The following is a statement from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility Director Robert Champion:
The health and safety of our Michoud family remains our top priority as we navigate these challenging times. After careful evaluation of agency guidance, updated federal, state, and local guidelines, and conditions in the community, we have determined that Michoud has met the conditions to transition to Stage 3 of NASA’s Framework for Return to On-site Work beginning Monday, May 18th.
Specific factors included in our evaluation were the rescission of state and city stay-at-home orders and a decrease in COVID-19 and influenza-like illnesses in the greater New Orleans area over a 14-day period.
Let me elaborate on what the transition to Stage 3 means to the MAF team. All employees who are able to telework should continue to do so. Access to the center will be limited to authorized personnel working on mission-critical tasks that must be conducted onsite.
We will slowly and methodically resume SLS Core Stage and Orion production activities, particularly critical path deliverables to support the Artemis Program. We will do so at a pace that limits personnel and follows federal guidelines for social distancing and use of personal protective equipment. The facility has been cleaned and sanitized, especially in common areas, and hand sanitizer stations have been installed at the entrances to all buildings so that everyone has access to them.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is everyone’s responsibility and there are some simple things that we all can do to keep one another safe. Face masks are required in all high-traffic and common areas including entrances, break rooms, the cafeteria, Coast Guard Exchange, and all areas occupied by Boeing. Continue washing your hands and cleaning your work stations routinely, follow the return-to-site protocol posted on MAFSpace and, most importantly, stay home if you are sick.
Please continue to read all communications from your supervisors, the agency, and our facility, and regularly visit NASA People and MAFSpace for the latest information.
You are all a vital part of NASA’s mission and I thank you for your dedication, patience and support as we work through this difficult time. Please continue to take care of yourself and your families. Your health, and that of those around you, are of the utmost importance.
Robert Champion
Director, Michoud Assembly Facility
Craig Betbeze
NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility
504-419-5333
craig.c.betbeze@nasa.gov