What do our current Health and Safety protocols look like?
Since COVID-19, we have integrated health safety protocols into all of our in-person research studies. Our approach continues to evolve as we find new ways to ensure that participants are both safe and comfortable when sharing in one of our studies.
Why should we still follow health and safety protocols similar to what we initiated during COVID-19?
Despite significant progress in managing infectious diseases through vaccines, treatments, and public health strategies, it remains crucial to continue following protocols to mitigate the spread of any virus. New variants of viruses can sometimes be more contagious or potentially evade immunity from previous infections or vaccines, and we include people from all walks of life in our studies. Although vaccines offer protection against severe disease, avoiding infection in the first place can help limit the emergence of new variants.
When we invite people to join our research studies, we set certain expectations for themselves, as well as ourselves to maximize everyone who participates in group safety and security.
- All participants are asked to self-screen before coming into the space, at least 3 days prior to ensure no current symptoms or exposure are present. Screening themselves for common symptoms and evaluating their exposure risk.
- If they have any concerns or symptoms, we ask them to discuss them with their healthcare provider and also notify our teams to so we may better manage their participation.
- Upon arrival, all who enter the facility are greeted by our study host who is trained to watch for signs of illness. Masks and hand sanitizer are provided and available at all times.
- During periods of highly contagious outbreaks, we ensure that studies are held in larger rooms to allow for social distancing and encourage smaller session sizes to mitigate group participant infection risks.
- Between groups we may require a 1-hour cleaning and sanitation break, this allows for 30 minutes of “downtime” before full cleaning/sanitation occurs at the end of each session.
- Rooms can be opened for fresh clean air; air cleansing units are also installed in all of our facilities.
Best Practices for Patient Care | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC
CDC recommends getting immunizations to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Although vaccines are very effective it is still recommended to practice prevention within the picture shown, to ensure the safety in the facility.
While it might not always be necessary, keeping social distancing in mind in certain scenarios—especially in high-risk or crowded situations—can help reduce health risks for both individuals and the community. These habits make a difference in limiting the spread of viruses and other germs.
While COVID-19 may not be as prevalent, there are still variants that can spread, as well as other contagious diseases like the flu or respiratory infections. Social distancing helps limit transmission, especially in crowded or high-risk settings.
Older adults, people with underlying health conditions, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to serious illness. Social distancing helps reduce their risk of exposure to potentially harmful viruses.
