DOE Colleagues
Secretary Brouillette has asked me to coordinate the Department of Energy’s response to COVID-19. I would like to update you on the current situation.
As of this message, we have NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection at headquarters, in the field elements or at our laboratories, plants or sites.
Be assured that, if there is any reason to suspect that an employee in your proximity has been affected by COVID-19 all recommended measures will be taken for your safety. There have been several instances where employees have self-quarantined per CDC guidance because they have been unwell or were in contact with others who might be infected. Co-workers associated with these employees have been informed as appropriate and consistent with privacy concerns.
The Secretary and the Department’s leadership are being briefed regularly by a COVID-19 response team that is meeting twice daily. The Department's emergency response elements are active and engaged, interacting with Federal and local agencies responsible for guidance and coordination. We are prepared to take appropriate action as the national and regional situations evolve.
We are taking the following actions at DOE:
• We are establishing an email address and phone hotline to assist Federal supervisors, Federal employees, and on-site support service contractor employees who require guidance on potential COVID-19 exposures which will be active on March 13, 2020.
• We have established a COVID-19 webpage containing DOE guidance and other important information (see below).
• We are testing our EITS telework capabilities in case we have to ask employees and contractors to work from home (email to EITS customers was sent earlier today).
• We are currently exploring workforce flexibilities beyond current telework processes for both our Federal and contractor work force.
• We are preparing contingency response plans for evolving situations within our complex or in the communities around our workplaces.
Meanwhile, we ask you to please take appropriate personal precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Common sense guidelines are available on our webpage and from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as listed below.
Please don't come to work if you are feeling unwell or if you have been in contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19. Contact your supervisor.
I will continue to update you and please use the DOE COVID-19 webpage and the CDC website as a resource.
This is a challenging time for all of us and our families. I want to assure you that the Department is moving very rapidly to respond to this situation and that your health and safety are the first priority.
Chris Fall
US Department of Energy
DOE COVID-19 website: https://www.energy.gov/coronavirus-hub
Guidance from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html
DOE Pandemic Response Plan: https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/03/f72/EXEC-2020-001086%20Approved%20Pandemic%20Response%20Plan.pdf