FCC to Telework 'at Least' Through Sept., Masks in All Facilities

The FCC will continue to allow employees to telework “at least” through September, acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel told reporters Thursday afternoon and in an email sent to staff Thursday that we obtained. The FCC submitted a reentry plan to the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force last month, but the rise of the delta variant of COVID-19 caused the agency to “reassess,” Rosenworcel said.

“The health and safety of the staff at the agency continues to be my top priority,” Rosenworcel emailed. “This is important to reiterate now, as we are confronting increased cases of COVID-19 across the United States, particularly in areas where vaccination rates remain low.” The email tells staff that under federal guidelines, masks are required for anyone entering any of the FCC’s facilities “because the counties of all FCC facilities and/or contiguous counties include areas of high or substantial transmission.” That includes Washington, D.C., which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rates as having a substantial transmission rate.

The commission previously said workers would be able to telework through August. That's extended “in light of the ongoing nature of the pandemic and concerns about planning ahead particularly as it relates to childcare and school openings.” Rosenworcel urged agency staff to take advantage of administrative leave to get vaccinated.