Building access

Do I need a negative COVID-19 test to come to the Broad?
No, a negative test result is not required prior to coming onsite.
 

Can I bring my kids or other family members onsite with me while I work?
You can bring children and family members onsite. Any visitor, including family, must pre-register with Security

 

Caregiving concerns

If my child has minor symptoms of illness and must test negative for COVID-19 before they can return to daycare or school, must I stay offsite until they have received their test results? 

  • If you have no symptoms: You can continue to work onsite.
  • If you have symptoms (cough, fever, etc.): Follow CDC guidelines -- they have an easy "Isolation and Exposure Calcluator" to determine next steps.


What Broad-provided childcare options and resources are available to caregivers?
Please see BroadLife’s Intranet page for up-to-date information on Broad’s childcare plans, as well as all our resources to support Broadie parents.

 

One of my family members is sick from COVID-19. What do I do if I need to care for them and am not able to work?
You may use your sick time to care for a sick family member, such as a child, spouse, parent, parent-in-law, or other member of the household, and for their medical examination and care. You can enter sick time by selecting the Time Off icon from your Workday homepage.

If you need to care for a family member, or member of your household, and will not be able to work for an extended period of time, you may apply for Paid Family and Medical Leave. More information about this leave, and how to apply, can be found in the Time Off section of the Benefits Manual on the Intranet.

Please reach out to benefits@broadinstitute.org if you have any questions.

 

Exposure, illness, and preventing transmission

If I know of someone on my team who seems to be sick but is working, what should I do?
People who are sick (even with minor symptoms like a runny note) should NOT be at work. Feel free to point them to this website as a reminder. You can also reach out to HR and/or their manager and ask that someone speak with the employee right away. 

 

Health concerns

What if I am uncomfortable working onsite because I, my child, or someone I live with is immunocompromised or at high risk for severe infection? 
If you are uncomfortable with your working arrangement, please contact your People Partner to think through options to support balancing your work while also maintaining the health and safety of your family.
 

Several COVID-19 symptoms overlap with symptoms of minor illnesses such as colds. If I get a cold, can I come to work?
If you aren't feeling well and have COVID-like symptoms, stay home and follow the CDC guidelines.


I am sick from COVID-19 (or other illness) and unable to work. How should I report this time?
All benefits-eligible employees are granted paid sick time to be used in cases of accident or illness of the employee. You can enter sick time by selecting the Time Off icon from your Workday homepage.

If you will be out sick for an extended period of time, you may also apply for Short Term Disability and/or Family Medical Leave. Additional information regarding Short Term Disability and Family Medical Leave can be found in the Time Off section of the Benefits Manual on the Intranet.

Please reach out to benefits@broadinstitute.org if you have any questions.

 

Hygiene and cleaning

How frequently are common areas like bathrooms and conference rooms cleaned?
Broad’s janitorial staff clean and sanitize bathrooms and other common areas, like kitchens and conference rooms throughout the day (and night!).

 

Should we prop open lab doors?
No. Lab doors should remain closed, as they are designed to maintain very specific air flows and system pressures. Propping doors between labs and offices, or between labs with different BL ratings, can adversely affect floor pressures, which may result in lab air being directed into office areas.

 

Are Broad buildings ventilated adequately to prevent transmission of the virus?
Yes. At the Merkin Building (415 Main), the Stanley Building (75 Ames), and 320 Charles, we have increased the airflows in the office areas by 11% on average. Broad’s office air exchange rate, at 4-8 exchanges per hour, is already considerably higher than the standard office environment. Lab areas in all Broad buildings also have significant air exchange rates (general labs have air exchange rates of 6-12 per hour, with higher rates in chemistry labs, tissue culture suites, and the BL-3 lab suite) and have varied room pressures, so there won't be any increase to the current lab air flows. Additionally, all of Broad’s lab air is 100% outside-air and is directly exhausted from the building after usage. Office air is 80% outside-air and 20% return-air. The 20% return-air is fully filtered with MERV-13 filtration before returning to the office space.

Please note that Biogen manages the building, and the airflow, for 105 Broadway. Biogen reports operating with MERV -15 filtration and has four air changes per hour in the office areas. 

 

Work-related

What should I do if COVID-19 has impacted my sponsored research?
Reach out to your OSR GA to discuss how best to broach this with your sponsor. Not sure who your GA is? No problem — email teamgreen@broadinstitute.org.

 

 

Testing

What do I do if I test positive?
Do not come to work if you test positive for COVID-19. You may return to work when you have completed your isolation period recommended by the CDC -- they have an easy "Isolation and Exposure Calcluator" to determine next steps.

  • You are no longer required to report a positive test to our COVID team. 
  • To notify a Broadie that was a close contact you can simply reach out to them directly if you are comfortable doing so, or through this tool that the CDC recommends.
  • Please work with your doctor if you have any questions regarding your symptoms, treatment options, and ending your isolation period.

 

What to do if you are a close contact OR experiencing symptoms?
Follow the guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC if you've been exposed to COVID-19.


How do I access COVID testing?
Use the CDC’s “Find a COVID-19 test” website to locate PCR tests near you. 

 

Vaccination


Are visitors required to be vaccinated?
Vendors and visitors to the Broad are no longer required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or provide documentation.


Why is vaccination for COVID-19 no longer required?
In alignment with the federal mandate for contractors, we will no longer require Broadies to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide corresponding documentation. We strongly encourage Broadies to follow all CDC guidance for staying current with vaccinations and boosters against COVID-19. If the federal mandate guidance changes, we will revisit this requirement.