Research Working Group

We know that the greatest hope of many research teams is to resume full activity with no shifts, density restrictions or distancing requirements.  We expect to reach this milestone in September, when our vaccine policy is fully implemented.  
As of August 3, the indoor distancing requirement will be relaxed for vaccinated individuals only. Unvaccinated individuals will continue to be required to physically distance. Finally, beginning September 9, when we expect to have achieved a fully vaccinated status, distancing no longer will be required except for persons who have received a vaccine exemption.

Although the 6-foot distancing requirement remains in place during the summer, occupancy restrictions have been lifted. That means that, if you have the space to do so, occupancy is no longer limited to 50% and can grow to 100% capacity.  

Columbia has increased the gathering size allowed for administrative, research and team gatherings.  This means that lab and research team meetings can occur indoors in person subject to six-foot distancing (so long as they are for fewer than 250 people).  However, social and extracurricular gatherings remain limited to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.   

As you have likely seen in University-wide communications, face coverings are still required indoors on campus through the summer, even for those who are fully vaccinated.  As of September 9, face coverings will no longer be required for fully-vaccinated people except in communal or patient-facing spaces at CUIMC.

Visitors, including high school students, are allowed on campus for research this summer subject to the updated Guidelines for Visitors Participating in Academic Activities published in April. The University’s Field Research Guidelines remain in place to enable safe field research during the summer. Finally, the University’s Summer Travel Restrictions are applicable to summer travel for research.