Important update: As of March 1, 2022, regular surveillance testing is no longer required for vaccinated faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars working on-site. Further, effective March 2, 2022, with certain exceptions, face coverings are not required but continue to be strongly recommended on-site at Stanford, regardless of vaccination status.
Starting Feb. 14, the university will see the largest influx of employees returning to on-site work since the pandemic began.
As outlined by President Marc Tessier-Lavigne in January, “It is important to recognize that we are in a very different place than we were last winter.” This is largely due to the university’s continued focus on health and safety protocols. Refresh your understanding of COVID-19 protocols and requirements:
- In addition to vaccinating and using face masks, regular surveillance testing minimizes the spread of COVID-19. Unvaccinated faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, including those who have received a medical or religious accommodation are required to test twice weekly for those working on-site four or more days per week.
- Note: Effective March 1, regular surveillance testing is no longer required for fully vaccinated faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars working on-site. However, individuals should still test after travel, if symptomatic or after exposure to COVID-19.
- Staff, faculty and postdoctoral students who have uploaded COVID-19 vaccination information to Health Check can now add booster documentation (see this page for instructions)
- Face coverings are no longer required but continue to be strongly recommended on-site regardless of vaccination status.
- If exposed, test positive or develop symptoms, you are required to notify Stanford via Health Check.
We are grateful for the many employees who maintained critical on-site operations since the beginning of the pandemic. And while more returned last fall and participated in flexible work pilots with some regular on-site cadence, this February restart will be a big shift for a vast majority. Returning to on-site work may be more challenging for some than others, so it’s important to continue to practice patience as we get reacquainted with the in-person experience.
Helpful resources
Whether you are coming back for the first time in two years or the first time in months, here are some useful resources that address key actions you need to take and some of the questions you may have:
- Actions to Take Before Your First Day Back infographic
- Five Things to Pack for Your First Day Back infographic
- Safe Return to Workplace FAQ (updated December 2021)
Visit Health Alerts and the Cardinal at Work COVID-19 Guide for additional resources.
Was This Article Helpful?
Tell us your thoughts by emailing hrcommunications@stanford.edu.
