Freedom of Information Act Processing Changes Due to COVID-19: In Brief

Agencies such as the FBI, USPS, CDC, and others have announced changes to their processing of Freedom of Information Act requests due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In general:

• Certain types of information related to the outbreak may be eligible for expedited consideration; FOIA requests are to be expedited as soon as practicable in cases in which the person requesting the records demonstrates a compelling need.
• Processes for locating information may change due to employees working remotely or on administrative leave.