When federal agencies open up for business again for face-to-face service things may look a lot different than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a question and answer section on the Safer Federal Workforce website the protocols were announced for visitors to federal buildings. This is likely to be the protocol for Social Security offices as well once a return to work plan is approved and employees return to the office. Visitors will be asked about vaccination status and if they are either not vaccinated or they decline to provide information about their vaccination status they will be forced to follow all CDC guidelines for unvaccinated individuals. This will include masking, social distancing and the ability to provide a recent negative COVID-19 test. If unvaccinated individuals decide not to comply with these guidelines they will be prevented from entering federal government buildings and will not be seen for service. Below is the specific information provided on the Safer Federal Workforce page.
Should agencies inquire regarding the vaccination status of visitors to Federal buildings?
Visitors to Federal buildings should be asked to provide information about vaccination status. In requesting this information, agencies should comply with any applicable Federal laws, including requirements under the Privacy Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act. Visitors who are not fully vaccinated or who decline to provide information about their vaccination status must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test from no later than the previous 3 days prior to entry to a Federal building.
These requirements related to the provision of information about vaccination and provision of proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test do not apply to members of the public entering a Federal building or Federal land to obtain a public service or benefit. If they are not fully vaccinated, these visitors must comply with all relevant CDC guidance, including wearing a mask and physically distancing from other people.
