FCC Closes Building to Visitors Without 'Special Permission'
Due to the coronavirus, the FCC closed its building to visitors, Chairman Ajit Pai announced Thursday afternoon. He also noted in a series of tweets that the agency is encouraging its employees to work remotely, as we had just reported. See here. The commission cited the need for social distancing, which some experts say can help limit the spread of COVID-19.
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"As the number of reported COVID-19 cases in the United States increases and the World Health Organization has classified COVID-19 as a pandemic, the FCC, effective immediately, will no longer allow visitors into our facilities, absent special permission from the Office of Managing Director," the FCC said. "No visitor will be granted such permission unless there is a clear operational necessity. This measure will remain in effect for the foreseeable future and is being taken to help protect the health and safety of our employees and mitigate or slow the transmission of COVID-19 within the community."
With the building limitations and telework, the goal is "continuing to conduct the regular and ongoing work of the FCC and encourage parties with business before the Commission to work with Commission staff to schedule necessary meetings by teleconference," the regulator said. "These measures will help to provide for the orderly conduct of Government business, while protecting FCC staff and outside parties."
Questions and requests to enter the agency's facilities should go to FCC Managing Director Mark Stephens, the agency said. The notice lists his contact information.