Center for Genome Innovation

COVID Ramp Up CGI and Chromosome Core Update
May 19, 2020

As the University prepares to slowly bring research back to campus, the Center for Genome Innovation and Chromosome Core are working to establish safety guidelines and operational policies so that we can efficiently meet the needs of those who require our genomics services.

CGI/Chromosome Core: In accordance with the University's phased reopening of research policy (https://ovpr.uconn.edu/covid-19-guidance-for-the-uconn-research-community-2/) the CGI has begun to slowly ramp up activity.  Beginning May 20, 2020 the CGI and Chromosome Core will restart operations at a reduced capacity. We aim to serve the research community while supporting the safety of our staff and others working in the building, ensuring staff follow local, federal, University and CDC guidelines for physical distancing, and remaining prepared for a halt to activities with limited notice.

What does this mean for CGI/Chromosome Core users who have been approved to return to campus for work in the laboratory?

• Sequencers and other instrumentation will be brought back online first, validating all sequencers for performance. Projects with sequencing runs remaining in the queue prior to shut-down will be completed first with highest priority.
• New samples will only be accepted from OVPR-approved research labs. The CGI must be contacted prior to sample arrival in order to ensure all required reagents and consumables are available in the lab.
• Eurofins Sanger submission daily pick up will no longer be available as the building will not be unlocked daily. You can request shipping labels and/or envelopes directly from Eurofins by emailing:  shipping@eurofins.com
• Protocols for sample pick up from UConn Health will also be modified.  Please contact Bo Reese for more information on delivery options.
• In-person training for all CGI equipment is suspended until further notice. This suspension includes sequencers located in the Engineering and Science building at Storrs and the Cell and Genome Sciences building at 400 Farmington Avenue.
• Self-service access to CGI equipment (Storrs lab) is suspended until further notice.  If you require the use of one of our pieces of equipment, please contact us to arrange for processing.
• Live cultures for karyotyping should not be submitted at this time.

In addition to following physical distancing guidelines, CGI staff will only be working in the lab to process samples and maintain critical equipment. Sample drop off for approved research must be coordinated ahead of time to ensure someone is on site and available to receive samples. As a result of these new safety measures and staffing protocols, turnaround time for data delivery of newly submitted samples will be communicated on a user-by-user basis.

We encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions about future experiments and how best to plan for sample submission and project completion during the ramp up phase. We would also like to thank you for your support and understanding while we navigate through this unprecedented time.