Alert February 12, 2021

Federal Agency COVID-19 Responses

February 12, 2021

*Wiley continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 crisis and will update this list as new information is available. This alert was originally published on March 25, 2020, and last updated February 12, 2021.

1. Administration for Community Living (ACL)

  • Offers resources and programs for older adults and people with disabilities.

2. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

  • Virtual telework until further notice; staff will be conducting less travel and will conduct meetings via video conferencing; requests that people conduct communication by electronic mail.
  • Priority: The Section 106 deadlines for a State or Tribal Historic Preservation Officer response will be considered paused while an office is closed, or an officer is unable to carry out duties; ACHP issued extension for use of emergency Section 106 procedures for undertakings responding to coronavirus until March 31, 2021.

3. Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

  • ARC staff are primarily teleworking and are continuing to process and administer grants, new applications, progress reports, and payment requests as they are received.
  • Priorities: Several regional and national resources. If grantees are currently unable to meet project goals or timelines, one can receive accommodations on project deliverables, timelines, budget, or other operations. 

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  • The CDC issued new recommendations on traveling domestically and internationally, with resources on how to stay safe during travel while strongly urging people to stay home which can be found here. 

  • CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccine for health care workers, long-term care facility residents, frontline essential workers, people with underlying medical conditions, and people aged 65 or older. Supply will increase in coming months, but for now, people who are more at risk are top priority right now.

  • The CDC is currently monitoring other variants of the disease at home and abroad, while also displaying a map showing U.S. COVID-19 cases for the public to utilize.

  • CDC has ordered a requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test for all air passenger airing into the United States from abroad.
  • CDC has issued new guideline on mask wearing review the effectiveness on types of masks, who should where them, and in what situations found here.

  • CDC also issued an orders that requires face masks must be worn by all traveler while on public transportation found here.

  • CDC offers considerations to operate schools during COVID-19 found here.

5. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

  • CMS is suspending non-emergency survey inspections across the country; recommendations regarding Transmission-Based Precautions, cleaning and disinfection, managing visitors, and monitoring and managing healthcare personnel have been put into place.
  • Priorities: Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations; lab tests for COVID-19; and “virtual check-ins.” 
  • Hospitals without walls - Increase hospital capacity
  • Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers (updated December 1, 2020)
  • Temporary Policy for Premium Reductions announced
  • Provider reimbursement announced for those counseling patients to self-isolate
  • The CMS Center for Clinical Standards and Quality Safety and Oversight Group provided a holiday notice to nursing homes, residents, and resident family members found here. They recommend families socially distance during the holidays with innovative ways to stay together without having physical parties or gatherings.

  • CMS has publicly released a Pandemic Plan to deal with any policy responses and CMS Operations which can be found here.

6. Chief Human Capital Officers Council

  • Advises Chief Human Capital Officers, HR Directors and Heads of Agencies on the importance of establishing telework capabilities; information on training for new employees and dual compensation waivers; Waiver of the Premium Pay Limitation and Aggregate Pay Limitation for Employees Working in Response COVID-19; cancellation of annual Human Capital Reviews in FY 2020 and postponement of 2020 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS).

7. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

  • Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act protects homeowners from foreclosure.
  • Priorities: CFPB is committed to providing up-to-date information and financial resources for consumers on how to protect and manage their finances including how to deal with debt, protect consumers’ credit, and avoid scams during COVID-19; action to help consumers receive relief from credit card issuers.
  • The CFPB issued final rule to implement the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act of 1977 to include regulation of communications via email or text, and clarify the rights of consumers and limits on debt collectors found here.

8. Consumer Product Safety Commission

  • Virtual Telework. FOIA requests are being processed electronically at this time. FOIA requests and appeals submitted by US mail or courier, or any FOIA records requiring physical delivery will be delayed.
  • Priority: reminding companies of their obligation to report incidents or unsafe products under Section 15(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act; issued COVID-19 safety checklists.

9. Corporation for National and Community Service

  • Priority: Regularly updating FAQs that include information on how to best manage projects and provide clarity to consumers on existing requirements and agency policies.

10. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

11. Defense Acquisition University (DAU)

  • DAU faculty and staff will report and isolate any student who exhibits symptoms of the disease, or who states they have been exposed through social contact, even if they are asymptomatic, thus allowing for remote work.
  • DAU has requested that regional campuses stay in close communication with local military base commanders and/or civil authorities so that these organizations can recommend specific measures tied to the severity of the threat in that specific area.

12. Defense Commissary Agency

  • Priorities: 100% I.D. card checks at the entrance of all stores and no visitors will be allowed entrance in order to reduce the number of people in stores; no more “early bird” shopping hours; each location may impose purchase limitations on products to ensure availability to other consumers; plexiglass shields are being installed at checkout lanes as a protective measure; and resources on fraudulent COVID-19 products claiming to be tests, drugs, medical devices, or vaccines; expanded face covering requirement to include customers or anyone else entering a commissary.

13. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

  • USDA facilities are closed to the public, but have employees working at ports of entry among other locations. Some locations remain open for endorsement activities to help facilitate trade and international pet travel.
  • Priorities: USDA will continue providing timely delivery of the services to maintain the movement of America’s food supply. See USDA responses to COVID-19 here.
    • Signing documents electronically to support the import and export of live animals and plants and animal products.
    • Loan Maturity for Marketing Assistance Loans extended to 12 months.
    • Information on food assistance for those whose financial situations have changed due to the pandemic.

  • In response to President Biden’s National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, the USDA is offering its facilities, cold chain infrastructure, public health experts, disaster response specialists, scientists and researchers, and footprint in rural areas and Tribal communities across the country.

14. Department of Defense (DOD)

15. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • COVID-19 Hotline has been established at 202-586-COVD (202-586-2683) as well as a podcast to discuss the agency’s response to COVID-19.
  • DOE is practicing social distancing and transitioning to maximum telework flexibilities for employees across the DOE enterprise, including Washington Headquarters, National Laboratories, and sites around the country; Headquarters transitioned to Phase 2 on June 29, 2020; DOE Return to the Federal Workplace Framework.
  • COVID-19 update (July 17, 2020)
  • Priorities: DOE continues to provide information, among other things, on how to maintain operation effectiveness under expanded telework.

16. Department of Health and Human Services

  • Priority: Working to develop new medical countermeasures and take other actions to protect the health and safety of the American people. Providing information on CARES Act relief funding for hospitals and vaccine information for the public.
  • Coronavirus clinical study volunteer information

17. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

18. Department of Housing and Urban Development

  • Released guidelines on how housing providers can disseminate critical information and prepare to take additional steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • Temporary Moratorium on all evictions and foreclosures expired July 25, 2020 under the CARES Act.
  • HUD guidance on Planned Use of CARES Act funding (June 2020).

19. Department of Labor (DOL)

  • Released resources to help workers and employers prepare for COVID-19 in the workplace, information regarding wages, hours, and leave, unemployment insurance information, and guidance for employees who have contracted the virus.

20. Department of State

  • Advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel. 
  • Fact sheet on the U.S. government’s COVID-19 prevention and relief efforts.
  • Many countries are implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice.
  • Urges use of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Priority: launched unprecedented effort to bring home American citizens, provide international aid, and protect U.S. citizens.
  • Launches a COVID-19 Private Sector Engagement & Partnership Fund
  • U.S. Citizen Travelers: Please enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/ to receive alerts and be located in an emergency.
  • Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2021

21. Department of the Treasury

  • The treasury department’s Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, was appointed to the President’s Coronavirus Task Force where he meets daily with the Vice President and our nation’s top health officials.
  • Paycheck Protection Program for assisting small businesses
  • CARES Act passed: $2 trillion economic relief package
  • Secretary Mnuchin requested the Federal Reserve return unused emergency lending facility funds to Treasury to allow Congress to re-appropriate $455 billion to areas of the economy that need additional relief. Secretary Mnuchin also requested the Federal Reserve extend the Commercial Paper Funding Facility, the Primary Dealer Credit Facility, the Money Market Liquidity Facility, and the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility for 90 days found here.
  • Treasury and IRS begin Delivering Second Round of Economic Impact Payments to Millions of Americans (December 29, 2020)

22. Director of National Intelligence

23. Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division (DEA)

  • Priority: working with Federal partners, DEA registrants, and their representative association to ensure that there is an adequate supply of controlled substances in the United States.
  • The telemedicine allowance under section 802(54)(D) applies to all schedule II-V controlled substances in all areas of the United States. Accordingly, DEA-registered practitioners in all areas of the United States may issue prescriptions for all schedule II-V controlled substances to patients for whom they have not conducted an in-person medical evaluation with some caveats.

24. Economic Development Administration

  • Released the CDC Coronavirus Information on their webpage; debunk COVID-19 myths and provide latest news and resources.
  • Guidelines for Opening Up America Again in a three-phased approach.
  • Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, provides a wide range of financial assistance to communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
  • EDA FAQs to help understand EDA’s CARES Act funding, who qualifies for grants, how to apply, etc.

25. Election Assistance Commission

  • Priority: Continually working to make sure elections are accessible, secure, and accurate, and that voters are safe. 
    • Released vendor and manufacturer guidance on cleaning voting machines as well as state-specific resources on elections.
    • State-specific resources
    • Preliminary Planning for Increased Vote by Mail – Video
    • Presentation – Preliminary Planning for Increase Vote by Mail, Interview 1: COVID 19 potential response

26. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

27. Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)

28. Farm Credit Administration

29. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

  • FAA will award approximately $10 billion in funds to commercial and general aviation airports from the Trump Administration's newly created CARES Airport program.
    • FAA issued an extension of limited waiver of the minimum slot usage requirements through March 27, 2021 (October 2, 2020). 
    • FAA Issues Guidance about Flexibility Managing Scheduled Maintenance Requirements Due to COVID-19 (InFO20005) 
    • FAA Issues Guidance on Operations in Terminal Airspace (SAFO 20012)
    • FAA Issues Guidance on Operations in Oceanic Airspace (SAFO 20011)
    • FAA amended SFAR 118 to further extend COVID-19 Relief. 
    • FAA issued an exemption that allows U.S. airlines to carry cargo on seats in airplane cabins when no passengers are being transported (May 20, 2020).
    • FAA announced regulatory relief for groups unable to comply with certain training, testing, and checking requirements (April 29, 2020).
    • The COVID-19 public health emergency has affected airport sponsors’ operations and ability to meet the original 2020 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) deadlines. Therefore, the FAA has extended deadlines to May 4, 2020 to give notice of intent, and to Monday, June 15, 2020 to submit the final grant application. The full notice is available in the federal register (April 16, 2020).
    • FAA enabled drone use for COVID-19 response efforts (April 14, 2020).
    • The FAA is extending through October 24, 2020 the temporary waiver of minimum slot-use requirements at U.S. airports to help airlines that cancel flights due to the Coronavirus (April 9, 2020).
  • Priorities: Utmost commitment to health and safety; air traffic system is resilient and flexible. Every air traffic control facility in the country has a contingency plan to keep air traffic moving safely when events impede normal operations.

  • FAA has allowed pilots and air traffic controllers to receive COVID-19 vaccination following a 48 hour observation period before flight.

30. Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

  • Staff were placed in operational dress uniforms to be ready to respond to COVID-19 incidents; the BOP instituted a comprehensive management approach (Pandemic Influenza Plan) for oversight of the situation including all BOP Regional Offices, all BOP Central Office Divisions (which oversee program level functions), and the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) that coordinates with state and local prisons and jails.
  • Priorities: The BOP's Incident Action Plan includes but is not limited to the continuity of operations (COOP) plans, supplies, inmate movement, visitation, staff training, and official staff travel. BOP institutions, as a matter of policy and procedure, have pandemic plans for preparedness in the event of any infectious disease outbreak.
  • Participating in collaborative teleconferences with the CDC to exchange information related to COVID-19 and corrections.
  • BOP COVID-19 map of cases (rev. February 11, 2021)
  • BOP Implemented modified operations (rev. November 25, 2020).

31. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

32. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

  • FDIC is working with federal and state banking agencies and financial institutions to consider all reasonable and prudent steps to assist customers; The agencies encourage financial institutions to work with borrowers, will not criticize institutions for doing so in a safe and sound manner, and will not direct supervised institutions to automatically categorize loan modifications as troubled debt restructurings.

33. Federal Emergency Management Agency

  • Priorities: Distinguish between facts and myths; end misinformation fraud.

  • Guidelines for reopening (July 21, 2020)

  • Waiver of Private Nonprofit Primary Use and Primary Ownership Facility Policies Under the (COVID-19) Pandemic Declarations

  • Evacuation & Sheltering Assistance under an Emergency Declaration in a COVID-19 Environment (English) (Spanish) (August 22, 2020)

34. Federal Student Aid

  • CARES Act - Federal student loan borrowers can temporarily stop making monthly loan payments through September 30, 2020.
    • On August 8, 2020, President Trump directed the Secretary to continue to suspend loan payments, stop collections, and waive interest on ED-held student loans until December 31, 2020.
    • Loan repayments begin after January 31, 2021.
  • Latest Next Gen FSA News

35. Federal Trade Commission

  • Virtual Telework; No public meetings; buildings closed
  • Priorities: COVID-19 misinformation fraud; antitrust investigations will be reviewed on matter/matter basis; warning against scamming, especially relating to stimulus checks or vaccines.

36. Federal Transit Administration

37. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

38. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

40. General Services Administration (GSA)

41. Indian Affairs

42. Indian Health Service (IHS)

  • IHS headquarters is holding weekly conference calls with tribal and urban Indian health organization leaders from across the country to provide updates, answer questions, and hear concerns from tribal communities.
  • Area offices provide technical assistance and support to tribal and urban Indian programs; updates are available via email and webinars.
  • Updates COVID-19 Cases by HIS Area (last updated December 12, 2020)
  • IHS COVID-19 Dashboard
  • August 31, 2020: Tribal and Urban Indian Organization Leader Message on COVID-19

43. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

44. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

  • IRS sent interest payments on tax refunds the week of August 18, 2020. If you got one, it’s not related to an Economic Impact Payment. Get details on these tax refund interest payments.
  • IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected; tax day was extended to July 15, 2020; Treasury, IRS and Labor announce plan to implement Coronavirus-related paid leave for workers and tax credits for small and midsize businesses to swiftly recover the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave; High-deductible health plans can cover coronavirus costs.
  • Announcement of advising new rules under CARES Act for flexibility regarding healthcare spending (June 17, 2020)

  • New economic impact payments are being delivered the week of December 28 following the implementation of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 to millions of Americans who received the first round of payments earlier this year.

45. Legacy Management (Department of Energy)

  • Closed to the public and associated programming is cancelled until further notice.

46. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)

  • Because there will be delays in receipt of paper submissions and issuance of paper orders, notices, and decisions during this period, MSPB strongly encourage the use of e-Appeal Online for both new and pending cases.
    • Note to read instructions here if you filed an appeal or a pleading in the interim and it was returned to you.

47. Military Community and Family Policy

  • New resources including non-medical counseling sessions via telephone, live resources on Facebook, financial counseling, and updated resources on Military OneSource.

48. Military Health System

49. National Archives

  • Virtual Telework until further notice; No public events; Closed Facilities; Suspended reproduction and digitization services
    • Announcement (July 23, 2020) that some specific facilities can enter Phase I of reopening.
    • Announcement (September 28, 2020) that Phase II Reopening will begin for selected facilities.
    • Announcement (October 29, 2020) updated procedures to response to COVID-19.
    • Announcement (November 9, 2020) closure of nine facilities and phase 2 reopening of the George H.W. Bush Library.
  • Priorities: Continue to serve the public remotely by responding to emailed requests for records and History Hub inquiries; online exhibits, educational resources, Citizen Activist Missions, and biweekly newsletters are available to the public.

50. National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC)

  • Virtual Telework until further notice; Closed to the public
  • Priorities: NCPC is conducting Commission meetings online until further notice. The next online Commission meeting is February 4, 2021, at 1:00 pm. Meeting information will be available online.

51. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

52. National Institute of Health (NIH)

53. National Park Service

  • Visitor services suspended; NPS has made significant operational changes including closing most parking buildings, facilities, and restrooms.
  • Some parks are phasing in recreational access. Check with individual parks for more information.

54. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

  • Visitors and tours suspended for the immediate future; Virtual Telework until further notice.
  • Rolled out return to campus strategy, which includes the ability to continue some research activities on site on a case by case basis.
  • Links to resources from other agencies, such as the CDC.

55. National Science Foundation (NSF)

  • On June 18, 2020 NSF announced OMB Memorandum M-20-26 “Extension of Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) due to Loss of Operations,” and implemented it on June 25, 2020.
  • On April 10, 2020 NSF implemented OMB Memorandum M-20-20, to allow Federal awarding agencies to repurpose their Federal assistance awards (in whole or part) to support the COVID-19 response, as consistent with applicable laws.
  • Priorities: NSF encourages individuals to take extra precautions and follow CDC guidelines to protect themselves against COVID-19.
    • NSF provides guidance on COVID-19, linking to US Government Response, CDC guidance, DOS travel information, and NSF Guidance for Major Facilities and Contracts Regarding COVID-19.

56. Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center

  • Provides links to CDC guidance, personal protective equipment, and information and background on COVID-19, noting symptoms to look out for as well as an explanation of the Phased reopening process of states. Also provides reported U.S. cases and deaths.

57. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

  • Follows the Office of Management and Budget guidance to ensure maximum telework for employees; Public meetings have been postponed or rescheduled as teleconferences, videoconferences, webinars, etc.; Most travel and inspections conducted by region-based inspectors has been postponed.
  • Priorities: NRC inspections for materials licensees and research and test reactors continue to perform mission-critical inspections; Nuclear power plants also have plans to maintain appropriate staffing under adverse conditions, including reductions in non-essential maintenance work. Some actions include:

58. Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission

  • Remains open and is conducting necessary judicial business using technology as appropriate. The Office is accepting filings and responding to inquiries.  Only essential staff are present during business hours, with majority teleworking.
    • All hearing-specific or other deadlines or scheduling orders in pending cases remain in effect unless modified by the assigned Administrative Law Judge or if the matter has not yet been assigned, the Chief Administrative Law Judge.
  • Priorities: All assigned judges will apply the principles of flexibility and accommodation to reasonable requests for filing or scheduling adjustments necessitated by reasonable and fact-based travel, health or safety concerns, or advice or directives of public health officials.

59. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

60. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response

  • Priorities: to explore the development of new medical countermeasures and take other actions to enhance health security

61. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)

62. Small Business Administration (SBA)

  • Priorities: Coronavirus Funding Options, SBA Products and Resources, and federal contracting with small businesses, guidance for businesses and employers, local assistance
    • SBA provides several loan resources for small businesses to utilize when operating their business. For more information on loans or how to connect with a lender, visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans.
    • Notice: SBA began accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications on June 15, 2020

63. Social Security Administration (SSA)

  • Offices now open for scheduled appointments only: face masks required and all persons must be symptom free.
  • Currently, Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) are only able to conduct hearings by telephone. As of July 31, 2020, the outreach process for cases in which the claimant is represented was updated. They will now send the COVID-19 Telephone Hearing Agreement form to the representative instead of calling the representative. Although telephone hearings are not mandatory, they are encouraged as offices are closed for the foreseeable future.
  • Priorities: Beware of scammers claiming the pandemic is stopping payments; short staffing; critical services by phone, mail, and online. In-office now available on appointment basis only.
    • SSA will contact individuals prior to their hearing to offer a hearing by phone. If you do not want a telephone hearing, you can ask to postpone your hearing instead, but SSA will not have an estimate of when they will be able to hold your hearing.
    • SSA is extending deadlines wherever possible
    • SSA has suspended workloads, including processing of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, overpayments, medical continuing disability reviews, 3rd party requests for information, and representative payee accountings.
  • SSA guide updated on May 14, 2020: Economic Impact Payments for Social Security and SSI Recipients – Steps to Take and Schedule of Payments.

64. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

  • Day-use recreation areas closed, TVA campgrounds closed, many TCA recreation areas are closed, TVA employees in support and administrative functions are working remotely and travel is restricted
  • Priorities: Access maintained to public lands and waters, reliable electricity, flood management, and select project work with regulatory deadlines
  • June 12, 2020 updates on what is impacted and what is not

65. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

  • Travelers must wear a facemask during the screening process and throughout the whole travel experience.
  • New social distancing procedures have been put in place.
  • Updated reports on TSA confirmed COVID-19 cases
  • Priorities: Ensuring that travelers get to their destinations as safely as possible; TSA established a map for notifying the public about airports where TSA officers have tested positive for COVID-19 virus.
  • Media Page

66. U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM)

67. U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

  • Priorities: Aid communities and nations, both nationally and around the globe, to help protect, detect, and respond to COVID-19.
    • USAID and the State Department have made available nearly $274 million to combat COIVD-19. More than 42 billion – which Congress provided to USAID and the State Department in two emergency supplemental appropriations – is being put to work to save lives.
    • USAID, as of May 20, 2020, is open and USAID employees remain on mandatory telework, available virtually. Access to USAID domestic facilities is restricted and requires approval.

68. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS)

  • USCIS offices temporarily closed to the public, but certain field offices are reopened to the public as of June 4, 2020 to resume non-emergency face-to-face services; walk-in visits are not accepted at this time: all appointments must be scheduled.
    • USCIS will send notices to reschedule postponed naturalization schedules, which may be shorter to limit exposure.
  • Priorities: USCIS is using discretion to grant extensions or changes of status, employment authorizations for unforeseen circumstances, and various other situations that may require additional relief

69. U.S. Fire Administration

  • First responders, including the fire service and EMS employers need to be prepared to counter COVID-19 cases: the CDC has published interim guidance on COVID-19 for first responders
  • Priorities: CDC guidelines recommends that 911 and emergency medical dispatch screen callers for signs, symptoms, and risk factors of COVID-19; the agency warns against counterfeit NIOSH-approved respirators in the marketplace.
    • FEMA made an additional $100 million available to fire/EMS for COVID-19 response. Learn more about cost recovery for fire and EMS here.
    • Guidelines on COVID-19 testing for first responders.

70. U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM)

  • Public Health Emergency declared Peterson Air Force Base as of March 23, 2020; DOD personnel should monitor their command social media pages and DOD/CDC local websites
  • Priorities: USNORTHCOM continues to monitor COVID-19 and encourages personnel to adhere to CDC guidelines.

71. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

  • On February 1, 2021, USPTO announces relief for delays in filing certified copies of foreign priority applications due to the COVVID-19 outbreak

  • On September 16, 2020, USPTO announced COVID-19 deferred-fee provisional patent application pilot program
  • On June 30, 2020, USPTO released additional information on the COVID-19 Trademark Prioritized Examination Program
  • On June 15, 2020, USPTO announced COVID-19 Prioritized Examination Program for certain trademark and service mark applications
  • On June 12, 2020, USPTO announced relief to restore priority or benefit rights for patent applicants
  • On June 3, 2020, USPTO released a press release announcing the launch of a COVID-19 Response Resource Center.
  • On May 27, 2020, USPTO further extended the time to file certain patent-related documents and pay certain required fees.
  • On May 8, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office announced the COVID-19 Prioritized Examination Pilot Program, permitting COVID-19-related applications filed by small and micro entities to be put on a fast track for patent examination. 
  • On May 6, 2020 USPTO announced it will temporarily permit the filing of plant patent applications and follow-on documents via the USPTO patent electronic filing systems (EFS-Web or Patent Center) until further notice.
  • On April 28, 2020, USPTO announced an extension of certain patent and trademark-related timing deadlines under CARES Act to June 1, 2020; USPTO waives original handwritten signature requirement, waives petition fees in certain situations for customers impacted by COVID-19; Closed offices to the public as of March 16, 2020.
    • Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) oral hearings, and other similar in-person meetings scheduled to take place at USPTO offices on or after March 13, 2020 will be conducted remotely by video or telephone.

72. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)

  • USSOCOM lists COVID-19 symptoms and FAQs, cases and latest updates, local mitigation strategies, and other resources on their COVID-19 webpage. The Situation Summary includes case counts, deaths, and a map of states with reported cases.

73. U.S. Trade Representative

  • Recommends CDC resources on how to prepare and protect against COVID-19; links to information on the Federal Government’s response to COVID-19.

74. Washington Headquarters Services

  • Current HPCON Status: HPCON B+
    • The Pentagon Reservation and DoD offices and facilities in the NCR remain open and operational, but with restricted access and enhanced health protection measures being taken beyond the health protection measures begun under HPCON 0, HPCON A, and HPCON B, which continue.
    • Armed Forces Retirement Homes (Washington, D.C., and Gulfport, Mississippi) are at HPCON D. Employees and family members should contact AFRH directly or go to their web site for guidance and instructions.
  • Priorities: Maintaining the cybersecurity, wellbeing, and safety of the nation as well as individuals and employees.

75. White House

Visit our COVID-19 Resource Center

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