EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503

March 12, 2020

M-20-13

MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF DE:f ARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

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FROM:

Russell T. Vought
Acting Director

SUBJECT:

Updated Guidance on Telework Flexibilities in Response to Coronavirus

In light of the evolving situation concerning the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19"), including
emergency declarations in multiple States and the District of Columbia, the Administration wants to
ensure that department and agency leaders assertively safeguard the health and safety of their
workforce.
All Federal Executive Branch departments and agencies are encouraged to maximize
telework flexibilities to eligible workers within those populations that the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified as being at higher risk for serious complications from
COVID-19 (CDC High Risk Complications) and to CDC-identified special populations including
pregnant women (CDC Special Populations). These CDC-identified populations include older
adults and individuals who have chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart
disease, diabetes, lung disease or compromised immune systems. Agencies do not need to require
certification by a medical professional, and may accept self-identification by employees that they
are in one of these populations. Additionally, agencies are encouraged to consult with local public
health officials and the CDC about whether to extend telework flexibilities more broadly to all
eligible teleworkers in areas in which either such local officials or the CDC have determined there
is community spread. Agencies are also encouraged to extend telework flexibilities more broadly to
accommodate state and local responses to the outbreak, including, but not limited to, school
closures.
Departments and agencies are further encouraged to approve leave for safety reasons to
employees who are at higher risk as identified by the CDC and not telework-eligible. Federal
Executive Branch departments and agencies may also grant weather and safety leave due to a
"condition that prevents the employee or group of employees from safely traveling to or performing
work at an approved location" (5 U.S.C. § 6329c(b)). Because COVID-19 prevents employees who
are at higher risk from safely travelling to or performing work at an approved location, agencies
may grant these employees safety leave under 5 U.S.C. § 6329c(b) at the agencies' discretion.
In determining their telework and leave decisions, agencies should consider the mission­
critical nature of their work.
For further information please consult the Office of Personnel Management's guidance at:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/covid-19/.