COVID-19 Pandemic Resources
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food Safety and Inspection Service are ensuring the safety and timely delivery of the U.S. food supply while protecting the health of USDA employees during this COVID-19 National Emergency. Various notices and resources are available to FSIS employees to provide guidance on performing your jobs safely. Review these latest resources.
Pandemic & Illness Resources
Vaccination Information
- Return to the Physical Workplace and Vaccination Requirement Update – The Office of the Secretary provided an update on employees returning to the physical workplace and vaccination requirements for Federal employees. To view the full message, visit OneUSDAIntranet. <eAuth is required>
- COVID Vaccination Requirement Update (9/9/21; PDF)
- Additional USDA Administrative Leave Flexibility for COVID-19 Vaccinations (8/12/21; PDF)
- Letter to the States – FSIS COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization (1/8/21; PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions re: COVID-19 Vaccine (1/8/21; PDF)
USDA Resources
- USDA COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan (02/17/21; PDF)
- FSIS COVID-19 Appendix (04/26/21; PDF)
- White House Memorandum
- USDA’s COVID-19 website – Includes FAQs about food safety
- FSIS Human Pandemic Operations Plan (PDF 3/13/2020 - eAuth required)
Personal Protective Equipment
- Cloth Face Coverings, Disposable Face Masks, Disinfectant Wipes, and Hand Sanitizer for Employees Stationed at USDA and FSIS Facilities (6/10/21; PDF)
- Continued Availability of Protective Equipment for Inspection Program Personnel and In-Commerce Personnel (6/10/21; PDF)
- New COVID-19 Guidance for FSIS Personnel in Plants (5/17/21; PDF)
- Corrected Item Numbers for Face Shields (6/17/20; PDF)
- Instructions on the Use of Face Shields with Headband (FSIS-89)
- Instructions on the Use of Hardhat-Compatible Face Shields (FSIS-89A)
- Instructions on the Use of Hardhat-Compatible Face Shields (FSIS-90-90A)
- Instructions on the Use and Care of ELVEX Face Shields
- Instructions on the Use and Care of the Bullard Face Shield
- Instructions on the Selection, Use, and Care of Silver Arch Cloth Face Coverings
- Face Coverings, Disinfectant Wipes, and Hand Sanitizer for the Reopening of USDA and FSIS Facilities (6/5/20; PDF)
- Information about Face Coverings/Masks and Face Shields(6/16/20)
- Face Shields That Attach to The Helmet (5/22/20; PDF)
- Use of Face Masks (5/22/20; PDF)
- Availability of Cloth Face Coverings, Disposable Masks, and Face Shields (5/11/20; PDF)
- Hand Sanitizer (5/11/20; PDF)
Health and Safety
- A Consumer's Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes (7/17/20)
- Preventing Heat-Stress Illness (6/26/20; PDF)
Worker's Compensation & Leave
- Additional USDA Administrative Leave Flexibility for COVID-19 Vaccinations (8/12/21; PDF)
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act Provision (5/7/20; PDF)
- Leave & Time Code Usage (3/19/20; PDF)
- Workers’ Compensation claims due to COVID-19 (4/21/20; PDF)
- COVID-19 Funding Use for Payroll and Travel (4/3/20; PDF)
- CDC/DOL Issues Guidance to Industry (4/27/20)
- Facilities Serviced by USDA (3/20/20; PDF)
- Handwashing (9/21/21)
Public Health Guidance
- Are You at Higher Risk of Severe Illness?
- FAQs About Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- How to Protect Yourself
- Searchable List of all CDC Guidance Documents
- What to Do If You Are Sick
The Employee Assistance Program and WorkLife4You is Here to Help
In these unprecedented and unsettling times, feelings of stress, anxiety and uncertainty can intensify. As a reminder, Federal Occupational Health’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and WorkLife4You programs are available to provide free and confidential support to both you and your immediate family members. All services can be accessed 24/7, 365 days a year, by calling 1-800-222-0364 (TTY: 1-888-262-7848) or by visiting www.foh4you.com or www.worklife4you.com (new user registration code: FSIS). For more information about EAP’s other resources, visit EAP’s Resource page at: Employee Assistance Program and WorkLife4You
Emergency Backup Dependent Care Program
The Emergency Backup Dependent Care (EBDC) program is designed to help employees when their regular child or adult care arrangements are disrupted. This benefit is available to all FSIS employees 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling Federal Occupational Health at 1-800-222-0364 or logging in to www.worklife4you.com (new user registration code: FSIS).
