CORONAVIRUS – COVID-19

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

June 11, 2020

How can I participate on the Noon Zoom daily briefings? *Password has been added*

• Participation by phone: 669-254-5252 Meeting ID 160 528 6283   Password 602396
• Participation by computer:

https://dayzim.zoomgov.com/j/1605286283?pwd=VmJpdUlOc3N2ZFNoZFBiQ1RFSGdhdz09

• 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.
• Scheduled Meeting Dates: June 11 and 25

What is the meaning of close contact? *Updated*  

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines “close contact” as being within six (6) feet from an infected person for 15 minutes or greater.
• Previously IDPH was using 2 minutes or greater; they have also moved to 15 minutes.
• 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.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html

  https://idph.iowa.gov/Portals/1/userfiles/61/covid19/Coronavirus%20Procedures%2006_04_2020.pdf

Below is an overview of the FAQs that are currently being 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.

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 do I report my absence? 

·         On a scheduled work day you will utilize the same phone numbers that are set up for your area to report an absence.

·         When you report your absence include how long you expect to be off; if you are off multiple days you do not need to call in each day.

·         Due to the current situation we are asking that you provide further explanation on why you are out.

o   Sick - If you experience flu-like symptoms associated with Covid-19.

o   Family Sick – If a member of your household is experiencing flu-like symptoms associated with Covid-19.

o   Illness – If you have other symptoms such as allergies (sneezing) or ear ache.

o   Childcare – If you have to stay home due to daycare closures.

o   Self-Isolate – If you have a high risk medical situation that you are choosing to be off for. Note this does require a doctor’s excuse.

o   Personal Reasons – If you another situation arise that is not related to sick, illness, childcare, or self-isolate.

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?

• In addition to having been off for the 14 day isolation and before returning to work, ALL employees who have been off for 2 or more workdays, need to complete the questionnaire.
• 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).

Who should I contact if I develop symptoms on a scheduled day off?

• Due to the time sensitiveness of the 48 look back we ask that you notify us immediately.
• Human Resources can be reached at:
  • RuthAnn Kempker (Primary) – desk: 319-753-7219     cell: 319-768-6538
  • Mike Allbee                              – desk: 319-753-7004      cell: 319-750-4594

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 for 14 full calendar days. Per the CDC guidelines this is the incubation period for the COVID-19 virus.
• The exceptions to this is if you or the household member gets a doctor’s note showing a diagnoses of a non-COVID-19 illness or if they are tested for COVID-19 and the results were negative.

What is the process to make sure employees who are suspected or test positive return when it is ok?

• 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.
  • Continue:

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

• For 14 days:

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

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.

·         Cloth face coverings can be made from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.  For more information, please visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

I plan on traveling; is that allowed?

·         The advice on travel per CDC and local guidance changes frequently. If you plan to travel please reference the CDC. 

·         International travel still must be reported to HR and a 14 day isolation may be required.

·         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   Opening Up America Again: https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/