COVID-19 Community Levels and Safety Guidance for NIH Facilities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) evaluates COVID-19 community levels nationwide by county (https://go.usa.gov/xzyCP) each week. The NIH Office of Research Services (ORS), Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS), bases mitigation strategies at all NIH locations on these community levels.​

Every Friday, DOHS will update the NIH Safety Guidance (https://go.usa.gov/xzyrV​) to include mitigation efforts and safety protocols to be utilized the following Monday based on the COVID-19 community levels where you work, including elevated requirements for healthcare areas. Please continue to check the tables on this safety guide weekly as guidance can change from week to week.   

For All NIH Facilities Nationwide: 

COVID-19 Workplace Community Levels by County and NIH Requirements​

Effective Date: Every Monday (Beginning March 21, 2022)
https://go.usa.gov/xzyrV

Please note: When community levels are medium or high in a county where a federal facility is located, visitors to that facility should be asked to provide information about their vaccination status. These requirements do not apply to patients or patient visitors, although mitigation measures in place do apply. ORS is considering this change in guidance and how it affects visitors to NIH, including research participants/patients. More information will be shared as implementation plans are formulated.​​

For any questions, please contact your DOHS Safety Specialist or reach out to DOHS_COVID19@mail.nih.gov​. 

Thank You.

Jessica McCormick-Ell, Ph.D., SM(NRCM), CBSP, RBP.

Director, Division of Occupational Health and Safety.

Office of Research Services.

National Institutes of Health.