at a Johns Hopkins facility. If your test is negative, your supervisor or Student Affairs Representative will receive a message that you have been cleared. If you test positive, you will remain “off-duty” and there will be no additional communication to your supervisor or Student Affairs representative until you are cleared. You are encouraged but not required to share the information with your supervisor or Student Affairs representative.
JHU affiliates who test positive through the JHU testing process will be contacted by phone or email by the JHCCC or the Student Health Center. If you are an employee and tested at home, call the JHCCC at 833-546-7546 to be sure the university knows that you are off-duty due to COVID. If you are a student and tested at home, complete the Student Health and Wellness form to be sure the university knows that you have tested positive and will not be required to test for 90 days.
You are required to isolate for five days from the date of your positive test; the date of your positive test is considered Day 1. Your supervisor or school student affairs staff will be contacted to note that you are off-duty/away from class. During this time, you are not permitted to be on campus and should coordinate with your supervisor/instructors to determine if you should take sick leave or can continue some activities remotely. You will be automatically notified when you are cleared, and may return to campus on the sixth day if you are free of symptoms; a negative test is not required to return to campus.
