First off this is the typical NATCA two step, push an email out with information and not brief it to the regions/facreps. Second the interpretations that I am hearing from individuals regarding High-Risk is that this is a scare tactic to bring people back to the facility to avoid the perception of pay without work and to avoid furloughs (there have to be furloughs before any RIF). Fourth, the liability to the Agency should a High-Risk contract/die from COVID is enourmous not to mention the Flight Surgeons and their medical licenses.
Could I be wrong? Absolutely. If I am ordered to return to the facility I shall do so promptly and within the allotted time. The logic behind what I am hearing is: Numerous facilities are going ATC Zero multiple times a month, COVID cases are at an all time high, in door transmission is continuing unabated without a timeline for vaccine production., If I am not required to return and risk having to do the training program over again so be it. The protocols established by the Agency in conjunction with the Union are still being adhered to by myself and my immediate colleagues.