The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says blockchain managers are part of a critical infrastructure industry that the country needs as it battles with the coronavirus pandemic.
In a memorandum dated March 19, the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) enumerates the industries that the government sees as crucial in providing essential services and products during the health crisis. The CISA also names blockchain managers in the food and agriculture industry as among those with critical roles in protecting public welfare and safety during the pandemic.
“Employees and firms supporting food, feed, and beverage distribution, including warehouse workers, vendor managed inventory controllers and blockchain managers.”
Blockchain managers, along with other essential critical infrastructure workers, are directed to maintain their normal schedule amid lockdowns.
In keeping with the directive of the memo, eight US states, namely California, Delaware, Louisiana, Indiana, Michigan, Massachusetts, Ohio and Washington state, now have stay-at-home exemptions for blockchain managers.
Companies such as IBM Food Trust, which allows participants to trace the location and status of food products by using blockchain, require a blockchain manager for their operations.
According to CISA, the exempt workers conduct a range of operations and services maintaining critical infrastructure.
“Functioning critical infrastructure is imperative during the response to the COVID-19 emergency for both public health and safety as well as community well-being. Certain critical infrastructure industries have a special responsibility in these times to continue operations.”
