University of Maryland Announces Updated Guidance for Conducting Research

University of Maryland Announces Updated Guidance for Conducting Research

University of Maryland Vice President for Research Laurie E. Locascio shared the following announcement with the campus community on June 3, 2021:

Dear University of Maryland Research Community,

After the recent announcement that the University of Maryland is lifting COVID-19 campus restrictions to align with federal, state and county public health guidelines, I am pleased to announce the following updates regarding research operations:

Campus Research Not Involving Human Subjects: For research on campus that does not involve human subjects, the recent announcement lifting COVID-19 campus restrictions applies. Research may resume at 100% occupancy with no physical distancing requirements. Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a face mask while in laboratories, studios, and other research spaces, if no human subjects are involved. Those who are not fully vaccinated will be required to wear a face mask in all indoor laboratories, studios, and other research spaces.

Community-based Research: The current ban on research in community settings will be relaxed, effective immediately, and community-based research is allowed to resume. Researchers must follow all guidelines set by the collaborating entity (e.g., nursing home, school, community center, etc.). A letter from the collaborating entity is required stating that University of Maryland researchers are permitted to conduct studies in their facilities.

Clinical Research and Other Campus Research Involving Human Subjects: Researchers conducting clinical research and other human subjects research on campus must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, unless they are alone in their work space. There is no density requirement, but researchers should practice physical distancing where possible. In addition, human subjects research participants must wear masks during research visits/appointments when possible.

As COVID-19 case numbers continue to decline and the rate of vaccination continues to increase, we are pleased to move a step closer toward normal operations. Please feel free to share this information with others in your department, lab, and research team. Should you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Division of Research at askresearchadmin@umd.edu.

Sincerely,

Laurie E. Locascio
Vice President for Research

June 3, 2021