Dear Colleagues,
The Department of Energy (DOE) has received confirmation that this week one new Headquarters employee has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual has not been in the Forrestal building since March 18th. I am happy to report that two additional previously confirmed cases have now recovered.
While continuing to maximize our telework posture, we are also planning for a return to full operations. This week we posted our Departmental Return to Work Framework along with our Plan for Returning to Work at Headquarters, and when the time is right, we will initiate the first phase of our return to work at Headquarters. Through a phased approach, we will allow individuals and the Department to begin a return to our workplace while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 expansion and safeguarding our most vulnerable people.
As we go forward, we encourage you to stay centered, positive, and safe. Remember 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.” Remember also 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.
In the event you become ill, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) insurance carriers have certain responsibilities for treatment and coverage related to COVID-19. For general questions, please contact your local benefits servicing team. Notices to FEHB carriers can be found on OPM’s Healthcare Carriers page.
Additionally, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created special, time-limited loan and withdrawal options for Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants affected by COVID-19. The loan options will be available no later than June 22, 2020, and the withdrawal option will be available in mid-July 2020. For more details and up-to-date information, please visit TSP’s COVID-19 page.
This is a challenging time for many of us. You may 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.
With the coronavirus continuing to touch all aspects of our 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