To listen to the Federal Newscast on your phone or mobile device, subscribe in PodcastOne or Apple Podcasts. The best listening experience on desktop can be found using Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

• As the omicron variant continues to spread, the Pentagon is taking new precautions. The Pentagon Reservation is extending its maximum telework policy until the end of January 2022. That’s as the United States nears record cases of COVID-19 nationwide. The Pentagon will continue limiting official visits to the building to only those that are mission critical. Unofficial visitors will not be permitted in the building. The Pentagon Reservation will also extend its policy of keeping occupancy at 40% capacity. The Defense Department as a whole is encouraging employees to get the booster shot as soon as possible and to test for COVID if returning to the office after the holidays. (Federal News Network)
• The impact of the omicron variant is being felt by the Navy. Two ships have seen major outbreaks, but no serious illnesses. About a quarter of the crew on the USS Milwaukee has tested positive for the virus in recent days. The costal-water combat ship is staying put at Guantanamo Bay because of the outbreak. The destroyer USS Hallsey, meanwhile, is delaying a move from Hawaii to San Diego. That ship reported that about a third of its crew tested positive, but most had only mild symptoms or none at all. (AP-Federal News Network)
• A new bill in Congress would require the Defense Department...

Read Full Story: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/federal-newscast/2021/12/postal-service-leader...