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Pandemic FAQ

Question
May an employee refuse to report for work if he or she believes it is unsafe, even though the threat of contracting the flu has subsided?
Answer
The Federal community is working to protect the health and safety of employees in the workplace by following recommendations from Departments and agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Therefore, it is unlikely an employee will be directed to report for work when it is unsafe to do so.If an employee refuses to report for work based on his or her personal belief that it is unsafe to do so, and the employee is not in an approved leave status, the employee may be considered absent without leave (AWOL).  An agency may take disciplinary action for AWOL, up to and including removal from Federal service.


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