Updated Task Force Guidance on Testing Released

The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force last week issued guidance on COVID-19 protocols for agencies to follow for federal employees who are unvaccinated, including those with pending or approved reasonable accommodation requests.

Key points from the guidance are:

• Agencies must establish a screening testing program by Feb. 15.
• Employees working onsite must be tested weekly.
• Agencies are required to pay for the cost of screening testing programs (including applicable travel costs). Employees subject to the testing requirements will use duty time to take the tests (including applicable travel time).
• The screening testing requirement does not apply to employees who are working remotely or who are on maximum telework, except for any week when they might work onsite or interact in person with members of the public as part of their job duties.
• Agencies should establish a diagnostic testing program for employees who have been exposed to COVID-19 at work. This must be done at no cost to employees.

NTEU is analyzing this new guidance. Watch for more information and updates on our FAQs page.