COVID-19 Across the Government: How Agencies Are Handling the Outbreak

As members of Congress become increasingly concerned about the spread of COVID-19, also called the coronavirus, agencies are stepping up guidance to employees regarding maintaining health and safety during the outbreak. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, for the majority of people, “the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low,” but emphasizes the importance of preparedness. Here is an overview of some of the actions taken by lawmakers and some agencies to prepare for the potential spread:

Office of Personnel Management

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued an updated guidance from their original March 3 memo to provide agency leaders with additional information on handling the coronavirus spread. The additional guidance comes in the form of a “question answer” memorandum based on questions the office has received from agencies and employees following their initial guidance. The topics covered in this memo include:

• Determination of COVID-19 as a Quarantinable Communicable Disease;

• Telework;

• Sick Leave and Other Time Off;

• Weather and Safety Leave;

• Evacuation Payments;

• Employee Relations;

• Hazardous Duty Pay;

• Workplace Protections; and

• Office of Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP). 

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DoD) has released guidance to ease the rules that govern telework for civilian employees and encouraged leaders to maximize the number of employees authorized to telework. Leaders are being “strongly encouraged” to sign “ad-hoc” telework agreements that cover all telework-eligible employees who don’t already have a signed agreement.

The DoD is also telling component leaders to conduct IT tests to ensure their systems can handle the increased number of teleworking employees. This testing is similar to the drills the Air Force conducted among Pentagon employees last week, according to reports from Federal News Network.

The guidance also provides information on the type of supplies that can be bought with federal funds. For example, hand sanitizer can be bought but gloves and masks cannot unless specifically authorized as personal protective equipment for the employee’s position.

The guidance also provides military commanders with a five-tiered “risk based” framework outlining the steps commanders should take based on the severity of the outbreak.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued guidance for agency leaders to begin thinking about the potential physical, supply chain, and cybersecurity impacts associated with the spread of COVID-19. While the current profile of the disease stressed that most individuals have little immediate risk of exposure, it does stress the importance of preparedness to mitigate risks as the situation changes.

The guidance provides actions to take for ensuring infrastructure preparedness, assessing and communicating potential disruptions to supply chains, securing “alternate workplace options” for employees, and avoiding and combatting disinformation campaigns that could take advantage of public concern surrounding COVID-19.

U.S. Postal Service

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has updated its 2020 Pandemic Influenza Plan in response to the COVID-19 concerns. The new guidance provides interim measures for personnel authorities to track sick leave trends that may indicate a COVID-19 outbreak among postal employees. The plan notes that postal employees with coronavirus symptoms should remain off work until they recover. At least one postal employee has been diagnosed with the virus.

The memo also encourages “social distancing” in the event that a postal employee or immediate household member begins to exhibit symptoms. The service has committed to utilizing stand-up talks, articles, messages on bulletin boards, and internal messaging to share CDC guidances with employees.

Securities and Exchange Commission

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the first federal agency in Washington, DC to send all their workers home due to fears of the COVID-19 spread. An SEC spokesperson confirmed Monday that an employee was treated for symptoms and referred to testing for the coronavirus, resulting in an agency decision to allow all SEC headquartered employees to telework until further guidance is issued.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has decided to close their doors to the public beginning Thursday afternoon. The building remains open for official business and case filing deadlines are not extended, according to a spokesperson from the court.

Congress

A handful of lawmakers who have been exposed, either through events or meetings, to individuals testing positive for the disease have opted to “self-quarantine” as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the illness to staff, family, or the public.

Currently, Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA), Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), and Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) have opted to self-quarantine. Several Republican lawmakers came in contact with an individual who tested positive for the virus while attending the Conservative Political Action Conference last month. These lawmakers do not report having symptoms of the disease.

As of 4:30pm on Thursday, the Capitol Visitor Center has ceased operating tours due to the outbreak. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced earlier on Thursday that next week’s recess is cancelled so lawmakers can focus on coronavirus legislation.