Some Atlanta Centers for Disease Control and Prevention workers may have their jobs back now that the CDC is inviting back about 180 employees less than two weeks after laying them off.
In a message obtained by the Associated Press, it said that "after further review and consideration," a Feb. 15 termination notice has been rescinded and the employee was cleared to return to work on Wednesday. "You should return to duty under your previous work schedule. We apologize for any disruption that this may have caused," it said.
About 180 people received reinstatement emails, but it is not clear how many of them returned to work Wednesday. And it's also unclear whether the employees would be spared from further widespread job cuts that are expected soon across government agencies.
According to officials, the initial termination notice cut 1,300 CDC employees last month, and affected employees were supposed to receive four weeks paid administrative leave.
The CDC roll in government is to protect Americans from outbreaks and other public health threats.
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, who had been working tirelessly to get these workers reinstated, celebrated the reinstatements, but said it's not enough.
"Today's announcement is a welcome relief, but until all fired CDC employees are restored, our country's public health and national security will continue to be at risk."
