“A group of Senators on Friday, noting that the federal government is the largest employer in the nation, called on the Office of Personnel Management to take steps to ensure federal employees and contractors will not be penalized for taking health precautions during the COVID-19 outbreak…”
“They asked Cabaniss to:
Clarify that employees and contractors who follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidance will not be at risk of losing income or disciplinary actions.
Issue guidance telling employees and contractors they will not have to choose between financial obligations and following health protection guidance.
Direct agencies to expand telework policies.
Tell employees and contractors they aren’t expected to work if they’re caring for a loved one (even if they have exhausted paid leave benefits) …” Read the full article here.
Source: Senators Call on OPM to Ensure Feds and Contractors Are Protected as Coronavirus Spreads – By Courtney Bublé, March 6, 2020. Government Executive.