Site Decommissioned

DATE: March 27, 2020 6:03:34 pm CDT

COVID-19 Update 3/27/2020

SSC COVID-19 Status Update – March 27, 2020

Stennis Space Center (SSC) remains in Stage 4 of the NASA Response Framework for COVID-19

Last night we received confirmation that a fourth SSC employee tested positive for COVID-19. This is the second confirmed case where the employee resided in Bldg. 1103.   The employee has been in self-quarantine away from SSC for more than 14 days and the company’s management team is working with the Stennis medical director to ensure proper actions are taken. No additional facility closures are anticipated as a result of this case.

Since the closing of B-1103 on March 16th, the facility has been cleaned and reopened today for occupancy of personnel designated as mission essential once they have been cleared to return to work.

In order to keep the workforce updated on the rapid changes occurring with our confirmed COVID-19 cases as well as building closures and re-openings, the SSC Emergency Management website will be the mechanism used to status current information going forward.  Please check the site often for the latest information on SSC COVID-19 cases updates.

Personnel reporting to Stennis for mission essential work are reminded to remain vigilant in practicing maximum social distancing and other personal protection measures to minimize potential COVID-19 transmission among the workforce.

 

DATE: March 26, 2020 6:27:19 pm CDT

COVID-19 Update 3/26/2020

Stennis Space Center (SSC) remains in Stage 4 of the NASA Response Framework for COVID-19

Last night we received confirmation that a third SSC employee tested positive for COVID-19. The employee is in self-quarantine and the company’s management team is working with the Stennis medical director to ensure proper actions are taken.

The Stennis medical office is leading a contact tracing team that is in the process of directly notifying individuals who may have been potentially exposed.  The contact tracing process indicated that the employee briefly visited the NEXCOM mart the morning of Monday, March 16th.  This information is being shared not to convey any elevated risk associated with the NEXCOM mart, but rather to communicate information collected from the contact tracing process to the SSC population for general awareness. All facility managers potentially impacted by this case have been notified and the impacted facilities are being closed until they can be cleaned.

Limited grounds maintenance will restart in the immediate vicinity of mission critical facilities normally serviced by the contractor grounds crew.  This step is taken to minimize health and safety risks from snakes, rodents and other wildlife that could be exacerbated by untended grounds in close proximity to occupied buildings and parking lots.

Mandatory telework continues to be in effect for NASA personnel at Stennis until further notice. Access to Stennis remains limited to personnel supporting activities necessary to protect life and critical infrastructure, as identified by the resident agencies and SSC leadership.

For those personnel reporting to SSC for mission essential work, maximum social distancing efforts and other personal protection measures remain vital to minimizing potential COVID-19 transmission among the workforce.

DATE: March 25, 2020 2:24:19 pm CDT

COVID-19 Update 3/25/2020

Stennis Space Center remains in Stage 4 of the NASA Response Framework for COVID-19

Mandatory telework continues to be in effect for NASA personnel at Stennis until further notice. Access to Stennis continues to be limited to personnel supporting activities necessary to protect life and critical infrastructure, as identified by the resident agencies and SSC leadership.

As SSC settles into daily life under Stage 4, it remains imperative that the workforce continuing to come into the center in support of critical operations, remain vigilant in self-monitoring to minimize potential COVID-19 exposure in the workplace.  To that end, we are asking ALL employees coming into SSC to self-administer the following checklist before traveling to work each day:

  1. Do you currently have any of the following symptoms?
    1. Fever
    2. Cough
    3. Sore Throat
    4. Shortness of Breath

Direction if Yes – Do not come to SSC, notify supervisor, and follow appropriate CDC guidelines* for care.

  1. Have you had close personal contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days (all contacts public, friends, family, work)?
    1. Within 6 feet for greater than 6 minutes
    2. In direct contact with infectious secretions (coughed/sneezed upon)

Direction if Yes – Do not come to SSC, notify supervisor, and self-isolate for 14-days from last date of exposure.  If symptoms described in #1 begin, follow appropriate CDC guidelines* for care.

  1. Have you traveled internationally within the past 14 days?

Direction if Yes – Do not come to SSC, notify supervisor, and self-isolate for 14-days from date of return from overseas travel.  If symptoms described in #1 begin, follow appropriate CDC guidelines* for care.

  1. Have you traveled domestically outside of your local area within the past 14 days?

Direction if Yes – Notify your supervisor, self-monitor for possible symptoms, and implement social distancing to the extent possible.  If symptoms described in #1 begin, leave SSC immediately and follow appropriate CDC guidelines* for care.

We again ask that all members of the SSC workforce that are accessing the site daily continue to practice all appropriate self-care routines (social distancing, hand washing, limit face touching, etc.) to minimize the potential for exposure while onsite.

*CDC Guidelines – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

DATE: March 23, 2020 8:42:52 pm CDT

COVID-19 Update 3/23/2020

Stennis Space Center remains in Stage 4 for COVID-19

 

Yesterday we received confirmation that a second Stennis Space Center employee tested positive for COVID-19. The facility affected by this second case is B-5100. The employee currently is in self-quarantine and the company’s management team is working with their medical department and the Stennis medical director to ensure proper actions are taken.  

 

Mandatory telework continues to be in effect for NASA personnel at Stennis until further notice. Access to Stennis continues to be limited to personnel supporting activities necessary to protect life and critical infrastructure, as identified by the resident agencies and SSC leadership. 

 

The Stennis Child Development Center and the NEXCOM mart remain open to support mission-essential employees. The Navy is monitoring the local situation and will determine the status of its facilities moving forward. Please continue to monitor the daily NASA Exchange update for additional details on other services that are available onsite.

 

Cleaning supplies were distributed Friday, March 20, and more will be distributed as they become available.  We are still working with our S3 contractor on a contingency plan to provide custodial services.  Those needing cleaning supplies can contact Daniel Zinc at 228-304-1999 or Sheila Davis at 228-304-1769.

 

For those personnel continuing to report to SSC for mission essential work, maximum social distancing efforts remain vital to minimizing potential COVID-19 transmission among the workforce.

DATE: March 19, 2020 8:56:41 pm CDT

COVID-19 Update 3/19/2020

Stennis Space Center is in Stage 4 for COVID-19

NASA leadership continues to make the health and safety of the Stennis workforce a top priority.  Due to the rising number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the local area, and the number of self-isolation cases within our workforce, Stennis is moving into Stage 4 of our Agency coronavirus response framework effective Friday, March 20. While there is only one confirmed case at Stennis, this step is being taken to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 and protect you and your families.

Access to Stennis during Stage 4 will be limited to personnel supporting activities necessary to protect life and critical infrastructure as identified by the resident agencies and SSC leadership.  All SSC agencies are expected to adhere to the personnel list submitted to NASA.

At this time individual names will not be checked at the gates. It will be the responsibility of the SSC agencies to adhere to this request and monitor their access to the site. If site access becomes an issue more strenuous measures will be implemented.

With this move to Stage 4, the cafeteria and many of the concession services in B-1100 will be closed. At this time, both locations of Subway and the Old School Eats food truck will remain open. Please monitor the daily NASA exchange update for additional details.

We understand that both the Stennis Child Development Center and the NEXCOM mart will remain open. However, the Navy continues to monitor the local situation and will determine status of those facilities moving forward.

Mail service will be limited to those facilities that remain occupied with mission essential personnel.  Mail delivery will continue to be delayed by one day for precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the mail handlers.

We are still working with our S3 contractor on a contingency plan to provide custodial services and distribute cleaning supplies.

For those personnel continuing to report to SSC for mission essential work, maximum social distancing efforts remain vital to minimizing potential COVID-19 transmission among the workforce.

DATE: March 18, 2020 5:10:24 pm CDT

COVID-19 Update from SSC Director 3/18/2020

To the Stennis Family,

The health and safety of every member of our Stennis Space Center family is top priority. This concern is ever heightened with the introduction and spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Please know that we are joining NASA leaders across the country in working together to stay informed and make good, timely decisions to protect all employees and our communities.

Today, we received confirmation of a Stennis employee who has acquired COVID-19. We are working with the appropriate officials at the State Department of Health to actively work the case. The facility in which the person works, building 1103, has been secured from further entry.  In addition, we are closely monitoring the situation and assessing options to restore the facility to a safe working environment.

At this time, Stennis remains at Stage 3 of the Agency’s COVID-19 Response Framework. Onsite activity remains limited to mission-essential work.

NASA personnel remain in a mandatory telework status, except for mission-essential activities that must take place onsite, in an effort to minimize potential transmission within the workplace environment. Non-NASA personnel working on Stennis property should refer to their agency and/or company guidelines and policies for determination of mission-essential activities and access to the site.

We are requesting all organizations in the Stennis community to limit, to the maximum extent practical, the employees that must report on center for mission-essential work. Stay tuned to NASA People and SSC Emergency Management for updates.

I know these uncertain times can cause anxiety, and this is normal and understandable. Please keep in mind that the NASA Employee Assistance Program is available to help. To schedule a confidential session with the Stennis EAP professional, contact Porter Pryor at porter.j.priyor@nasa.gov or 228-688-3005.

Thank you for your continued diligence. Stennis Space Center is an incredible place to work – and each one of you contributes greatly to ensure this site fulfills its mission. I am proud to lead you and anxious that each and every member of the Stennis family remains safe and healthy during this time. I, and every Stennis leader, are committed to doing all we possibly can to reach that goal. Thank you for doing the same.

 

Rick Gilbrech

Center Director

DATE: March 17, 2020 1:09:45 pm CDT

Updated 03/17/2020 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Stennis Space Center

Stennis Space Center is open for mission essential activities with limited access

 Though there has been no confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) at Stennis, the Center has decided to move forward with Stage 3 designation of the NASA COVID-19 response framework.  This decision was based on an increased community spread with more than 100 confirmed cases in our region, and a growing list of SSC potential cases and exposures that we are currently monitoring.  While the Center remains open during Stage 3, onsite activity is limited to mission essential work.   Personnel shall refer to their specific Agency and/or Company Guidelines and Policy for determination of mission essential activities and access to the site.

Stage 3 makes telework mandatory for all NASA personnel, except for mission essential activities that must take place onsite, in an effort to minimize potential transmission within the workplace environment.  The overall success of this effort extends beyond NASA’s curtailing of Agency activities at SSC, we are requesting all organizations in the SSC workplace community to limit, to the maximum extent practical, the employees that must report to SSC for mission essential work.

Additionally, Stage 3 impacts to SSC will include the cafeteria moving to take-out service only, as seating areas in the cafeteria and Atrium will be closed. Other food and retail options sponsored by the Exchange may also be affected.  Common conference and meeting spaces in B-1100 will also be closed as all meetings are to be conducted virtually with remote participation only.

The Stage 3 framework also includes a recommendation to close all onsite childcare centers.  SSC is currently evaluating this step with our Navy partner that operates the Stennis Child Development Center, and will issue further guidance on the status of the facility soon.

The status of the center will be updated regularly and communicated to all at Stennis. The Center Director, Center leadership team, and Agency leaders greatly appreciate your understanding, patience, and support through this challenging period of time.

 

 

DATE: March 14, 2020 6:44:18 am CDT

Updated 03/16/2020 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Stennis Space Center

The protection and care of the entire Stennis team is our top priority and critical to the success of our mission.

While we do not have any confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) at Stennis as of today, March 14, out of an abundance of caution, the center is transitioning to Stage 2 (out of 4) of our COVID-19 response framework.

While Stennis Space Center will remain open during Stage 2, telework is now strongly encouraged for all site employees who can work remotely.   Most of the NASA civil service workforce will begin telework status on Monday, March 16.  NASA telework employees are being allowed to come onsite briefly on Monday to obtain any necessary items from their office to enable effective longer-term telework.

In addition to the maximum telework status, Stage 2 also advises to cancel or postpone all large in-person meetings or gatherings, limit site visits to mission essential only, and maximize the use of virtual meetings and remote participation.  Your cooperation in implementing these Stage 2 policies within your own organizations is appreciated as we seek to minimize exposure potential across the center.

The Stage 2 framework also includes a recommendation to close all onsite fitness centers.  SSC is currently evaluating this step and will issue further guidance on the status of the SSC Wellness Center by Monday.

NASA is limiting travel to trips that are mission essential as defined in the response framework.  Similarly, NASA encourages all SSC tenants to limit travel to the extent possible to further reduce potential SSC workforce exposure.  Additionally, all temporary restrictions involving foreign travel and foreign visitors that were enacted on Friday remain in place.

We will continue to assess the situation and update the status of the center, and its facilities, as needed.  Please continue to utilize Mr. Kenny Volante (kenneth.e.volante@nasa.gov), SSC Emergency Operations Manager, as your primary POC for any questions relative to SSC COVID-19 status.

Stay healthy and safe, and please continue to consult NASA People website (https://nasapeople.nasa.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus.htm) for the most current guidance on NASA’s response to the coronavirus.

DATE: March 13, 2020 4:37:13 pm CDT

Updated 03/13/2020 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Stennis Space Center

Updated 03/13/2020 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Stennis Space Center

 

NASA Stennis Space Center (SSC) management continues to work with NASA Headquarters to monitor and respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation as it develops. The safety of all SSC employees remains our top concern. A center leadership working group has been formed and is meeting frequently to discuss the dynamic and evolving situation; we are taking appropriate precautions to ensure our workforce is prepared to support the mission. With that in mind, please find updated SSC guidance related to COVID-19.

 

All visitors to SSC who have traveled to or from (or had a layover in) any international location within the last two weeks will be denied access to SSC (or any other NASA center) until they have completed 14 days of self-observation and have remained symptom free.  SSC sponsors requesting visitor access need to be mindful of this policy when submitting visitor requests and enforce compliance for all potential visitors to SSC.

 

Additionally, a 14-day self-isolation and monitoring period shall be imposed for all SSC employees, contractors, and tenants that:

  1. Have been exposed to or live with someone exposed to a confirmed or presumptive case of COVID-19;
  2. Have returned from personal or business travel from the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Iran, or China;
  3. Have been in close proximity with, or live with someone that has been in close proximity with someone returning from the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Iran, or China (for personal or business travel).

 

Civil servants impacted by this guidance should consult with their supervisors on telework or leave options. Contractors should consult with their supervisors. Tenants should consult with their leadership. This temporary restriction also applies to all visitors coming onsite.

 

Effective immediately, the Stennis Protective Services North and South Reception Center personnel will ask every individual requiring badging services at SSC:

  1. If they feel unwell with any respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever, or shortness of breath;
  2. If they or someone they live with had close contact with someone with a confirmed or presumptive case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days;
  3. If they have traveled to, from, or through any country outside of the U.S. in the past 14 days;
  4. If they have been on a cruise ship in the past 14 days.
  5. If they or someone they live with have come in close proximity with someone returning from the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Iran, or China in the past 14 days.

 

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, individual(s) will be denied access and directed to contact their Stennis sponsor or supervisor. If a visitor who is conducting official business is denied access, the Stennis sponsor is encouraged to utilize IT, video and other technologies to the fullest extent possible to support planned interactions.

 

All SSC organizations are to report, consistent with privacy laws, any employee falling into the categories above (or otherwise) who will be self-isolating due to potential exposure to COVID-19.  The following information should be sent to the NASA Emergency Management officer Kenny Volante at Kenneth.e.volante@nasa.gov or 228-688-2160:

  • Number of employees (if more than one) self-isolating
  • Organization of employee
  • Date the self-isolation period began (for each individual employee)
  • Date employee is expected to return to work after medical clearance

 

After proper medical evaluation, organizations should report back to Mr. Volante when each employee has been cleared to return to work.

 

Please note that these procedures and the list of countries may be updated as needed based on guidance from the Agency and the CDC.  This 14-day center exclusion process applies to all currently badged members of the SSC workforce. All NASA, SSC contractor and tenant personnel, and management teams shall enforce strict compliance.

 

As the CDC recommends, call your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. If you are feeling symptomatic, please do not go to or contact the SSC clinic; you should contact your local healthcare professional by phone and they should provide you further guidance. The CDC COVID-19 website has a good list of what to look for.

 

Stay tuned to the NASA information page for updates, including the latest information, and FAQs.

 

How to Stay Healthy:

  • Proper hand washing is the number one recommended practice to stay healthy in any environment.
  • Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or by coughing and sneezing into your sleeve.
  • Please stay home if you are sick. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently.

 

Helpful Links:

Louisiana Department of Health

 

Mississippi State Department of Health

 

Employee Assistance Program