CDC Reversals: Staff Asked to Return After Mistaken Dismissals

In October 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has faced a wave of staff reductions during a government shutdown. Coverage has varied: some outlets described dozens of employees being let go, while others noted that more than 1,000 staff received layoff notices. Officials have said that some termination emails were sent in error, and agency managers have moved to reinstate affected personnel.

The reversals have included trainees from key programs, such as the Laboratory Leadership Service and officers in the Epidemic Intelligence Service, who had been cut in earlier rounds. Earlier in March 2025, a similar reversal took place when an internal email declared, "You are cleared to return to work on Wednesday, March 5, 2025." Internal messages pointed to a coding error as a cause. Labor unions have challenged the broader layoff plan and some advocates have called for staff protections. These developments have made many employees uncertain about their jobs. Work continues at many CDC centers.