CISA Updates List of 'Critical Workers' During Coronavirus -- Security is Included
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has updated its list identifying infrastructure workers deemed critical during the COVID-19 response.
The list is intended to help state, local, tribal and territorial officials as they work to protect their communities, while ensuring continuity of functions critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security.
CISA Director Christopher Krebs says, "This list is advisory in nature. It is not, nor should it be considered, a federal directive or standard. Additionally, this advisory list is not intended to be the exclusive list of critical infrastructure sectors, workers, and functions that should continue during the COVID-19 response across all jurisdictions. Individual jurisdictions should add or subtract essential workforce categories based on their own requirements and discretion."
For law enforcement, public safety and other first responders, the list includes:
- Public, private, and voluntary personnel (front line and management) in emergency management, law enforcement, fire and rescue services, emergency medical services, and private security, to include public and private hazardous material responders, air medical service providers (pilots and supporting technicians), corrections, and search and rescue personnel.
- 911 call center employees and Public Safety Answering Points who can’t perform their duties remotely.
- Fusion Center employees.
- Workers – including contracted vendors -- who maintain, manufacture, or supply equipment and services supporting law enforcement emergency service and response operations (to include electronic security and life safety security personnel).
- Workers supporting the manufacturing of safety equipment and uniforms for law enforcement, public safety personnel, and first responder.
- Workers supporting the operation of firearm or ammunition product manufacturers, retailers, importers, distributors, and shooting ranges.
- Public agency workers responding to abuse and neglect of children, elders, and dependent adults.
- Workers who support weather disaster/natural hazard mitigation and prevention activities.
- Security staff to maintain building access control and physical security measures.
