Agency reopenings

White House offers guides

      White House officials have released several memos outlining broad guidelines for federal agencies to gradually reopen offices in phases, while the nation is coping with the coronavirus pandemic.

      The guides are aimed at federal employees, but also are likely to apply to contractors.

      The guidance was in an April 20 joint memo and an April 23 FAQ.

      The framework for agencies is similar to the White House’s national guidelines for states. Both outline three-phased reopenings based on criteria, such as robust testing, hospital capacity and steady reductions in COVID-19 cases.

      Agency heads also must consider state and local conditions, including school closures, mass transit and parking and facility needs.

      Other items in the guidance:

• Operating status for each facility must be posted on department websites;
• Agencies are advised to continually update their telework policies, depending on local conditions;
• Telework flexibilities should be maximized for “higher risk” federal employees;
• Agencies may adopt rotating schedules for some workers;
• Federal employees may wear masks at the office;
• Agency heads can set their own screening procedures and social distancing standards for federal employees, contractors and visitors; and
• OPM and the Justice Dept. have determined that federal employee and contractor official travel does not conflict with current state and local stay-at-home orders (as of April 23).

More information:
OPM/OMB memo: https://bit.ly/3dOGeBY
FAQ: https://bit.ly/3cIXt7E

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