March 19, 2020
NCAF Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
and Weatherization
.
Statement from the National Community Action Foundation
The National Community Action Foundation (NCAF) has just released the following statement regarding weatherization and coronavirus (COVID-19)
:
"We've talked at length with the Department of Energy - they're going to be addressing major questions that the network has within the next week. A number of you have asked about the wisdom of sending WAP crews into homes. Common sense would dictate extreme caution in this matter. There appears to be a strong consensus emerging that this would be an undue risk. It may be prudent for you to pause until DOE clarifies these issues next week. In the meantime, please contact your local health department and ask them about the programs you run."
Resource Pages:
CDC's COVID-19 Site
CAP's Coronavirus Resource Page
CAPLAW's Coronavirus Resource Page
NASCSP's Coronavirus Resource Page
Further Guidance from CAPLAW on Emergency Closure Paid Leave:
"With respect to paying staff who are not able to come in to work and cannot work remotely, or staff who contract the virus or need time to care for a family member who falls ill-under the Uniform Guidance, federal grant funds may be used to pay for different types of leave (e.g., sick, emergency closures, etc.) so long as the grant recipient follows the criteria for a leave policy as set forth in the Uniform Guidance. Emergency closures could include a temporary reduction in staffing due to the coronavirus.
"The Uniform Guidance specifically states that the cost of leave may be charged to federal grants if: (i) the leave is provided under established written leave policies; (ii) the costs are equitably allocated to all related activities; and (iii) the organization uses a consistent accounting basis for costing each type of leave. 45 C.F.R. § 72.431(b). The costs must also meet the basic considerations for cost allowability in 45 C.F.R. §§ 75.402-411 (requiring that costs be necessary, reasonable, and allocable).
"Thus, CAPLAW's understanding is that a CAA would just need to revise or put in place a policy that provides for paying staff in light of sick leave, emergency closure, or other reduction in staffing. Again, note that the Uniform Guidance is flexible with respect to designating different types of leave, as long as the criteria above are met."
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