NASA Orders JPL to “Telework” Only Status

NASA has directed employees and contractors at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena and in all NASA centers throughout the U.S. to “move to mandatory telework until further notice,” as a consequence of the COVID-19 emergency.

The guidance was contained in a statement by NASA Administrator James Bridenstine.

“This evening, NASA leadership has decided to elevate all centers and facilities to Stage 3 of NASA’s Response Framework. Effective immediately, all employees and contractors will move to mandatory telework until further notice. Mission-essential personnel will continue to be granted access onsite. Please contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have any questions,” the statement said.

JPL had actually announced earlier, on Monday, that it was instituting mandatory teleworking effective Tuesday, March 17. A previous JPL advisory had told employees they were “highly encouraged” to start teleworking on that date, but then changed it to mandatory “out of an abundance of caution,” JPL said.

JPL has not recorded any COVID-19 case among its employees.

On Sunday, NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley ordered its employees to start working from home after one of them tested positive for COVID-19. The center also announced it was restricting access to its facilities.

“Although a limited amount of employees have tested positive for COVID-19, it is imperative that we take this preemptive step to thwart further spreading of the virus among the workforce and our communities,” Bridenstine said in Wednesday’s statement. “I strongly encourage you and your families to follow all local, state and federal guidelines to stay healthy and to help slow the spread of the virus.”

NASA said the agency will continue to monitor the rapidly-evolving risks COVID-19 poses to their workforce, and advised employees to anticipate continued frequent communication from center directors and other agency leaders.

“NASA’s early and thoughtful actions in coordination with our country’s unified response to this health emergency is an incredible display of national solidarity,” Bridenstine said in his message to employees. “I am confident your diligence and commitment will ensure our mission will continue. Please make certain you are giving the appropriate attention to your health and that of your family.”