Guidance on COVID-19 and Returning to Work
The University wants to ensure that all employees have a safe work environment. University employees are asked to continue to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
If anyone should test positive for COVID-19 they should access the CDC Isolation and Exposure Calculator to determine when it is considered safe to return-to-work. The CDC Isolation and Exposure Calculator is the most current CDC guidance and can calculate the return to work based on symptoms versus no symptoms. Simply input the data and it will calculate the return-to-work date.
Employees should notify their supervisor using their department's appropriate call-in methods. Return to work status is communicated between employee and supervisor. To maintain confidentiality, employees are not required to provide test results or medical documentation to their supervisor and/or department.
Please work directly with your supervisor(s) regarding absences from work and any remote work options during your isolation.
Guidance on Leave of Absences
If an employee should have an absence of three or more days and continuous intermittent treatment, they may need to apply for a leave of absence (FMLA or PLOA). For example, an employee missed 3 days of work and then has a follow up appointment within 7 days of the first absence. For more information, please see the Leave of Absence policy.
Per the University's Leaves of Absence Policy, an employee absent more than 5 consecutive days will be placed on a medical leave of absence.
To return to work, the employee must submit a medical release from a physician to their supervisor. The release must state the date of return and any restrictions the employee may have, employees can use the Return-to-Work form. The University reserves the right to request a physical release to return to work for absences of less than (5) five days.
Access Leave of Absence Request Forms and submit to usi1leaves@usi.edu.
FAQ
Employees should follow their physician’s advice with respect to their care. Report their Absence to their supervisor following normal absence reporting measures. To figure out when to return to work, access the CDC Isolation and Exposure Calculator.
If an employee should test positive for COVID-19 they should access the CDC Isolation and Exposure Calculator to determine when it is considered safe to return-to-work. The CDC Isolation and Exposure Calculator is the most current CDC guidance and can calculate the return to work based on symptoms versus no symptoms. Simply input the data and it will calculate the return-to-work date. Continue to report absences to supervisor and follow normal absence reporting measures.
To maintain confidentiality, employee should not provide test results or medical documentation to supervisor and/or department.
If an employee misses work due to COVID-19 they may use sick time to continue to get paid, please see the University’s Sick Time Policy for more information. If an employee qualifies for FMLA or PLOA, they need to note that on timesheet or absence reports.
If an employee is hospitalized in-patient for COVID-19 for any length of time, please submit a Leave of Absence form. If the employee hospitalized or is absent due to COVID-19 illness for five or more consecutive days, the employee must, before returning to work, submit a medical release from a medical provider to their supervisor. It is important for the doctor to note when the employee can return AND if they can return to full or restricted duty. The University has developed this form to help in this process.
If an employee is released to work, but has restrictions, their supervisor should inform the ADA Coordinator so they can evaluate whether the restrictions can be accommodated. Reach out to Chelsea Nall at cmnall@usi.edu for accommodations.