During the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the safety of our staff and the community is our top priority. Subaru Telescope has restricted work-related travel. All are complying with recommendations from the US Department of State, Centers for Disease Control and Hawaii State Department of Health on travel and hygiene, adhering to federal restrictions on incoming visitors, and taking greater precautions where possible and deemed necessary. There are no infected personnel at Subaru Telescope at this time. We will update this statement as the situation changes.
We are taking the following measures since March 17, 2020 (Hawaii local time).
- For the public:
- Any visitors are not accepted at the summit and Hilo base facility.
- All facility tours are suspended.
- For the observatory's staff:
- Telecommuting in principle.
- No business trip.
- Observation continues, but only with remote observation mode for open-use observations. (No astronomers traveling to Hawaii.)
- The maintenance work at the summit facility is minimized.
Dr. Michitoshi Yoshida
Director, Subaru Telescope