CORONAVIRUS

Health guidelines to protect everyone on campus: additional information for a very different start to the academic year

  • COVID-19: additional information about PBRP measures applicable from September

Following on from the information sent out on August 27 concerning the PBRP measures that came into force on August 31, we would like to reiterate certain important reminders and additional information applicable as of this week:

1/ Reminder of best practices for laboratory disinfection and office cleaning:

We would remind you that the usual best laboratory practices are mandatory and stipulate that workspaces should be tidied, cleaned and disinfected daily and at least at the end of each working day. All work surfaces (lab benches, tables, etc.), collective protective equipment (biosafety cabinets, fume cupboards) and other shared lab equipment (freezers, refrigerators, centrifuges, ETRAFs, LFHs, PCR equipment, etc.) must be disinfected with a disinfectant that is effective on biological agents handled in laboratories (note that the Surfa’Safe Premium usually used is effective on SARS-CoV-2).

In addition, given the risk of contaminating all spaces with SARS-CoV-2, we would also ask you to clean all the surfaces in your offices that come into contact with hands and all shared spaces with 70% alcohol every day. Bottles of alcohol can be ordered via the procurement portal (70% ethanol solution - supplier: VWR International).

2/ Organization of meetings, seminars, departmental day events or thesis defenses:

Meetings, seminars, departmental day events or thesis defenses should be held on campus and comply with the guidelines provided in the August 27 email as regards numbers of people in attendance or guests in the case of external visitors, as well as the hygiene and social distancing measures.

Moreover, they should be organized without receptions or breaks (no coffee breaks, shared lunches, celebrations or drinks receptions). We are well aware that these informal gatherings are important, but they run counter to physical distancing guidelines and mask wearing. They are therefore not permitted on campus until further notice.

3/ Changes to national guidelines regarding those at risk of developing a severe form of COVID-19:

The list of health conditions has been reviewed in decree no.2020-1098 of August 29, 2020 and we would ask you to refer to this list below*, which has also been updated in the medical guidelines, likewise updated.

Starting from September 1, 2020, those at risk of developing a severe form of COVID-19 with any of the health conditions listed in the above-mentioned decree have the option, if their family physician deems it necessary, to be placed on partial furlough if unable to work from home, which means that they can be on paid authorized absence.

Any staff member on partial furlough for medical reasons prior to September 1, and who is no longer concerned by the list of health conditions in the decree, should contact the Occupational Health Department (drhst@pasteur.fr) for a medical appointment to arrange their return to campus if working from home is not possible.

Regarding staff members not concerned by the health conditions listed in the decree, but living with people at risk of developing a severe form of COVID-19, they may no longer benefit from the specific partial furlough scheme. They can continue to work from home if able to do so. Failing this, they must resume work on campus, making sure they comply with the guidelines and apply enhanced distancing and hygiene measures (including adaptation of their working environment, to be arranged with the Occupational Health Department).

4/ Appointment of COVID-19 representatives:

According to the National protocol to ensure the health and safety of workers** dated August 31, all companies must henceforth appoint COVID-19 representatives who will ensure implementation of preventive measures and information for staff. Their role is also to centralize the practical questions of staff and guide them to ensure they receive relevant, up-to-date answers. Pascal Masse Navette, Director for Internal Audit and Control and Pierre Galopin, Labor Relations Manager, have been appointed as COVID-19 representatives for the Institut Pasteur, and will liaise with the PBRP Committee and Occupational Health Department.

In practical terms, for any questions concerning PBRP measures, you now have two separate addresses:

  • PRPA-priorite@pasteur.fr: for questions sent to the COVID-19 representatives and general non-scientific questions (HR, health and safety in the workplace, etc.).

  • PRPA-science@pasteur.fr: for specific questions related to science and laboratories, as well as requests for permission to use lecture halls (CIS, François Jacob, Emile Duclaux, Agnes Ullmann)

The other addresses (projets-critiques@pasteur.fr, cellule-PRPA@pasteur.fr, Cellule-Covid-19@pasteur.fr, derogationPCA@pasteur.fr, PCA-teletravail@pasteur.fr, PCA-conges@pasteur.fr, PCA-activitepartielle@pasteur.fr) must no longer be used.

Please take note of all this additional information.

The PBRP Committee will keep you regularly informed of the measures to apply on campus to ensure the safety and security of us all, and in view of developments in the health situation and government guidelines.

The PBRP Committee

*National guidelines regarding those at risk of developing a severe form of COVID-19 - new list of health conditions: 1- cancer patients with progressive disease receiving treatment (excluding hormone therapy); 2-people with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency (because of medication: anti-cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, immunosuppressive doses of biotherapy and/or corticosteroid treatment; because of HIV infection (uncontrolled or a CD4 count of less than 200/mm3); following a solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant; related to a malignant hemopathy that is being treated); 3- people aged 65 and over with diabetes associated with obesity or micro or macrovascular complications; 4- people on dialysis or with severe chronic kidney failure.

** https://travail-emploi.gouv.fr/le-ministere-en-action/coronavirus-covid-19/reprise-de-l-activite/protocole-national-sante-securite-salaries

 

  • References for your orders of ethanol and paper towels

We would ask you to comply with best hygiene practices and to clean all the surfaces in your offices that come into contact with hands and all shared spaces with 70% alcohol every day. Bottles of ethanol and paper towels can be ordered via the procurement portal:

- 70% ethanol – supplier: VWR International, ref.: 83801.290

- paper towels – supplier: Misery Regnault Nettoyage, ref.: 0A0767

 

  • Two email addresses are available if you have any questions about the PBRP measures

As indicated above in the additional information, two email addresses have been set up for you to send any questions: PRPA-priorite@pasteur.fr and PRPA-science@pasteur.fr.

The various addresses set up at different stages of the lockdown and post-lockdown periods – projets-critiques@pasteur.fr, cellule-PRPA@pasteur.fr, Cellule-Covid-19@pasteur.fr, derogationPCA@pasteur.fr, PCA-teletravail@pasteur.fr, PCA-conges@pasteur.fr, PCA-activitepartielle@pasteur.fr – should no longer be used.

 

  • COVID-19 and using elevators

In the current health context and in line with other measures on campus to protect staff, it is vital to comply with best practices, both individually and collectively, at all times, wherever you are.

This also applies to using elevators. A poster with guidelines has been produced and has been displayed near the doors of each elevator this week.

 

 

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