IBVI is following CDC guidelines related to COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Q: What are COVID-19 symptoms?
A: People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficult breathing
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Q: What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
A: Stay home and notify HR. We’ve relaxed the attendance policy, and you will not receive an occurrence if out due to COVID-19 symptoms. If you come to work, you will be sent home. You could infect others and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Q: When can I return to work after I experienced COVID-19 symptoms?
A: IBVI is following CDC guidelines if you’re not being tested for COVID-19:
- No fever for at least 24 hours (that is one full day of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
AND - Other symptoms have improved (for example, when their cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND - You’ve tested negative or at least 5 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared; you’ll be required to wear a mask for an additional 5 days
Q: What should I do if my healthcare provider recommends I self-quarantine due to COVID-19 symptoms?
A: Stay home and notify HR. If you come to work, you will be sent home. You could infect others and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Q: When can I return to work after my doctor recommends a self-quarantine due to COVID-19 symptoms?
A: IBVI is following the CDC guidelines on when to return to work:
- No fever for at least 24 hours (that is one full day of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
AND - Other symptoms have improved (for example, when their cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND - You’ve tested negative or at least 5 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared; you’ll be required to wear a mask for an additional 5 days
Q: What if I live with someone who works here (or doesn’t work here), and they’re sick?
A: Self monitor for 14 days. If you become sick within those 14 days you either need to quarantine or get tested.
Q: What does it mean to be fully vaccinated?
A: Per CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 2 weeks after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or 2 weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson (J&J)/Janssen).
Q: What if I’ve been a close contact to someone socially or at work who tested positive for COVID-19, what should I do?
A: Notify HR. IBVI is following the CDC guidelines:
- If you’ve been boosted or completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna Vaccine within the last 6 months or completed the primary series of J&J vaccine with the last 2 months, AND your symptom free you can continue to work, but must wear a mask for 10 days. CDC recommends getting tested on day 5.
- If you completed the primary series of Pfizer and Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted or completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted or are unvaccinated you need to stay home for 5 days. After 5 days if you’re fever free and your symptoms have improved you can return to work but must wear a mask for 5 days.
Q: What is considered a close contact to someone who tests positive for COVID-19:
A: Per the CDC, a close contact is anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative 15 minutes over a 24-hour period. This could be one interaction of 15-minutes, three 5-minute interactions, etc. An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting 48 hours (or 2 days) before the person had any symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19.
Q: What if I live with someone whose been instructed by a healthcare provider to self-quarantine?
A: Self monitor for 14 days. If you become sick within those 14 days you either need to quarantine or get tested.
Q: If I test positive for COVID-19 what should I do?
A: Stay home and notify HR immediately. If you come to work, you will be sent home. You could infect others and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Q: When can I return to work if I test positive for COVID-19?
A: IBVI is following the CDC guidelines:
- Stay home for 5 days
- No fever for at least 24 hours (that is one full day of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
- If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can come back to work
- Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days
Q: Am I required to wear a mask at work if I’ve been around someone either socially or at work that is sick with COVID-19 symptoms?
A: You’re not required to wear a mask, but wearing a mask is highly recommended for employee safety. However, once the OSHA ETS becomes effective if you’re unvaccinated, a mask will be required.
Q: If I traveled internationally, do I have to self-quarantine?
A: Notify HR. International travel will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Do I have to come to work if I am concerned about COVID-19 possible exposure?
A: No, and you will not receive an occurrence. This will also be unpaid unless you elect to use paid time off (vacation, etc.)
Q: How will I be paid if I’m out due to COVID-19 or because I need to self-quarantine?
A: If it’s your own illness you may be eligible for short-term disability. You also can use any available paid time off you have remaining in your balance (i.e., vacation, floating holiday, etc.)