Feds encouraged to work from home during pope's D.C. visit

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Office of Personnel Management encouraged federal employees to work from home later this month to avoid traffic congestion when Pope Francis makes his first visit to the capital.

OPM sent a memo Tuesday to federal agencies in Washington, D.C., urging employees to effectively take a snow day.

The Pope is scheduled to arrive later this month for a three-day tour of Washington, D.C., during which he will meet President Barack Obama and address a joint session of Congress before traveling to New York and Philadelphia. Thousands of Catholics are expected to come out for his visit, with a crowd 50,000 strong gathering near the Capitol and National Mall during his speech.

In anticipation of logistical headaches, the OPM said federal employees will be able to telecommute from home between Sept. 22 and 24.

"To help alleviate traffic congestion and minimize distraction to law enforcement and security officials, agencies are urged to permit employees to use their workplace flexibility options. Accordingly, OPM strongly encourages agencies to allow employees to telework to keep the government operating while helping to minimize traffic congestion and support law enforcement efforts during this event.

OPM also urged federal employees who must report to the office to allow extra time to get there and to consider using public transportation. It also suggests they monitor local news media for announcements of road closures and other disruptions to transportation. Finally, it recommends agencies use communication tools like hotlines and website updates to inform their employees of major disruptions.

The Federal Aviation Administration also announced that all drones will be grounded during the Pope's visit to Philadelphia and that it seeks to do the same during his stay in Washington, D.C. The Secret Service and U.S. Capitol Police are also designing additional security measures.