* This was just issued to agency directors. Still nothing yet on employee telecommuting. Talks reportedly continue with AFSCME. Click the pics for a larger version…

Notice this is silent on parents with school-age kids who are going to be at home for two weeks because of the governor’s Friday order shutting down the system.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has broad powers at times like these. It could issue an order if the AFSCME talks aren’t fruitful. Just sayin… If you’re gonna close schools, shut down casinos, etc., then state workers who don’t absolutely have to be in the office or in the field should be telecommuting.

I know there are also DoIT issues here, but that agency needs to be working ’round the clock to address these challenges.

* This was issued today by GOMB…

The health, safety, and well-being of state employees and the general public are among the highest priorities of the Administration. With the heightened concerns raised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding COVID-19, we must continue to be diligent in practicing preventative safety measures to keep Illinoisans healthy.

To that end, all forms of travel that are not mission essential to the operations of the agency are to be canceled immediately and until further notice. This includes in state travel, as well as out of state travel, both domestic and international. Guidance regarding the types of travel restrictions are as follows:

1. Out of state travel – International
All current pending and upcoming international travel is canceled.
2. Out of state travel- Domestic
All current pending and upcoming domestic travel that is not mission essential to performing job functions or agency operations is canceled.
3. In state travel
All in state travel that is not mission essential to performing job functions or to agency operations is canceled. Agencies are encouraged to use remote options such as audio and video conferencing.

Agency leadership should also inform their staff that are currently on travel status to return home as soon as possible.

Examples of allowable travel that are mission essential to agency operations are as follows:

• Department of Children and Family Services investigations, follow-up on youth in care.
• Testifying in a court case or replying to a subpoena.
• Mandated training for public safety or health related job functions.
• Police and emergency services personnel on duty, including medical transport.
Examples of non missions essential travel are as follows:
• Conferences for professional organizations or professional development.
• Making sure that Illinois is recognized for the good work it is doing in any particular field.
• Required training, such as grant compliance. While training is important to many positions,
during this time an alternative should be determined, such as if the training can be done on- line. Agencies should consider alternate options such as rescheduling for a later date, online options, utilizing audio and video conferencing.

GOMB will be sending out a blanket waiver memo that extends until April 30, 2020 stating that costs incurred for state related travel that was canceled due to the developing COVID-19 situation shall be reimbursable without the need to file an exception with the Travel Control Board.

All out of state travel requests currently pending with GOMB will be put on hold and sent back to the agency. Only essential out of state travel should be submitted for consideration. If you have any questions regarding out of state travel requests please reach out to the GOMB travel coordinator.

Please communicate these travel restrictions to your agency staff.