Good morning,

Thank you for continuing to reach out with your questions related to the return to the physical workplace. We are going to start regularly sharing the “Big Three” questions we are hearing from you. As always, please continue to check our FAQs, which are updated frequently, and reach out to futureofwork@usda.gov for any questions not already addressed.

1.    If I am fully vaccinated, what do I do if I am exposed to someone who is COVID positive?

Fully vaccinated employees, who have come into close contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19, need to be tested 5-7 days after exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result. If their test result is positive, they should isolate for 10 days assuming they have no symptoms. You may still travel if you are exposed but asymptomatic but must follow the masking and testing guidance mentioned above as well as CDC guidance on travel.  

2.    What do we currently know about the omicron variant?

Omicron is a new coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa in late November and now found in dozens of countries, including the United States. Research is actively underway to establish the variant’s transmissibility, effect on immune system, and chance of hospitalization or death. Research is also underway to determine the efficacy of existing vaccines against the new variant. While boosters are NOT currently required by vaccine requirement for Federal employees, the CDC is urging all adults in the United States to get a Covid-19 booster shot in light of the omicron variant. For employees in the National Capital Region, please feel free to visit the Health Unit in the South building to receive your booster. The Health Unit is located in Room 1411 (first floor, wing 4). Please call (202) 720-9522 to make an appointment.

3.    When can I expect to receive my notification about my eligibility for remote or telework?

Agencies and Staff Offices are beginning to notify employees about: 1) returning to the workplace and 2) their eligibility for potential telework or remote work.  Employee notifications about the eligibility for potential telework or remote work preferences will occur as determined by each Agency for their workforce, and employees may be given at least 30 days to decide whether to work remotely or whether they will telework. Some agencies will have to complete union negotiations on the implementation of the Departmental Regulation (DR) for Telework and Remote Work Programs before notices are issued. This simply means agencies meet with their unions to bargain over the procedures and arrangements for implementing the DR. Additional instructions and information will be forthcoming from each Agency CHCO or COO, and additional details about the telework and remote work policy can be found here.

Sincerely,

The Future of Work Taskforce