SEC Staff Sent Home Over COVID-19 Exposure

On March 9, 2020, the SEC ordered part of its staff based in Washington, D.C. to work from home following a possible exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in its headquarters. An employee on the ninth floor at the SEC’s headquarters developed respiratory symptoms and was informed by a physician that the employee could potentially have the coronavirus. The SEC noted that the employee was likely asymptomatic while working in the headquarters, but out of an abundance of caution, all employees and contractors who worked on the same floor were asked to telework. Following the telework order, a hearing scheduled to be held on Wednesday, March 11 by the SEC for a vote on a proposed rulemaking was also cancelled. However, filings have not been delayed, and registrants can continue making their filings as planned.

View all of our COVID-19 perspectives here. Contact a member of our COVID-19 Legal Task Force here.