On Fridays, USDA continues to share the CDC’s COVID-19 community levels to guide masking protocols for the following week. Overall, 2,959 counties are “LOW,” 224 counties are “MEDIUM,” and 41 counties are “HIGH.” The CDC COVID community levels and masking protocols for the week of Sunday, April 24, through Saturday, April 30, 2022, are here. 

The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in all indoor public transportation settings. Wearing masks is most beneficial in crowded or poorly ventilated locations. When people wear a well-fitting mask or respirator over their nose and mouth in indoor travel or public transportation settings, they protect themselves, and those around them, including those who are immunocompromised or not yet vaccine-eligible, and help keep travel and public transportation safer for everyone.

For additional information see the latest versions of the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force Guidance on masking, the USDA COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan, and our Frequently Asked Questions on USDA’s Response to COVID-19 Workplace Safety.

1. My COVID-19 community level has increased to MEDIUM or HIGH, what do I need to do to screen contractors and/or visitors at my facility?

When the COVID-19 community Level is MEDIUM or HIGH in a county where a federal facility is located, visitors and onsite contractors to that facility should be asked to provide information about vaccination status via the Certification of Vaccination form. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or who decline to provide information about their vaccination status should be able to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test from within the previous 3 days prior to entry to that facility.

Individuals entering a federal building, federally controlled indoor worksite or federal land to obtain a public service or benefit do not need to complete the form or show documentation of a negative COVID-19 test result. However, they must comply with all relevant CDC guidance and safety protocols, including mask-wearing and physical distancing requirements based on the COVID-19 community level.

2. Should in-person attendees at meetings, conferences and events hosted by a USDA agency or office be asked to provide information about vaccination status?

It depends. For meetings, conferences, and events hosted by a USDA agency or office at a facility in a county where the COVID-19 community level is MEDIUM or HIGH, all in-person attendees should be asked to provide information about their vaccination status. For these meetings, conferences and events, in-person attendees who are not fully vaccinated or decline to provide information about their vaccination status should provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test completed within the previous 3 days and comply with relevant safety protocols, consistent with their vaccination status. USDA will comply with any applicable federal laws, including requirements under the Privacy Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Meetings, conferences or events that will be attended in person by more than 50 participants at a facility in a county where the COVID-19 community level is HIGH require approval ahead of time by USDA’s COVID-19 Coordination Team.

3. Where can I receive a booster shot?

The CDC website provides helpful information about booster shots. To find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.

If you work in the National Capital Region (D.C., VA, MD), booster shots (first and second doses) and COVID-19 vaccines are available at the USDA Health Unit. Please call (202) 720-9522 to make an appointment. The Health Unit is located in Room 1411 (first floor, wing 4).

Beginning this week, the BIG THREE will also feature a “Future of Work Tip” as some employees begin their return to the worksite over the next few weeks and we continue to focus on the well-being, safety, support, and inclusion of all employees at USDA.

As employees return to the workplace, be aware that employees have concerns and responsibilities that may not have been present before the pandemic. We recently hosted an Executive Leadership Forum for senior executives at the department on well-being and wellness and adapting to the new hybrid work environment. As we told our executives, it is important to keep open communication with employees and be aware of their concerns and ask for employee input on solutions. Consider regular one-on-one check-ins with employees, all-employee town halls focused on employee wellness and bringing subject matter experts for panels or facilitated discussions. For additional resources including training and materials, be sure to visit the Future of Work site.

The Big Three: Part 14

To the extent this policy may constitute a change in a condition of employment for bargaining unit employees, agencies/offices will implement it in accordance with the terms of their current labor agreement and 5 U.S.C. Chapter 71. If you are a bargaining unit employee and have questions regarding the content of this message and its potential impact on a current labor agreement, please refer them to your local union representative.