CORONAVIRUS – COVID-19

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

August 26, 2020

Since our last communication sent out August 15^th, three additional employees have tested positive. AO is continuing to follow the direction provided in the Interim Guidance for Critical Infrastructures with cleaning and monitoring employees that had close contact.

With the rising of COVID cases in Southeast Iowa and West Tennessee, remember to keep your guard up. Following is an example of how the rising cases impact us: Great River Health is reaching full capacity and has begun further restricting of visitors Monday, August 24.  This decision was made to protect the health of patients, employees, and the community.  Please continue to protect yourself and others at work and at home by taking preventative steps per CDC guidance.

Resource: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

Resource: https://www.greatriverhealth.org/COVID-19.aspx

As a reminder, if you or a household member have just one (1) symptom do not report to work. Call and report that to HR immediately. Reporting to work with symptom(s) is not allowed during this pandemic. RuthAnn is available for these calls 24/7.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
• Chills
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
• Muscle pain (that is not normal for you)

This list does not include all possible symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have also been reported as possible symptoms.  Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

**NEW FAQ**

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.

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

I am having a hard time remembering all the information I need to follow; what are the top three things I need to know?

1. If you or a household member are not feeling well with any of these symptoms do not come to work.
   • Fever
   • Cough
   • Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
   • Chills
   • Sore throat
   • New loss of taste or smell
   • Muscle pain (that is not normal for you)
2. Call RuthAnn Kempker if you or a household member develop any of the symptoms.
3. If you or a household member get tested for any reason, or if you have been in close contact with someone who was tested call do not report to work and call RuthAnn Kempker.

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.

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 you have already been tested and did not report this yet, please contact RuthAnn Kempker with approximate testing date and what the results were.

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 an isolation period 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 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 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

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

Is my cloth face covering still required if I know it will be less than 10 minutes?

• The guidance we are operating under states “In areas where the six feet of social distancing are difficult to maintain, a cloth face covering will need to be worn.” 
• So when people are riding in vehicles together cloth face coverings are required.  Or when someone is working on projects within the six feet you would wear a covering.  
• The passing comments in the hall, someone dropping something off to you etc. would be ok to not have on the cloth face coverings as the social distance would normally be maintained.

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   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

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

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.