Dear Colleagues,
On Monday, November 2 Governor Charlie Baker announced a new series of executive orders and advisories aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus amid a spike of cases across the Commonwealth. All orders and advisories went into effect today, Friday, November 6 at 12:01 AM.
The Governor’s new face covering order requires all individuals over the age of 5 to wear face coverings in all public places, indoors and outdoors, regardless of distance from others.
The MBL campus encompasses both private and several public areas, including sidewalks, the Eel Pond seawall adjacent to the Lillie parking lot, and Waterfront Park among others.
As an institution we must be compliant with the Governor’s new mask mandate. Therefore, all MBL staff are expected to continue to wear a face covering at all times while in MBL buildings and while transiting between buildings outdoors, even if alone or greater than 6 feet away from another person. Individuals may remove face coverings indoors if they are in a private room/office alone with the door shut or while eating indoors with at least 8 feet of social distance in designated breakrooms.
We understand that this new guidance will be challenging for those people who do not have their own office space who would like to take a mask break. Therefore we have designated the following private outdoor areas of campus where masks may be removed for mask breaks while 6 feet of social distancing is maintained (see map here – MBL Intranet access required to view). Note: mask break areas are for use by employees only.
- The Quad
- Swope Terraces
- Fenced-off area behind the Collection Support Facility near the Gemma dock
- ESL/Homestead (area under second floor walkway between buildings)
- Lillie Side Door Picnic Table
- Swope Bike Rack Area
- Loeb Entrance (front/quad entrance)
The Guidance on Using Masks in MBL Work Areas has been updated to reflect this change and offers specific guidance.
While the MBL has been successful in controlling the spread of the virus on campus to date, it is imperative that we all remain vigilant in our efforts to protect our campus and our community. If you have any questions or concerns about this updated mask guidance, please contact me at 508-289-7427 or pspeer@mbl.edu.