Dear Colleagues,

Thank you for your continued commitment to accomplishing the Department’s important mission while Headquarters has been in a maximum telework posture.  As a result of your flexibility and dedication, our mission essential functions have continued and the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at Headquarters has remained low, at about 0.3 percent of our roughly 7,000 person workforce.

Given the recent lifting of stay-at-home orders in the National Capital Region, I have determined that we will transition Headquarters to Phase 1 on Monday, June 8, 2020.

Phase 1 Federal employees are now being contacted by their supervisors with information and virtual training opportunities regarding how to return to our Headquarters facilities. Included will be descriptions of the various precautions such as sanitization, screening criteria, hand sanitizer, signage, and other preparations that have occurred at our HQ buildings. Employees who self-identify as members of certain categories will be able to remain on telework as described in our DOE Headquarters Return to the Federal Workplace Plan. 

As a reminder, the DOE COVID-19 Hotline can be reached at 202-586-COVD (202-586-2683) and a COVID-19 inbox is available for reporting potential or confirmed COVID-19 cases at DOE Headquarters.  Hotline staff also can answer general, human resources, and non-emergency questions that federal employees, federal supervisors and onsite service support contractors may have. 

You may also want to consider discussing your concerns with a trained Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselor to assist in relieving grief, loneliness, fear, and stress.  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.  DOE Federal employees may access the Espȳr website for additional resources. 

As I have said from the beginning of this pandemic, the health and safety of the workforce is of paramount importance and will guide all actions in returning personnel to our facilities. As we begin the phased return to Headquarters, I remain confident that we will continue to demonstrate the same commitment and dedication to our mission.  Please continue to take care of yourselves and your families, and we will get through this together.

Be well and stay safe.

Dan Brouillette

Secretary of Energy