Staff and visitors to the Crick during the coronavirus outbreak

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Francis Crick Institute is working at the forefront of the scientific response to coronavirus, volunteering expertise and facilities to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 response

Our priority is the safety of everyone at the Crick. We are closed to visitors, and staff are encouraged to work from home wherever possible.

The Crick has remained open for a limited number of staff throughout 2020, to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and to run our COVID-19 testing service for frontline healthcare staff, NHS patients, and care homes. From 1 June 2020 we opened the building to more staff, so that vital research could continue. We test all our staff for COVID-19 on a weekly basis and have put measures in place to make sure the building is safe, and that everyone can maintain a safe distance from each other while they are at work.

Download our risk assessment (130.09 KB, pdf) for further details of the measures. 

These are obviously changing and uncertain times. Our decisions are guided by the latest Government and Public Health England recommendations, and the latest advice from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. 

Visitor access

  • Visitors

    We are closed to all visitors.

  • Events

    Many events have been cancelled or postponed, but others are happening online. We look forward to welcoming everyone back when it's safe to do so.

  • Exhibition and cafe

    Our exhibition space and cafe are closed to visitors, but our gallery space is not empty and is currently hosting a COVID-19 NHS vaccination centre. 

  • Discovery lab visits

    There are currently no school visits to the Crick, but we are supporting schools remotely. Contact us to find out more.

Measures for staff

  • Remote working

    Crick staff who can do so are being instructed to work remotely. 

  • Working on site

    Staff are working from the Crick where it is safe to do so, including scientists who require lab facilities, those supporting the coronavirus response, and staff who ensure the institute can keep functioning.

  • Seminars and lectures

    Scientific seminars and lectures were cancelled from 18 March 2020 onwards, but many online equivalents are now available. 

  • Following guidance

    We have asked that all our staff follow guidance on self- and family-isolation with symptoms, and take extra precautions if they fall into one of the vulnerable groups.

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