May 8, 2020, 9am ET
Dear Colleagues,
The Department of Energy (DOE) has received confirmation that this week, one employee based at the Forrestal building and one employee based at the Germantown building have tested positive for COVID-19. The employees have been away from the building since 4/5/2020 and 3/20/2020, respectively. The employees are currently in self-quarantine. Because the employees were out of the building for many days prior to onset of symptoms or testing positive, no cleanings are necessary and there were no work-related close contacts.
Your health and safety remains our number one priority, and we encourage you to continue to closely follow the guidance of both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Office of Personnel Management (OPM), maximizing telework and practicing “social distancing” during this time.
We are continuing to maximize our telework posture, but we are also planning for an eventual return of federal employees and onsite support service contractors to our physical office space following the President’s guidelines for Opening Up America Again. Through a phased approach that will be initiated when the time is right, we will mitigate the risk of COVID-19 expansion and safeguard our most vulnerable people, while allowing individuals and the Department to begin a return to our workplace.
In the interim, we continue to encourage you to stay centered and positive. Remember to keep structure to your day, take needed breaks, eat a healthy diet, exercise, stay connected with your coworkers, friends and neighbors, and show acts of kindness to those in need.
One way you can help those in need is by donating to charities through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). OPM has opened a CFC special solicitation until June 30, 2020, using the CFC online donation portal. For more information regarding this special solicitation, refer to the OPM memorandum and watch this video from HUD Secretary Ben Carson.
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 COVID-19 pandemic resources on telework, coping, parenting supports, older adult and caregiver support, and more.
As Public Service Recognition Week comes to an end, I want to thank you for your contributions and the important services you deliver every day to the people of our country. With the coronavirus touching all aspects of people’s lives, your continued commitment to DOE’s mission and perseverance in delivering critical services to safeguard the nation’s national security are even more commendable. I appreciate all you are doing for our nation during these challenging times, and know we will get through them together. Be well and stay safe.
Dan Brouillette
Secretary of Energy