COVID-19 Management at the DMC - Updated 3.28.22 - Darling Marine Center

COVID-19 Management at the DMC – Updated 3.28.22

The University of Maine System’s COVID-19 health and safety guidance continues to evolve, and thus we have updated our DMC-specific guidance. Highlights include:

Sign in via the DMC website every time you come to Walpole campus.
Face coverings: Face coverings are welcome in all spaces and at all times on campus. As of March 26th, face coverings are optional across the University of Maine System, indoors and outdoors, for all persons – students, staff, faculty and visitors – regardless of vaccination status. However, there are important exceptions when face coverings are or may still be required. Employees, students and visitors are asked always to have an appropriate face covering available and to be prepared to wear it if required or requested to do so when at the DMC. For more information, see the UMS website.
Vaccination requirement: Students and employees are required to be fully vaccinated or obtain an exemption. Any student participating in any on-campus experience and is not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine that is either fully approved by the FDA, approved under the FDA emergency use authorization, or approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), will be required to adhere to public safety protocols to include masking, regular asymptomatic testing (may include multiple tests per week), and as applicable, quarantine and isolation consistent with University standards.
Testing: Proactive asymptomatic testing continues for in-person students and employees; fully vaccinated individuals are exempt. Testing is required for those staying overnight as well as for all participants in DMC-organized courses and workshops; fully vaccinated individuals are exempt. Overnight guests must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test that was taken from a sample no more than 72 hours before arrival on the Walpole campus.
Research notification: DMC-based researchers are required to notify the DMC Facilities Emergency Coordination Team and Office for the Vice President for Research of new projects, as they launch, using this online form. Select ‘Center’ and then DMC, so that the DMC FEC receives your notification.
Public access to campus: Walkers and other visitors are encouraged to walk the campus, but are not allowed in the research buildings or dormitory without permission. Members of the public are encouraged to confirm in advance with DMC Programs and Communications Manager Matt Norwood that they will be able to carry out the purpose of their visit.

These and other safety requirements are conveyed to staff, students and researchers through pre-return and ongoing training sessions. For more information on these and other required safety trainings, please contact Laboratory Manager Tim Miller.

We ask all members of the DMC community to continue to follow the latest health and safety guidance during the pandemic. UMS health and safety updates – as they are published – are all on the Together for Maine website. Guidelines are subject to changes as conditions warrant.