August 3, 2021

Dear Colleagues,

Although we have a high level of vaccination here on the Health Sciences and Technology campus, COVID-19 has presented increasing challenges in recent weeks due to transmissibility of the Delta variant and a corresponding rise in cases in communities across the country. Thus, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance linking prevention strategies to community transmission levels and in order to best protect the health of our colleagues and their families, the following guidelines will go into effect immediately for the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine:

  • Masks must be worn by everyone regardless of vaccination status while in closed settings with others including in classrooms, lobbies, labs, conference rooms, restrooms, foyers, elevators, etc., with the exception of being alone in a private closed office or when outside. 
  • As part of Virginia Tech’s program of ongoing surveillance, anyone who has not been vaccinated must be tested weekly. Testing will be available to anyone else on a weekly basis. Should conditions change, periodic surveillance testing of vaccinated students, faculty, and staff may also be implemented. 
  • Daily symptom screening will continue through the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute or Carilion apps, including for everyone entering the buildings.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Friedlander, Ph.D.
Vice President for Health Sciences and Technology, Virginia Tech
Executive Director, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC

Lee A. Learman, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine