Updated on 08/11/2021, 11:00 AM EST
As you are aware, the country is facing another wave of COVID-19 infections. The extreme number of cases greatly increases the possibility that members of your team could test positive for COVID-19 and/or the likelihood that they will come in contact with a COVID-19-positive individual.
AmeriLife managers are responsible for ensuring employees are adhering to the company’s COVID-19 protocols while at work. AmeriLife protocols follow CDC guidelines, which have been developed to reduce the spread of the infection.
We want to remind you of the protocols AmeriLife has put into place to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and what managers are to do when one of their direct reports informs them that he/she has come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or he/she has tested positive.
Managers must immediately notify HR upon learning of an employee testing positive for COVID-19 or complaining of having symptoms of COVID-19.
PROTOCOLS ALL EMPLOYEES MUST FOLLOW
- All employees must wear masks when not at their desks or in their offices
- Masks must properly cover mouths and noses
- Employees are required to keep a six-foot distance between themselves and others, including during lunch breaks, smoking breaks, trips to the restroom, etc.
- Whenever possible, use Zoom meetings or conference calls to minimize close contact that comes with in-person meetings
- Employees must wear masks when attending face-to-face meeting in conference rooms unless they are able to maintain a six-foot distance from others
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water and sanitize commonly touched surfaces
- If soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
PROTOCOLS FOR AN EMPLOYEE WHO HAS HAD CONTACT WITH A COVID-19-POSITIVE INDIVIDUAL
- Employees should CALL their managers if they have come in contact with a COVID-19 positive individual(s).
- Employees will be asked to self-quarantine for a minimum of seven (7) days, assuming they do not have any symptoms, provided they obtain a negative test per the following:
- After five (5) days from exposure, the employee should get tested for coronavirus infection with a non-rapid test. (The five day wait follows CDC guidelines, which provides time for the employee’s initial contact and the development of symptoms.)
- Upon receipt of negative test results (from a test taken at least five (5) days after exposure), an employee may return to work if seven (7) days or more have passed.
- In coordination with HR, managers will determine if employees must take PTO or if employees can work from home, depending on employees’ health, job responsibilities and equipment availability.
- Employees should not wait in the building or come back into the building to retrieve equipment. IT will coordinate via phone or email with the associate on protocols when equipment is ready for pick-up.
- For employees able to work from home, dual monitors will NOT be provided.
- Employees who have been exposed to COVID-19 and are showing no symptoms and have not been tested can return to work after 10 days.
- Upon return to work, all protocols listed above must continue to be followed.
PROTOCOL FOR AN EMPLOYEE DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19
- Employees should CALL their managers ASAP if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Employees will be asked to provide the names of co-workers they have been in direct contact with over the last 5 days.
- Employees testing positive for COVID-19 may NOT work at the office and must meet these four (4) requirements before returning to work. (The requirements are listed in the preferred order.)
- A confirmed negative, non-rapid, follow-up test, OR
- A doctor’s note confirming the employee is no longer contagious and is well enough to return to work
- If the above options are unavailable for the employee, he/she may consider using an at-home COVID-19 test.
- If an employee cannot accomplish any of the options above, he/she can return to the office after they have been symptom-free for 10 days.
- The company will make every attempt to provide remote-work options for office employees who are diagnosed with mild cases of COVID-19. Managers will coordinate with HR to determine if employees must take PTO or if employees can work from home, depending on employees’ health, job responsibilities and equipment availability. If remote work is unavailable, employees will take PTO or unpaid leave.
- Employees should not wait in the building or come back into the building to retrieve equipment. IT will coordinate via phone or email with the associate on protocols when equipment is ready for pick-up.
- For employees able to work from home, dual monitors will not be provided.
PLEASE NOTE: Employees running a fever of 100.4°F or higher and/or are exhibiting the symptoms of COVID-19 are required to leave work immediately and recover at home.
Please contact HR@AmeriLife.com if you have any questions regarding the company’s COVID-19 protocols.
