Justice Department Advises Agencies on Continuing to Meet FOIA Requests During the Pandemic

Watchdogs and journalists have been using FOIA to shed light on the federal government’s coronavirus actions.

By Courtney Buble. Gov’t Exec., May 29, 2020

The Justice Department is advising federal agencies to meet the challenge of processing Freedom of Information Act requests during the novel coronavirus pandemic in part through increased communication with those seeking information, use of technology and prioritization of requests.  

On Thursday, the Justice Department’s Office of Information Policy published guidance on how agencies should handle their FOIA operations during a time of “maximum telework and physical distancing policies” and delays for many in receiving physical mail. This comes as watchdogs, journalists and others have been relying on FOIA to learn about the government’s coronavirus response and hold officials accountable for protecting the public’s health. 

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