BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

Los Alamos National Laboratory is reporting 340 new cases of COVID-19 this week since last Friday. As of January 21, LANL confirms 2,408 total confirmed cases with 2,059 fully recovered.

“On-site testing continues with a cumulative total of 32,243 tests to date, 692 positives from this testing.  Based on our most recent accountability drill, approximately 52 percent of employees continue to telework,” this week’s report states.

Meanwhile, LANL has changed some of its COVID-19 policies for employees. All Lab students are now required to be vaccinated. International visitors must be vaccinated and boosted. International travel must be approved by the Lab director and travelers must be vaccinated and boosted if eligible.

Employees have been told that acceptable masks must be worn and must fit snugly. Acceptable masks are defined by LANL as KN95, three-layer disposable masks, cloth masks consisting of two layers of washable, tightly-woven, breathable fabric such as cotton. Neck gaiters and bandanas are not acceptable. There are also new versions of LANL’s daily self assessment and self isolation policies.