Dear students,
We are looking forward to having you here on site at Jefferson Lab for HUGS2022. However, we want to ensure that your visit is as safe as possible in the ongoing pandemic, so we continue to follow policies designed to help our visitors and staff remain safe. On this page, you will find the basic information you need to know related to current on-site visitor policy at Jefferson Lab and some more general indications for international travelers.
HUGS2022 SITE ACCESS INFORMATION
In this moment, Jefferson Lab is in MEDCON-3 status. That means that the lab is in normal operations status, with minor precautions for on-site visitors and staff. For now, face coverings and social distancing is no longer required on campus. You may choose to continue wearing face coverings, if that is your personal preference. You will be required to take a short training related to MEDCON procedures during the registration in order to have access to Jefferson Lab. The training will clearly brief you on current access and response requirements.
In the event of a COVID resurgence with elevated regional contagion risk as determined by the CDC, the lab's MEDCON status may change. If so, the HUGS program may become fully virtual or be canceled. Please keep an eye on this website for updates. Accepted students will also be notified directly.
In order to access Jefferson Lab, you must fulfill one of this two requirements:
- Either to be fully vaccinated. One is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the two dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson. All the other brands of vaccine will be accepted if two doses have been received. Keep in mind that for entering the U.S., only FDA- and WHO-approved vaccines are accepted. A detailed list of the approved vaccines and the accepted proof of vaccination can be found at this link.
- Or to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test. The test must be a PCR test done no more than 72 hours prior to coming onsite.
You will be asked to upload your vaccination status (CDC card or equivalent ) or the negative COVID test during the registration to the school. The registration checklist has a secure upload for their vaccination card or test results. Booster shots are not required for site access at this time. The CDC recommends that everybody stay “up to date” with vaccinations, which include recommended booster shots. While booster shots are not required, at this time we encourage the students to follow CDC guidance and get booster shots when it is appropriate for their health status and time since initial vaccination.
INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS
In order to enter the U.S., depending on your country of origin, you can be asked to provide supplementary health documentation (proof of vaccination, negative covid test, etc.). We cannot furnish any support regarding this, and we strongly recommend to check in advance with your air carrier all the documents needed for your travel. More information about the entry requirements can be found on the Department of State web site and on the CDC website.
We are aware that some countries requires a negative test before reentering. Various kinds of tests are available in several international airports (Washington DC, New York, Chicago , Atlanta, ... ) but not in Norfolk. If you decide to take the test in an airport hub, we recommend to book it several days in advance. It is also possible to book a PCR test locally; you can find a testing location at this link (the link works only on U.S. or with a U.S. IP). Please refer to your chosen test provider's website for specific information. If you need help regarding COVID tests in the U.S., please contact the HUGS program managers directly.