As federal officials scramble to address the spiraling health and economic crises, they face a mounting challenge inside their own workforce
There are no clear directions for reporting disclosures of coronavirus throughout the federal government, leaving each individual agency to determine how to share information about known cases — who gets to know, how soon they should be informed and how often they require updates.
As anxiety mounts among their staff, agencies have been encouraged to “maximize” teleworking in recent days, in line with recent guidance from the Office of Personnel Management. That guidance, however, is a recommendation — not a rule. It encourages employees to refer to their specific agencies “for communications and guidance on telework or leave status.
The Food and Drug Administration has “a few” confirmed cases, according to FDA spokeswoman Stephanie Caccomo, who said she wasn’t able to share a more specific number. Administration officials counter that guidance, rather than executive orders, are the nimblest approach to the evolving threat of the virus and that agency leaders should ultimately determine what’s best for them and their employees.
Inside the White House itself, staffers have started conducting temperature checks of anyone who may come in close contact with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, including reporters and anyone going in and out of the Oval Office. They also have reduced the number of reporters sitting in the rows of chairs in the briefing room, requiring an open seat between every reporter.
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