Wednesday. “You should return to duty under your previous work schedule. We apologize for any disruption that this may have caused,” it said. About 180 people received reinstatement emails, according to two federal health officials who were briefed on the tally but were not authorized to discuss it and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Administration officials told the CDC last month that nearly 1,300 of its probationary employees would be cut, but only approximately 700 to 750 employees ended up receiving termination notices.

In an unanticipated move, the CDC has issued an email to 180 of its recently laid-off employees, instructing them to resume their former roles and work schedules. The email, marked with the urgent subject line "read this email immediately,