CORONAVIRUS

Important information about hygiene and distancing measures on campus

The emergence of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, characterized by higher transmissibility, has led the French health authorities to review their recommendations regarding hygiene and distancing measures and the definition of high-risk contacts.

This means that we have to be even more cautious and mindful on campus to keep cases of infection at the Institut Pasteur to an absolute minimum.

Strict compliance with hygiene and distancing measures is more vital than ever:

1/ Surgical masks should now be worn on campus

  • According to HCSP (the French High Council for Public Health) and SPF (Santé publique France), the mask worn must meet high filtration standards, i.e., be either a category 1 fabric mask (Afnor) or a surgical mask.
    Category 2 fabric masks and homemade masks are no longer considered to be an effective protective measure because they have lower filtration efficacy.

  • Surgical masks will be distributed every day from 9.30 to 11am in room CFJ 28-01-01E in the François Jacob building (50 masks for a 2-week period).

2/ The physical distance between people must now be 2 meters instead of 1 meter

  • A person who has shared a confined space with a person not wearing a mask (office or meeting room, private vehicle, etc.) for at least 15 consecutive minutes is now considered as a contact;

  • The minimum distance separating a confirmed case from a contact has been increased from 1 to 2 meters; anyone unable to maintain a distance of 2 meters from a confirmed case is now considered as a high-risk contact.

  • Particular caution should be exercised in enclosed spaces


Particular care is essential given the risk of aerosolization:

  • Masks should be worn at all times and a physical distance of 2 meters must be observed;

  • Situations where masks are removed in closed spaces (coffee breaks, canteen, meals eaten together):

- Should last the shortest time possible;
- Require that you monitor aeration conditions and, where possible, leave windows open.


4/ We would also remind you of the other hygiene and distancing measures that must be strictly adhered to on campus:

  • Air all spaces frequently to eliminate any virus particles trapped in aerosols in enclosed spaces, especially in areas where masks are removed;

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap or hand sanitizer;

  • Disinfect your workspaces every day with 70% alcohol.


5/ If you develop symptoms, we would remind you that you are requested to isolate yourself from your colleagues immediately, to inform the Occupational Health Department (3737, drhst@pasteur.fr ) and your manager, and to take a PCR test as soon as possible (Find out more).


6/ The BCP Committee is currently examining various solutions for the eating areas on campus (canteen excluded) to facilitate physical distancing measures and aeration of the areas concerned: lunch and break times are the moments in the day when we are most at risk of becoming infected because we are unable to wear a mask.

Link to the new definition of high-risk contacts (Santé publique France)

National Protocol of the French Ministry of Labor for ensuring protection of employees in the workplace updated on January 29

Link to the TousAntiCovid application
 

 

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