CORONAVIRUS – COVID-19

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

November 13, 2020

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.

When is the next All Hands Meeting?

• The next All Hands Meetings will be held on Tuesday, November 17^th at Noon and

4:30 PM. 

• Participation by phone: 669-254-5252 Meeting ID 160 113 6983   Password 033987
• Participation by computer:

https://dayzim.zoomgov.com/j/1601136983?pwd=SWFwNldScS9nd0pybVhkWXBzRVRpUT09

• Please choose one of the three ways below to submit your questions:
  • Email Lorie Streeter lorie.streeter@aollc.biz
  • Call 319-753-7337 if you do not have email capability
  • Use the Chat feature in Zoom to send your question to everyone or directly to Lorie Streeter.

Below is an overview of the FAQs that are continuing to be followed. 

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.

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. 

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?

·         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