Colleagues,
Over the last several days, I have received several questions regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). I am writing to share a few thoughts with you.
During my 10 years of service as an employee at the Department of the Interior (Department), some of the clearest memories I have are of employees who have come forward to assist whenever our communities or Nation have faced a significant hazard. Among my most enduring memories, I will never forget the sense of comfort I took on September 11, 2001, from the work of those employees who trained for, thought through, and carried out our continuity of operations programs as the events of that terrible day unfolded. Every time a hazard confronts our country, either nationally or locally, I know our employees in every Bureau and Office are prepared to step up.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have explained that there is no widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the United States at this time. Nevertheless, over the last couple of weeks, appropriate Departmental, Bureau, and Office personnel who are responsible for managing and supporting activities to prevent, protect against, mitigate, and respond to such hazards have been actively engaged. In essence, the coordination that should happen throughout Government when a hazard takes place is happening, and the Department is part of those efforts. To ensure continuous engagement by senior leadership, I have assigned Deputy Secretary MacGregor to serve as the lead in overseeing our COVID-19 preparation and response efforts.
While it is important that we be vigilant, each of us needs to base our decisions and actions on accurate information. The CDC COVID-19 website which is being reviewed, and should the need arise, it will be updated accordingly. However, as the CDC has stated, this virus is NOT currently spreading widely in the United States, and most people in the United States will have little immediate risk of exposure to this virus. As always, please rely on the advice of your medical professional. In the meantime, there are simple steps that you and your loved ones can take to prevent the spread of germs:
Finally, the President has established the Coronavirus Task Force)