White House Provides Further Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccination Leave Policy
Agencies are to allow employees up to 4 hours of administrative leave to get a COVID-19 vaccination, and up to 2 days of administrative leave following a dose resulting in an adverse reaction, according to the latest guidance from the White House Safer Federal Workforce Task Force released on August 25.
Safer Federal Workforce Task Force Releases Updated COVID-19 Testing FAQs
The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, launched by President Biden to guide federal agencies on safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, has released a new set of FAQs surrounding COVID-19 testing procedures.
Updated Guidance on Protocol for Determining Vaccination Status of Federal Employees
The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, launched by President Biden to guide federal agencies on safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced in updated guidance that agencies need to ask about the vaccination status of federal workers, who could face consequences for providing false information but may decline to answer.
Biden Administration Announces Vaccine Requirement for Federal Employees
On Thursday afternoon, the Biden administration announced a requirement that all federal employees and contractors show proof of vaccination or submit to regular COVID-19 tests, wear masks, and physically distance from others while at work.
Travel Restrictions Lifted for Fully Vaccinated Federal Employees
The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, led by the White House COVID-19 Response Team, the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), recently announced updates to travel guidelines for federal employees. In accordance with CDC guidelines, the government has lifted all limits on official travel for fully vaccinated federal employees- meaning those who have received their final dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks previously.
Vaccinated Federal Employees Still Limited to Mission Critical Travel
All federal employee official travel, including for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, remains limited to travel that is mission critical, according to recently updated Safer Federal Workforce Task Force guidance.
Report Applauds Bright Spots in Federal Government’s COVID-19 Response
The Partnership for Public Service recently released a new report titled “Bright Spots in the Federal Government’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The report details 65 bright spots related to the federal government’s COVID-19 response, divided into four categories: leadership and stewardship, talent, innovation and technology, and collaboration.
Agencies Release New COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Under President Joe Biden’s January 20, 2021 executive order, federal agencies had to create new guidelines and safety protocols to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with the order, several agencies have already introduced formal plans that outline office safety measures and policies they plan to implement.
Lawmakers Push for More Vaccines for Federal Workforce
In a letter to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Kathleen McGettigan and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky, several Democratic lawmakers from the National Capital Region, including Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Del. Eleanor Norton Holmes (D-DC), have requested that the federal government allocate vaccines for federal employees, especially those in the National Capital Region of Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
New COVID-19 Relief Package Would Expand Benefits for Feds
The House Democrats have released the latest iteration of their COVID-19 relief package, including a provision to expand benefits for federal workers. The bill offers up to 600 hours of paid leave for those who have COVID-19 or are caring for someone who does. This time off can also be applied to parents whose children are learning from home and require supervision. This leave can be used through September 30, 2021.
COVID-19 and the future of work
Take a look back at some June 2020 reporting on the way the coronavirus has changed the way Americans work. Over six months later, how much has changed?
GAO Issues Recommendations for Federal Agencies to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued its sixth report to review the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The non-partisan watchdog claims there is a major lack of federal action on COVID-19 response, especially in terms of vaccine distribution, for which the U.S. still does not have a comprehensive plan.
Congress Scrambles to Fund Government as Deadline Looms
With a government shutdown looming at the end of this week, lawmakers are scrambling to fund the government and approve emergency COVID-19 aid. The omnibus government funding bill is expected to also serve as the vehicle for two COVID-19 relief packages.
Agencies Focus on Reskilling During Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way the federal workforce operates and evaluates employee skills. Much of the federal workforce has shifted to virtual work during the pandemic, and this change has had an effect on the way employees work in the federal realm.