COVID-19 Guidance

Updated as of 9/14/21

The WVU Research Office and research activity is following the majority of the guidance that WVU is communicating. We understand that there are some nuances related to certain research activities and if you have questions do not hesitate to reach out to the Research Office. Please see the WVU Return to Campus website for general questions.

Research Activities

All research and scholarly activities are permitted in labs or offices whether experimental or computational in nature (i.e. even if they can be done remotely). 

Occupancies (Normal)

• Laboratories (as per the Fire Marshall):
• 1 person per 50 sq ft. (Pre-Covid)
• Conference Rooms
• Nominally 1 person per 15 sq ft (depends on fixed/non-fixed seating etc.)
• Classrooms
• 1 per 20 sq ft

Masking

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, is required to wear a mask properly above the nose while:

• indoors in all WVU System buildings and facilities through Oct. 6, when public health conditions will be reevaluated
• on campus transportation, including buses and the PRT, through Jan. 18, 2022, under federal guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration

Find details regarding masks on the return to campus website under Updated Mask Guidelines.

Campus Visitors for Research/Scholarship

Visitors are allowed on campus but must follow recommended CDC and OSHA guidance as well as federal, state and local guidelines. They are also required to comply with the University's COVID-19 policies and procedures. All visits to campus must be coordinated with the appropriate WVU host with as much advance notice as possible. The host is responsible for sending the Visitors and Contractors Self-Screening Checklist and asking the visitors to complete the checklist prior to the visit.

Travel

• Personal travel is not restricted. It is highly recommended that international travelers review the guidelines on the return to campus travel page section dedicated to international travel as well as get advice from International Office. 
• Business travel requires authorization from Dean/VP when using state/internal funds. When travel on federal grant support confirmation should be received from the Dean/VP of the college/school. Find more information under the business travel section of the Return to Campus Travel page. 
• Business travel on federal grant support should get confirmation from Dean/VP, subject to same international and return to campus rules.

Additional guidance can be found on the return to campus travel section.

Clinical Trial/Research at the HSC

Recommendations for Health Sciences Center Clinical Research to WVU Health Science Center Clinical Research Investigators and Coordinators from Sally L. Hodder MD, Assoc. Vice President, Clinical and Translational Research, West Virginia University HSC.

WVCTSI Information for Clinical Trial/Research

Update as of 2/3/2021: Additional Recommendations for HSC Clinical Research has been issued via the linked memo below. While this recommendation is specific only to clinical trials and research, we strongly encourage all clinical and non-clinical researchers conducting in-person, human subjects work to evaluate the cost-benefit analysis of conducting on-going studies at this time.

If you would like additional guidance please do not hesitate to reach out to the Research Office ( sheena.murphy@mail.wvu.edu)

Non-Clinical Human Subject Research

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for non-clinical, Face-to-Face (in-person) Human Subjects Research with COVID-19 Impacts.