To the men and women of DHS,
The coronavirus pandemic has proven to be one
of the most significant threats our Nation has faced in years.
The resiliency of our public health system,
national security, and economy is being tested daily,
and I could not be more proud of the response
from the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security.
You have all risen to the occasion
during our country's most difficult challenges time
and time again for nearly two decades,
and your response to the coronavirus outbreak
has been no exception.
Your selflessness and dedication
to service are a testament to the values
this Department holds dear.
The unprecedented times we are living in call
for unprecedented action.
Recognizing that, President Trump declared a nationwide
emergency on Friday, March 20th.
This necessary action helps streamline
our federal response to the outbreak.
It also puts you, the DHS workforce,
on the frontlines of our response operations.
Whether it is screening passengers
at our funneling airports,
preventing the spread of the virus at the border,
safely processing cruise ships or supporting state
and local governments across the country with response
and recovery activities DHS is there.
Sadly, the crucial work of this Department
often requires our personnel to put themselves at risk.
This is especially true for our TSA officers
and employees at airports.Due to the nature of their work,
they require close contact with the traveling public.
My thoughts and prayers are with the approximately
130 DHS employees who have tested positive
for coronavirus. We wish them all a speedy recovery.
That said, we have taken several measures
to protect the DHS frontline workforce to
include the use of personal protective equipment,
social distancing when appropriate
and the changing of certain critical procedures.
Unfortunately, the reality of the situation we face
is that some employees will be affected by the virus.
That is why managers have been issued a decision matrix
on what to do if someone from their team
becomes exposed or ill.
Human Capital has issued guidance to component leaders
on what they can do to protect their employees.
These measures include very simple solutions,
such as minimizing large gatherings
to closing DHS fitness centers.
They also include substantial changes,
such as self-quarantining employees who have returned
from certain affected countries across the globe
and limiting travel to mission essential activities.
Going forward, I encourage each of you
to pay close attention to the regular,
Departmental wide updates
detailing what you can do to protect yourselves.
Now let me talk to you for a minute
about the other side of this crisis and
how this is affecting many of our workforce
on a personal level.
From child care issues, to financial concerns
and mental health considerations,
such as stress and isolation. I want you to know
that the leadership is aware of the unique challenges
you are facing and we are hard at work on solutions.
We have implemented a telework policy
for most employees in an effort to minimize exposure
and are looking at other ways to ensure essential staff members
are able to continue to work
in high transmission areas of the country.
We are also examining ways to supplement our ranks
with temporary staff particularly
those who may have retired a short time ago.
Given the nature of the outbreak,
it’s inevitable that DHS facilities
will be impacted by the outbreak.
That is why our Chief Resource Support Officer
is working with our federal and private partners
to ensure these facilities remain safe and operational
as we continue to do our part to eliminate the coronavirus.
I understand the many concerns that you have as we continue
to fulfill our mission to protect the American people.
Rest assured, you have the Department's full support.
We will do everything in our power
to keep you safe as you continue to fulfill your duties.
Our country is at an inflection point in its history.
By honoring the commitment to protect our Homeland,
our actions today will determine what is remembered
by generations tomorrow.
I have complete faith in this Department's ability
to rise to that challenge.
It’s is in times like these that I am in awe of your courage
and commitment to our mission.
As we continue to face the challenges
presented by the pandemic,
know that you have my complete support
and that of this Department.
I wish you all Godspeed as we, together,
overcome this challenge.
We are one team, one mission, one DHS.