Defense
U.S. Military Scientists Hope To Have Coronavirus Therapeutic By Summer
A new approach would use RNA or DNA to help the body develop antibodies to the rapidly spreading illness.
Management
SEC Institutes Telework-Only Thanks to Robust Remote Work Program
The Securities and Exchange Commission quickly implemented mandatory telework for D.C. workers to protect them from the potential spread of coronavirus, but unions say other agencies have been reluctant to support the practice.
Workforce
7 Science-Based Strategies to Cope with Coronavirus Anxiety
A psychologist explains how to get a grip on anxiety triggered by COVID-19.
Oversight
America’s Coronavirus Testing Still Isn’t Moving Fast Enough
Without adequate testing, people with coronavirus symptoms are left to agonize over the right course of action on their own.
Defense
Defense Firms Limit Travel, Adapt As Coronavirus Spreads
The risks of attending trade shows are real. A three-star Army general may have been exposed to the coronavirus at a recent conference, the Pentagon said late Monday.
Defense
OPM and Defense Dept. Issue Guidelines for Civilian Employees on Coronavirus
New memos spell out expanded telework flexibilities, leave policies, alternative work schedules and more.
Defense
The U.S. Isn’t Ready for What’s About to Happen
Even with a robust government response to the novel coronavirus, many people will be in peril. And the United States is anything but prepared.
Workforce
Senators Call on OPM to Ensure Feds and Contractors Are Protected as Coronavirus Spreads
The lawmakers pushed for expanding telework and preventing agencies from imposing disciplinary actions or pay cuts that could impede health precautions.
Pay & Benefits
House Democrats Reintroduce Bill to Protect Telework at Federal Agencies Amid Coronavirus Fears
The measure would prohibit agencies from making across-the-board cuts to telework programs, and require annual goals for participation in such programs.
Management
We Can Still Avoid the Worst-Case Scenario for Coronavirus
The spread of Coronavirus may be inevitable, but the choices we make now will determine how bad the outbreak will get.
Management
House Democrats Probe Faulty Test Kits’ Role in Delaying Coronavirus Response
The House Oversight Committee cited ProPublica’s reporting in requesting documents from the Trump administration.
Workforce
Federal Employee Union Outlines Plan to Protect Members from Coronavirus
NTEU is unveiling a website with information it receives from agencies.
Management
OPM Issues Additional Coronavirus Guidance, Encouraging Telework, Reduced Travel
The federal government’s HR agency orders all agencies to include telework in contingency plans, and encourages them to reduce “non-essential” travel.
Management
The Official Coronavirus Numbers Are Wrong, and Everyone Knows It
Because the U.S. data on coronavirus infections are so deeply flawed, the quantification of the outbreak obscures more than it illuminates.
Management
Structural Biology Points Way to Coronavirus Vaccine
The director of the National Institutes of Health explains promising developments in the efforts to deal with the novel coronavirus spreading across the globe.
Tech
A Military-Funded Biosensor Could Be the Future of Pandemic Detection
If it wins FDA approval next year, the two-part sensor could help spot new infections weeks before symptoms begin to show.
Workforce
Viewpoint: What Trump Could Do Right Now to Keep Workers Safe From the Coronavirus
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has the power to institute emergency standards—but that would require the president to overcome his aversion to regulation.
Management
As White House Involves More Agencies With Coronavirus Response, Discrepancies Develop
The Trump administration struggles to deliver consistent messages about who is doing what.
Management
Unions Report No Sign of Telework Flexibilities Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Although both OPM and the CDC have strongly encouraged allowing employees to work remotely to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, several agencies have yet to respond to those recommendations.
Management