Research Update, Custodians On-Site, Sanitizer Recipes

I had hoped to not have any updates over the weekend, but there were a few items we’d like to bring to your attention, most of which are in response to your questions.

1. As you saw from (1) the public safety announcement, (2) the clarification on the public safety announcement, and (3) the email from Dean Van Kooten, we can still continue with research with non-undergrad group members, but those who can conduct their work from home should be encouraged to do so. I would also like to remind everyone that many of us have school-age children who will now be at home for the rest of the semester. Now is the time to be particularly flexible and understanding of the need to work remotely for a number of our staff, scientists, students, and colleagues.
2. Several of you asked about custodians' stepping up sanitizing high-traffic surfaces. We've been assured that custodians will be wiping down door handles more frequently, but this increased activity does not decrease the need to practice frequent hand washing, social distancing, etc.
3. As long as research is ongoing, chemical disposal will continue as usual. EHS has assured Jon Karty that they will alert us of any changes to waste collection procedures before they are implemented.
4. Goggle collection drive: IU Heath reached out to us (and Bio) looking for goggles. We (Chem, SISACS, Bio) provided them with nearly a hundred unused goggles from the Academic Office and stockroom yesterday morning. However, we will continue to collect unused AND used (the hospital is setting up a sanitizing operation) person protection equipment. We'll announce the location on Monday.
5. If you'd like to have fun making your own sanitizing agents (we're chemists, darn it!), here are the recipes Jon used for our own stash:
   1. Surface sanitizer recipe: 750 mL of 190 proof ethanol, 250 mL water.
   2. Hand sanitizer recipe: 85 mL of 190 proof EtOH, 1.5 mL of glycerin, 13.5 mL water.

Thank you, and have a healthy weekend.