Dear DOE Colleagues,

The Department of Energy (DOE) has received confirmation that this week, two employees based at the Forrestal building and one employee based at Germantown have tested positive for COVID-19.  One employee has been away from the building since March 13th, the second since April 1st, and the third since March 18th.  The employees are recovering while in self-quarantine.

DOE is notifying employees who worked in close proximity to these individuals and is deep cleaning their immediate and surrounding work areas.

At the same time, I’m pleased to note that one of the previously reported confirmed employees at Headquarters has been cleared.

Your health and safety remains our number one priority, and we encourage you to continue to closely follow the guidance of both the CDC and OPM, maximizing telework and practicing “social distancing” during this time.

We also encourage you to stay centered and positive during this period of maximum telework.  Remember to keep a 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.

Discussing your concerns with a trained Employee Assistance Program specialist may also assist, and federal employees and contractors at Headquarters can contact the Department’s EAP specialists at (202) 586-4995.  All DOE employees may access the Espȳr website for COVID-19 pandemic resources on telework, coping, parenting supports, older adult and caregiver support, and more.  

I so 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