UNITED STATES
As United States Federal Agencies seek to confront the growing threat of COVID-19, they are facing a mounting challenge within their own ranks.
Dozens of employees have tested positive for the virus, adding to the surging count in the general population.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of other Government employees have quarantined themselves either as a precaution or because they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.
Cities and States across the country have developed their own responses to the outbreak — from closing schools, bars, restaurants, movie theatres and a mix of other venues to encouraging curfews and issuing shelter-in-place orders.
At the same time, Agencies across the Federal Government are crafting their own policies on how to disclose cases of COVID-19.
The result is a confusing jumble of messages that has angered Federal workers and those who represent them.
National President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists Union, Mike Perrone (pictured) gave the example of the Federal Aviation Administration failing to immediately tell technical operations employees about a positive test result at a Las Vegas airport, allowing them to continue working in a potentially infected area.
“Nobody said anything for how many hours and they knew about it?” Mr Perrone said.
“I’m frustrated — very frustrated — because literally people are going to get sick and people could potentially die or spread it to their families.”
As anxiety mounts among their staff, Agencies have been encouraged to maximise teleworking in recent days, in line with recent guidance from the Office of Personnel Management.
That guidance, however, is a recommendation — not a rule.
It encourages employees to refer to their specific Agencies “for communications and guidance on telework or leave status”.
In contrast, the Department of Transportation (DOT), after confirming its first case, told employees via email that “effective immediately and until further notice, we are mandating that all employees not report to duty at the DOT headquarters unless specifically notified by your manager”.
Citing the growing number of reports of Federal employees who have continued to go to work and contract the virus, Senator Chris Van Hollen called on President Trump to do more.
“This is an urgent situation,” Senator Van Hollen said.
“Mr President, you’ve got to issue an Executive Order to all Agencies to maximise telework, and do it now.”
Administration officials counter by saying that guidance, rather than Executive Orders, is the best approach to the evolving threat of the virus and that Agency leaders should ultimately determine what’s best for them and their employees.
Washington, 23 March 2020
