Can I be forced to work during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Can I be forced to work during the COVID-19 pandemic?
COVID-19Common questionCan I be forced to work during the COVID-19 pandemic?Generally, your employer may require you to come to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some government emergency orders may affect which businesses can remain open during the pandemic. Under federal law, you are entitled to a safe workplace. Your employer must provide a safe and healthful workplace.
Under what health conditions should an employee not enter the workspace during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Symptoms of COVID-19
- Fever equal to or higher than 100.4°F*
- Are under evaluation for COVID-19 (for example, waiting for the results of a viral test to confirm infection)
- Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and not yet cleared to discontinue isolation
Can an employer require an employee to provide a note from their healthcare provider due to COVID-19 concerns?
COVID-19Common questionCan an employer require an employee to provide a note from their healthcare provider due to COVID-19 concerns?Employers should not require sick employees to provide a COVID-19 test result or a healthcare provider’s note to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work. Healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely manner.
When should an employee suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 return to work?
COVID-19Common questionWhen should an employee suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 return to work?Employees should not return to work until they meet the criteria to discontinue home isolation and have consulted with a healthcare provider. Employers should not require a sick employee to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or healthcare provider's note to return to work.
What if an employee refuses to come to work for fear of infection?
- Your policies, that have been clearly communicated, should address this.
- Educating your workforce is a critical part of your responsibility.
- Local and state regulations may address what you have to do and you should align with them.
How long after having close contact with COVID-19 should you test?
COVID-19Common questionHow long after having close contact with COVID-19 should you test?After exposure to the virus, you should still: Wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of your last close contact with someone with COVID-19. Get tested at least five days after close contact. Watch for symptoms for 10 days.
When do you start being contagious with COVID-19?
COVID-19Common questionWhen do you start being contagious with COVID-19?A person with COVID-19 is considered infectious starting 2 days before they develop symptoms, or 2 days before the date of their positive test if they do not have symptoms.
Can employees that have been exposed to the coronavirus disease go to their office?
COVID-19Common questionCan employees that have been exposed to the coronavirus disease go to their office?The guidance advises that employers may permit workers who have been exposed to COVID-19, but remain without symptoms, to continue to work, provided they adhere to additional safety precautions.
Should I let my employee come to work after being exposed to COVID-19?
COVID-19Common questionShould I let my employee come to work after being exposed to COVID-19?Bringing exposed workers back should not be the first or most appropriate option to pursue in managing critical work tasks. Quarantine for 14 days is still the safest approach to limit the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the chance of an outbreak among the workforce.
Should I self-quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19?
COVID-19Common questionShould I self-quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19?- If you have been fully vaccinated and around someone who has COVID-19 (close contact), you do not need to stay away from others (quarantine), or be restricted from work unless you develop COVID-like symptoms. We recommend that you get tested 3-5 days after your last exposure to someone with COVID-19.
What are some recommendations for employers during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Make a visual inspection of the employee for signs of illness, which could include flushed cheeks, sweating inappropriately for ambient temperature, or difficulty with ordinary tasks.
- Conduct temperature and symptom screening
Should I require employees to provide a doctor’s note or positive coronavirus disease test result?
COVID-19Common questionShould I require employees to provide a doctor’s note or positive coronavirus disease test result?Employers should not require sick employees to provide a COVID-19 test result or a healthcare provider’s note to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work. Healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely manner.
How to safely measure an employee's temperature during the COVID-19 pandemic?
COVID-19Common questionHow to safely measure an employee's temperature during the COVID-19 pandemic?If performing a temperature check on multiple individuals, make sure that you use a clean pair of gloves for each employee and that the thermometer has been thoroughly cleaned in between each check. If disposable or non-contact thermometers are used and you did not have physical contact with an individual, you do not need to change gloves before the next check. If non-contact thermometers are used, you should clean and disinfect them according to manufacturer’s instructions and facility policies.