BATON ROUGE - LSU interim President Thomas Galligan says LSU will start bringing employees back to campus in "phases" starting mid-May.

The president told employees Thursday that a phased return to campus will start May 18. During phase one, only essential personnel currently on campus and other critical employees specifically approved by the EOC may return to work.

The university has also outlined strict hygiene and social distancing rules to abide by during this period. Gathering areas and some offices will remain closed, and employees working in close proximity with one another will be required to wear face coverings.

You can read more details on phase one by clicking here.

Earlier this week, Galligan described the process as "deliberate" and "thoughtful," explaining that the lengthy process, which will likely require weeks or even months to complete, would take place in accordance with state and federal guidelines. 

President Galligan also mentioned that as the Governor’s order relaxed a few restrictions, certain research initiatives may restart based upon the plans previously submitted. This will bring a handful of faculty and staff members back to campus at this time and the Office of Research and Economic Development will reach out to those who qualify.

In his closing remarks, the President acknowledged members of the LSU community who contributed to COVID-19 relief efforts, from the group manufacturing PPE in the PMAC, to the Vet School’s River Road Testing Lab that has been performing virus testing, to the countless medical professionals at our Health Sciences Centers in Shreveport and New Orleans who have been on the front lines of the pandemic.

Click here for more information on LSU's operations and work amid the coronavirus pandemic.