Defense Industrial Base and Other “Critical Infrastructure” Sectors Expected to Maintain Normal Work Schedule During COVID-19 Outbreak
Rogers Joseph O’Donnell – Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DoD) issued guidance to clarify that the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and other “Critical Infrastructure Sectors” are expected to maintain their normal work schedules during the COVID-19 outbreak. To slow the spread of COVID-19, many states and localities have issued “shelter-in-place” orders and similar restrictions on normal economic activity that have forced many businesses to temporarily close or continue operations remotely. But these orders have generally exempted Critical Infrastructure Sectors, including the DIB. As a result, many contractors will be expected to maintain normal operations even in those areas where a “shelter-in-place” order applies. Contractors must regularly check all applicable state and local guidance and should not assume they will be permitted to discontinue operations during the COVID-19 outbreak.
