Dear Colleagues,

It is hard to believe that it has been 21 weeks since the beginning of our COVID-19 response.  It is important to take a moment to look at where we are and where we’ve been.  Throughout this difficult time, you, the employees of the Department, continue to impress me with your resilience and your fortitude.  You continue to perform mission essential functions, in an ever changing environment.  I am very proud to lead such a wonderful group of men and women, including our contractor workforce. 

As we have said a number of times, we are continuing to closely monitor COVID-19 cases across the enterprise and at Headquarters.  We are seeing an increase in cases at some sites, and are monitoring the situation very closely.  As a reminder, our Labs, Plants, and Sites are at different phases based on the conditions at the site and in the local community.  We are continuing to work with them to do what is right for the health and safety all of our employees.

We received updated information that five additional Headquarters employees are now confirmed cases. Of the five cases, only one Germantown employee required notifications of close contacts, and areas where the individual worked are being sanitized. This week, there are no reports of additional Headquarters personnel as having recovered.

On a different note, I want to thank you all for your amazing generosity in contributing to the Feds Feed Families (FFF) campaign this year.  I am happy to report that Department-wide we have collected over 74,000 pounds of food!  We are in the homestretch of the campaign with just one week to go, so let’s finish strong.  To contribute to this year’s campaign, visit the FFF Hub and record your contribution by July 31.  The site will continue to be available past July for those interested in fighting huger year-round. If you have questions, please contact your office’s FFF Champion or DOE’s Agency Chair, John Dupuy.  Last, but certainly not least, a special thanks to all of our Champions for their efforts throughout the campaign—well done and thank you!

This is a challenging time for many of us, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to assist in relieving grief, loneliness, fear, and stress by talking to trained counselors.  Federal employees at DOE Headquarters can contact the Department’s EAP Specialist at (202) 586-4995.  Federal employees outside of the DC area may contact Espȳr at (877) 801-5752 to speak to a counselor.  For additional resources, Federal employees may access the Espȳr website (the DOE password can be found on the internal EAP page).

The COVID-19 Hotline is available for reporting cases as well as for answering questions.  The COVID-19 Hotline can be reached by calling (202) 586-2683 (202-586-COVD) or by e-mailing the COVID-19 mailbox at COVID-19inquiries@hq.doe.gov.  Emails with personal information can be sent using Entrust.

With COVID-19 continuing to touch all aspects of our lives, I appreciate all you are doing for our nation during these challenging times, and know we will get through them together.  Thank you for your continued commitment and your perseverance in achieving the Department’s critical and varied missions.  Be well and stay safe.

Dan Brouillette

Secretary of Energy