NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) management is working with NASA Headquarters to monitor and respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation as it develops. The safety of JSC and White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) employees is our top concern. A center leadership working group has been formed and will meet twice a week to discuss the dynamic and evolving situation; we are taking appropriate precautions to ensure our workforce is prepared to support the mission.

As part of those precautions, JSC and WSTF employees and contractors returning from personal travel from one of the countries included in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Level 3 concern, which currently includes China, Iran, Italy and South Korea, will not be allowed onto NASA centers until the 14 days of observation and self-care period has expired, and they are determined not to be infectious. Civil servants impacted by this guidance should consult with their supervisors on telework or alternatively using administrative leave. Contractors should consult with their supervisors. This temporary restriction also applies to JSC and WSTF visitors who are part of official visitor tours, tours for center director guests and friends and family tours using Escort Required Visitor Badges (ERVBs).

JSC and WSTF are supporting the agency-wide telework day this Friday, March 6. All onsite personnel (civil servants and contractors) are encouraged to participate by taking home government-furnished laptops to test the capabilities of the Virtual Private Network (VPN), which will be utilized in the event that teleworking becomes necessary. While participation is encouraged, the exercise should not interfere with mission critical activities. Contractors should speak with their management to ensure telework guidance is coordinated and approved. If you have not previously used VPN, you should test the capability before leaving the office. For problems connecting through VPN, contact the Helpdesk at 281-483-4800. You can also go to the Information Resources Directorate telecommuting web page, which has helpful resources.

As the CDC recommends, call your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. If you are feeling symptomatic, please do not go to or contact the JSC clinic; you should contact your local healthcare professional by phone and they should provide you further guidance. The CDC website has a good list of what to look for.

An Emergency Notification System (ENS) test  message will be sent on Friday. Stay tuned to jscsos.com for updates, including the latest information, FAQs and area updates. The Coronavirus Information page on this website has helpful links to more information.

How to stay healthy

  • Proper hand washing is the number one recommended practice to stay healthy in any environment.
  • Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or by coughing and sneezing into your sleeve.
  • Please stay home if you’re sick. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently.