An Employee Shows Symptoms or Tests Positive for COVID-19, now what?

An Employee Shows Symptoms or Tests Positive for COVID-19, now what?

By Nicole Sandage, Manager of Virtual HR Services

Step 1: Verification

• HR or Management should confirm the source and verify information.
• Obtain the information from the impacted employee on his or her condition.
• Identify if the exposure was in from in the workplace or outside.
• Issue necessary forms as it may apply to FFCRA for Tax Credits Eligibility.

Step 2: Upon Verification

• If the employee is at work, immediately send an employee home. If possible, have employee avoid public transportation.
• If exposure was in the workplace,
  • Notify workers compensation.
  • Place employee on workers compensation leave.
  • Record in OSHA 300 log and other related forms.
• If exposure was outside the workplace,
  • Determine if eligible for paid sick leave under FFCRA (less than 500 employees).
  • Determine if eligible for FMLA (50+ employees).
  • Determine if eligible for short term disability.

Step 3: Notification of Possible Exposure

• Whether exposure was inside the workplace or outside, work to determine who the employee was in contact with at work in the prior 14 days.
• Notify Manager that employee is being place on non-disciplinary leave. Be mindful of ADA and the Rehabilitation Act and protecting private health information. Keep employee medical information and information on leaves or accommodations confidential.
• Contact public health authorities and obtain recommendations. Specific to coronavirus, employers are likely a covered entity that may disclose protected health information to a person who is at risk of contracting or spreading a disease or condition if other law authorizes the covered entity to notify such individuals as necessary to carry out public health interventions or investigations.
• Notify those, including customers, vendors or other third parties, who may have had contact with the employee in the prior 14 days. Let them no of exposure or potential exposure and that they may wish to consult their health care provider. Do not reveal the infected employee’s name.

Step 4: Clean the Work Area and Communicate as Necessary

• Have the infected or potential infected employee’s work area and surrounding area as well as common areas cleaned. Consider the OSHA Guidelines against coronavirus.

By developing a plan of action that can adapt to the changing dynamics of the virus, and encouraging adherence to everyday preventative actions among employees, you can alleviate some of the strain on your business and keep employees healthy, which is an essential combination for success.   If you need a HRBOOST®, we are always on standby!