Harvard schools have committed to lowering the risk of COVID-19 infection within our community by implementing a cautious and phased approach to continuing research operations. The University Laboratory Reopening Planning Committee's Research Laboratory Re-Entry Plan provides the framework and guiding principles by which research may resume. In accordance with this Re-Entry Plan, each Principle Investigator will develop a plan that is reviewed by school leadership and enables research to continue safely. Use the guidance below to prepare, implement and fine tune laboratory-specific plans.
Please visit the COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 Research page for safety information and compliance requirements for laboratory research related to SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.
For signage related to the Crimson Clear Self-Assessment tool please visit the Building & Workplace Signage Personal Responsibility Related page.
To access the Crimson Clear app and the steps for a safe return to labs, visit the Steps for a Safe Return to Labs page.
Updated May 28, 2020
Audience: Campus-Wide
CD Number: CD048A
This guidance provides University personnel with information on the proper fit, use, and care of face coverings (both disposable and reusable cloth) required by Harvard and State/Municipal orders
Updated Auguest 6, 2020
Audience: Laboratories
CD Number: CD077A
Template for labs to document their cleaning and disinfection protocols
Updated July 6, 2020
Audience: Harvard Employees (Non-Healthcare Setting)
CD Number: CD042C
General PPE to be worn by employees engaged in close-contact work, for which no engineering solution or procedure can be substituted to prevent close contact with another worker. Additional, different, or more protective PPE may be required by supervisors after conducting a Job Safety Analysis for the specific task.
Available Upon Request
Updated March 9, 2020
Audience: Laboratories
CD Number: CD033A
To be used if research activities need to be reduced or shut down
Updated August 11, 2020
Audience: Teaching Labs Faculty/Staff
CD Number: CD047B
Guidance for faculty and teaching staff who are considering conducting teaching demonstrations from home, and/or who will be sending students lab kits to use remotely
Updated March 9, 2020
Audience: Laboratories/Research Facilities
CD Number: CD041A
Template to identify critical functions and responsible personnel during COVID, weather, or other emergencies that may cause disruptions to research
Updated March 9, 2020
Audience: Laboratories/Research Facilities
CD Number: CD040A
Safety and research continuity considerations for labs during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Updated June 11, 2020
Audience: Laboratories/Research Facilities
CD Number: CD062A
COVID-19 safety instructions for visitors in research laboratories
Updated May 28, 2020
Audience: Faculty & Researchers
CD Number: CD044B
This guidance document includes a lab re-start bullet list as well as tips and resources for how to operate a lab with social distancing & additional lab hygiene measures
Updated May 12, 2020
Audience: Campus-Wide
CD Number: CD044B
This document has been updated for both lab and non-lab audiences
Updated June 9, 2020
Audience: Campus-Wide
CD Number: CD064B
Guidance on safety and procurement of surface disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2
Updated July 9, 2020
Audience: Staff Hiring Vendors/Staff Managing Service Contractors
CD Number: CD070B
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to service contractors that are working onsite