COVID-19 INFORMATION

New variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, will continue to occur. Entering the 2024 Arctic summer deployment season, the approach to infectious disease mitigation will continue to be one of risk management through containment, symptom control, and disease management. The NSF has shifted from the goal of trying to prevent cases of COVID-19 at research stations or communities to a goal of resuming normal operations with good prevention practices in place and a robust plan to respond to COVID-19 cases at research stations and logistics hubs. Research projects in field camps are responsible for their own protocols and response to COVID-19. Vaccinations are required by the NSF for participants traveling to Kangerlussuaq and further afield, including Raven Camp or remote field camps, and anyone traveling to Summit Station.

Quarantines are no longer required for entry to research stations. Research teams may elect to arrange and pay for their own quarantine period, if desired. Without quarantines, there is increased likelihood that COVID-19 will reach research stations like Summit Station and Toolik Field Station. These documents describe the overall approach for reducing COVID-19 cases and managing those that arise. As with all prior years, program participants should comply with all national, state, local and tribal travel restrictions. All participants should have informed consent regarding the risks of contracting COVID-19 and research teams should have personal protective plans in place with the awardee institution’s risk management office concurrence that includes how the project will respond to COVID-19 infections.

All travelers should follow the applicable public health authorities’ (e.g., host country, state, tribe, borough, city/village) COVID-19 guidelines in addition to the applicable NSF COVID-19 travel guidelines.