Dear Colleagues –

As many of you have no doubt heard, there has been a recent increase in COVID-19 cases on the Cape, primarily in the larger towns and particularly in Provincetown. The outbreak is assumed to be caused by the Delta variant and in the case of Provincetown has infected fully vaccinated in addition to unvaccinated individuals. We know that a number of MBL groups have recently traveled to Provincetown including one that went for a whale watching trip last weekend. Based on the nature of that trip which involved primarily outdoor activities, there is no need for anyone to quarantine. At this time, we ask individuals who are not fully vaccinated to quarantine only if they have been confirmed to be a close contact with an infected individual. We do not have any knowledge or evidence that anyone on this trip was in that situation.

We ask that all individuals continue to monitor their health on a daily basis per the requirement in the MBL attestation. If someone feels ill with COVID-like symptoms, they should immediately report that to HR and their supervisor or primary MBL contact. We will take appropriate action at that time. We also remind everyone that indoor spaces in the MBL still require mask wearing except for a number of very specific circumstances.

We also recognize that because of the news and publicity around the Provincetown outbreak, some recent MBL visitors to that town may wish to get a COVID test. If you are asymptomatic, you may get a test tomorrow, Thursday, July 22, during our regular morning testing hours. To get on the schedule, please email Ann Sweck in the Human Resources office (asweck@mbl.edu).

 As always, our priority is to promote the health and safety of the MBL community.

Paul Speer
Chief Operating Officer