EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES POLICY

The University takes the welfare of its Employees seriously and endeavors to provide a safe environment for anyone entering the workplace. Moreover, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, Employees must adhere to the following guidelines and requirements.

Disease Prevention

To limit the spread of communicable diseases, Employees are provided with and may be required to wear a face covering while in the workplace. Employees are also encouraged to use appropriate health practices in the workplace, such as frequent hand washing (scrubbing with soap for 20 seconds), frequent use of hand sanitizer (with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol), sneezing into a tissue or the crook of your arm, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and frequently sanitizing workspace surfaces (e.g., desks, keyboards, tools, etc.) and high contact areas (e.g., door knobs, drawer and cabinet handles, shared tools/equipment, etc.).

Employees must observe social distancing requirements when applicable. Meetings should be held in open, well-ventilated spaces when applicable. Employees are also encouraged to use noncontact methods of greeting (e.g., wave, nod, or modest bow).

Avoid sharing phones, other work supplies, or office equipment wherever possible. Where such items must be shared, disinfect between shifts or uses, whichever is more frequent. Never share face coverings, gloves, or other personal protective equipment.

Employee Screening

Employees must self-screen for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (see COVID-19 Symptoms below), including measuring body temperature, prior to leaving the home for their shift. Employees must also comply with onsite University screening requirements, where applicable, before they will be permitted to access the University’s premises. Employees exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19, Employees who receive a positive test result for COVID-19, or Employees who have had close contact with an individual who is exhibiting symptoms or has received a positive test result for COVID-19, must notify Human Resources immediately and are not permitted to enter the workplace.

COVID-19 Symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fever (over 100°F)
    • Chills
    • Muscle pain
    • Sore throat
    • New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Refer to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the local public health authorities, or a healthcare provider for further guidance on symptoms associated with COVID-19. Employees should seek immediate medical attention if their symptoms become severe, including, but not limited to, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or bluish lips or face.

Employees with COVID-19 Symptoms or Positive Test Result

If an Employee exhibits COVID-19 Symptoms, receives a positive test result, or has come into close contact with an individual who is symptomatic or who has received a positive test result, the affected Employee must leave the workplace and notify their Supervisor as soon as practicable of the reason for leaving the workplace. Such Employees must stay home and may return to work when they meet applicable guidelines for returning to the workplace as issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control or other appropriate authority.

Employees who are symptomatic, receive a positive test result, or have otherwise been exposed to COVID-19, must cooperate with the University’s investigation and contact tracing efforts in order for the University to determine what appropriate remedial measures to take, if any

Confidentiality

Employee medical information will be kept confidential in accordance with federal and state requirements.

Non-Discrimination

The University will not discriminate against any job applicant or Employee based on the individual having a communicable disease. The University reserves the right to exclude a person with a communicable disease