PP Language Lessons
EasyScienceOctober 12, 2025

CDC Reversals: Staff Asked to Return After Mistaken Dismissals

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Key Vocabulary

layoff

When an employer stops a worker's job, often for cost or organization reasons.
Example: After the layoff, she looked for a new job.

outbreak

A sudden increase in illness in a place.
Example: A measles outbreak began in the city.

return

To go back to a place or activity.
Example: He will return to work next week.

📖 Article

On October 11, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent many layoff notices during a government shutdown. Some of the notices affected staff who work on disease outbreaks and public health reports. Later, agency officials said some of those termination emails were sent in error and some employees were asked to return to work.

Earlier in 2025, the agency reversed some firings and told some staff they could come back. One email told employees, "You are cleared to return to work on Wednesday, March 5, 2025." Many workers felt relieved but uncertain about the future. The changes raised concern about the agency's ability to respond to outbreaks.

109 words

❓ Quiz

Q1. Who sent the layoff notices?
Q2. When were employees cleared to return to work in the quoted email?
Q3. What problem caused some termination emails to be sent?

💬 Discussion

1.

Do you worry when a job at your company feels unstable? Why?

2.

Have you ever needed to return to a job after a change? What happened?

3.

What do you think helps people feel safe at work when rules change?