LCO Phases of Operation

This new version of the document is based on the conditions in the country as of April 2022 considering the changes to “Paso-a-Paso” at Red, Yellow, Green levels.

This document outlines 3 phases of operation at Las Campanas Observatory considering altered levels of the pandemic associated with Covid-19. All rules apply equally to El Pino offices and mountain facilities. The preparation and modification of this document is the responsibility of the Reopening Committee, appointed ad hoc by the Director. 

Recommendations to change phases will follow the many of the official indicators defined in the "Paso-a-Paso" government plans. The Director has the prerogative to approve recommended transitions between  phases or maintain the present phase of operations.

Phase Ops_1: RED Only essential operations 

  • Minimal “shared risk” night operations (1 Magellan and possibility of duPont or Swope)
  • Remote observations.
  • Maintain telescopes and instruments at operational status.
  • Covid-19 test before entering the hill.
  • Isolation between shifts.
  • Gauges specified in our protocols in all vehicles and interior areas.
  • Mandatory use of a mask in all areas.
  • Minimum transportation with on-shift limitations. Use of KN-95 mask mandatory
  • Presence of management as needed.
  • Maintain Minimum Equipment: Restrictions avoid public transportation. 
  • Restricted permits for urgent coordinated technical visits (only per day) (Exceptional situations with authorization from the Director).
  • Operations of robotic installations independently without technical site visit. 
  • Maintain teleworking as much as possible.

Phase Ops_2:  YELLOW Limited Operations

  • Night operations (Magellan 1 & 2, duPont, Swope) with required on-site staff.
  • Magellan - Remote observations
  • Remote or face-to-face observations limited to our duPont staff. 
  • Limited face-to-face observations Swope.
  • Covid-19 test before entering the mountain. 
  • Gauges specified in our protocols in all vehicles and interior areas.
  • Mandatory use of a mask in all areas.
  • Transportation with some limitations. Vehicle gauging and use of KN-95 mask mandatory. 
  • Presence of management on an as-needed basis.
  • Use of public transportation will be considered for the particular conditions for each trip between regions as confirmed with the direct supervisor and the reopening committee.
  • Restricted access for coordinated urgent technical visits (only daytime) (Exceptional situations with authorization from the Director).
  • Visits (Exceptional situations with the authorization of the Director).
  • Operations of robotic installations that require a technical visit to the site (with the authorization of the Director and coordination with site staff).
  • Contractors category 1a, 1b, 1c. Contractors category 2. 
  • Maintain teleworking on a partial basis.
  • Coordination of face-to-face work.

Phase Ops_3: GREEN Full Operations remote and on site 

  • Remote and on-site night operations of all telescopes
  • Remote observations.
  • Face-to-face observations with Director's authorization except for Observers with TT proposals approved by their respective TACs.
  • Site staff coordination is required for all visitors to ensure accommodations availability.
  • Covid-19 test before entering shared LCO transport to the hill or in the first aid box at the observatory if arriving by private transport. 
  • Capacity specified in our protocols in all vehicles and interior areas.
  • The use of a mask is not mandatory, except for: Transportation, casino entrance and first aid box.
  • Transport from regions (public transport allowed with approval of headquarters and reopening committee). 
  • Normal observatory transportation following posted guidelines. No capacity restrictions in vehicles. Use of KN-95 masks is mandatory.
  • Contractors 1 and 2 permitted.
  • Visits will be considered with plans prepared and approved in advance.

Contractor Categories:

  1. Work in common and/or interior areas
  2. Day - no interactions with staff
  3. Day - with interactions with staff (with EPP and with Mobility Pass)
  4. Day + Within a shift (with EPP and with Mobility Pass)
  5. Extended work mixed with our team (with EPP and with Mobility Pass)
  6. Work in isolation (Bubble Mode) - no physical interactions between staff and contractors.