• CORONAVIRUS – COVID-19

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

January 21, 2021

What order will the vaccines be distributed to employees?

• The company is going to follow the same phased approach as found on the CDC.
• Phase 1b
• Frontline essential workers such as fire fighters, police officers…

• People aged 75 years and older.
• Phase 1c

• People aged 65—74 years.
• People aged 16—64 years with underlying medical conditions.
• Other essential workers. (All remaining AO employees who do fall in the above categories)

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations.html

Who do I contact if I want the vaccine?

• Send a text to RuthAnn Kempker at 319-768-6538; make sure you include your name.
• If you have an underlying medical condition make sure to mention that in the text as it will affect the priority group you are placed in.
• If you do not have text capability you can call 319-753-7219.

What documents will I need to get the vaccine?

• You will be required to complete the waiver.
• You will need to show your badge.

Who is administering the vaccines?

• The contracted nursing staff of Great River Medical Center or Tennessee Hospitals will be administering the vaccine.
• Our EMTs will be available in the event further assistance is needed.

Will insurance cover the cost of the vaccine?

• The vaccine is free.

Are the current COVID-19 vaccines mRNA vaccines?

• The vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna are known as Messenger RNA vaccines. These mRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine. They teach our cells how to make a protein -- or even just a piece of a protein -- that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.
• Learn more about how mRNA vaccines work at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html

What safety testing has been done with the COVID-19 vaccines?

• They have undergone rigorous safety testing.
• The currently available COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective following large clinical trials. The conclusion from the CDC is clear: “the known and potential benefits of this vaccine outweigh the known and potential harms of becoming infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19).”
• Learn more about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html

Do COVID-19 vaccines administered outside of AO need to be reported?

• Employees who receive the vaccine need to report this to HR.
• Employees who have a household member who receive the vaccine need to report this to HR.

What happens if I develop symptoms from the vaccine?

• If mild symptoms occur (for the individual receiving the vaccination) in the first two days following the shot we will have the employee follow the monitoring process and continue to report to work.
• If symptoms are more severe or continue beyond the two days the employee will be required to stay home.
• Learn more about what to expect after getting the COVID-19 vaccines at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html

Below is an overview of the FAQs that are continuing to be followed. The travel FAQ at the end has been updated.

What situations require me to stay home?

· If you or a member of your household have ANY of the symptoms below.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
• Chills
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
• Muscle pain (that is not normal for you)
• Please remember this is not an all-inclusive list and you should consult your medical provider if you have other symptoms that are concerning to you.
• If you or a member of your household is being evaluated or has tested positive for COVID-19 that has not yet been released by their doctor.

Who should I contact if I develop symptoms?

• Immediately notify HR at:
• RuthAnn Kempker (Primary) – desk: 319-753-7219 cell: 319-768-6538
• Mike Allbee – desk: 319-753-7004 cell: 319-750-4594

If I have close contact with someone who test positive and is NOT in my household, do I need to report this?

• Yes, call and report this to HR.
• You would be allowed to work and will be monitored for the fourteen days.

If I develop symptoms or end up testing for COVID-19 do I need to call and report that to HR?

• Yes, immediately upon developing symptoms.
• Yes, immediately upon being tested, you need to make HR aware for reporting requirements.
• This same process would also need to be followed if you have a household member who develops symptoms.

How is AO responding to the rise in COVID cases?

• Effective Monday, November 16^th, face coverings/masks will be required to be worn at all times when you are not alone.
• Examples: Working alongside another coworker(s), walking through hallways, making a trip to a breakroom/restroom, or in an office or conference room with others.
• You can think of “Mask in Motion”, anytime you are moving you are required to wear a face covering.
• Face coverings are required to be worn at all times when using Company vehicles. Even if you are by yourself, you will need to wear a face covering when driving a Company vehicle.
• Employee screening for symptoms and taking temperatures will continue along with social distancing and increased cleaning.
• The above procedures will be applied at both the Iowa and Milan locations.

If I or a household member get tested for COVID-19 and have NO symptoms do I need to report this?

• Yes, you need to make HR aware for reporting requirements.

If I have previously tested positive will I be required to quarantine for my symptomatic household member?

• Recently CDC and IDPH determined if you test positive you develop antibodies and are considered immune for 3 months following the date of symptom onset (or date of test if asymptomatic persons).
• Quarantining will not be required in the event of a household member becomes symptomatic during the three month time period, as long as the previously infected person remains asymptomatic.
• If you were previously positive (within the 3 month timeframe) and develop symptoms you will be treated as a newly infected person.
• It is still required to report your symptomatic household member to HR.

Will I be required to wear a cloth face covering if I have close contact with a symptomatic person if I have previously tested positive?

• Out of an abundance of caution you will still follow the same processes for wearing a cloth face covering while at work.
• Previously testing positive (within the 3 month timeframe) only allows you to come to work for a symptomatic household member.

Will I be required to monitor if I have close contact with a symptomatic person if I have previously tested positive?

• Out of an abundance of caution you will still follow the same processes for monitoring per the interim guidance while at work.
• Previously testing positive (within the 3 month timeframe) only allows you to come to work for a symptomatic household member.

How do I report my absence?

• For COVID related absences call HR.

· For non-COVID related absences you will utilize the same phone numbers that are set up for your area to report an absence.

Am I required to use my sick and vacation while away from work?

• Yes, any hours not worked will need to be covered by paid time off. This paid time off includes any unused sick hours and any accrued vacation hours.
• Accrued vacation will be paid out before unused sick hours are used unless you notify HR.
• This paid time should be reported to Workforce Development if you file a weekly claim.
• This is for all employees out due to COVID-19 such as those off for child care, medical high risk, or self or household member with symptoms.

When do I complete the return to work questionnaire?

• You will need to complete the questionnaire the day prior to returning to work. This questionnaire is required if you have been off due to self or households symptoms.
• You will need to notify your supervisor the day prior to returning to work so the questionnaire process can be completed by phone prior to accessing the facility.

· If you are unable to reach your supervisor please contact HR (RuthAnn or Mike).

If I get directed to stay home how long will I have to be off?

• The Company is taking the utmost caution and continuing to require employees to stay isolated following CDC guidelines. Timeframe of isolation will provided by HR based on your situation.

What is the process to make sure employees who are suspected or test positive do not return early?

• Sick employees should follow steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 if they are sick. Employees should not return to work until they meet the criteria to discontinue home isolation and have consulted with a healthcare provider and state or local health department and AO Human Resources.

How does the CDC guidance affect me?

• If you develop a symptom (Refer back to “What situations require me to stay home”) you will go through a series of questions with HR. You will be required to identify who you had close contact with 48 hours prior to your symptom(s).
• If you had close contact with someone at AO that develops a symptom(s) or is tested for COVID-19 you will be required to complete 5 actions.

1. Regular monitor yourself for fever, cough, or shortness of breath

2. Social distance as work duties permit in the workplace

3. Disinfect and Clean work spaces

4. Pre-Screen by having your temperature taken and recorded by the clinic or Fire Lt on off hours

5. Wear a masks or cloth face covering while at AO

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/critical-workers/implementing-safety-practices.html

What is the meaning of close contact?

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines “close contact” as being within six (6) feet from an infected person for a cumulative 15 minutes or greater.

• AO is going to follow the Day & Zimmermann guidance, out of an abundance of caution, and apply close contact as within six feet for 10 minutes or greater as well as the cumulative 15 minutes.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/contact-tracing/contact-tracing-plan/appendix.html#contact

Do I have to wear a cloth face covering while at work?

· Following the Memorandum from the Department of Defense (DoD) containing guidance for DoD facilities on the use of cloth face coverings. In areas where the six feet of social distancing are difficult to maintain, a cloth face covering will need to be worn.

I plan on traveling; is that allowed? *UPDATED*

· CDC issued an order requiring all air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country to get tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to provide proof of the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight.

o This Order will go into effect on January 26, 2021.

o This order applies to US citizens and legal permanent residents. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html

· If you plan to travel internationally you will be required to stay home following your return.

o Get tested 3-5 days after travel AND stay home for 7 days after travel.

o If you don’t get tested, stay home for 10 days after travel.

o https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-air-travel.html

· Please use the links below as resources to help make a determination on traveling.

o CDC Travel Guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html

o State & Territorial Health Department Websites: https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.html

o Cases by state: https://www.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/index.html#cases

o Cases by county: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/county-map.html

When will we have another Noon Zoom daily briefing?

• These are going to be scheduled as the need arises. You will be notified via a text message, company email, or by the bulletin board.

As the situation changes, the Company reserves the right to revisit and alter the above responses as it sees fit.