To the greatest extent possible, the Board shall pay benefits and carry out employment service functions through the period of a national emergency in strict conformance with the pertinent provisions of the Railroad Retirement Act, the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, and the regulations promulgated by the Board in this chapter to administer those acts. When the character of the national emergency prevents this, the stand-by regulations contained in this part shall apply. The Board shall return to normal operating practices as quickly as possible, including during the period of the national emergency.