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 for not being tested for COVID-19:
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- 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 - at least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
- No fever for at least 24 hours (that is one full day of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
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:
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- 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 - at least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
- No fever for at least 24 hours (that is one full day of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
Q: What if I live with someone who works here (or doesn’t work here), and they’re sick?
A: If you’re not fully vaccinated or had COVID-19 within the last three months, notify HR and if stay home until the person who is sick meets the criteria above and can return to work.
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. If you haven’t had COVID-19 in the past three months or are fully vaccinated, you will need to self-quarantine for 10 days at minimum. After the 10 days you can return to work as long as you are symptom free and can wear a face mask. If you’re unable to wear a face mask, you’ll need to quarantine for 14 days. If you developed COVID-19 within the past three months, have recovered, and do not have symptoms, you will not need to quarantine. If you’re fully vaccinated and don’t have symptoms you will not need to quarantine.
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 who has been instructed by a healthcare provider to self-quarantine?
A: If you’re not fully vaccinated or had COVID-19 within the last three months, notify HR. You will need to self-quarantine for at least 10 days. After the 10 days you can return to work as long as you are symptom free. If you’re unable to wear a face mask, you’ll need to quarantine for 14 days. See above for returning to work.
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:
People with COVID-19 or its symptoms who are recovering at home (or other non-hospital setting) and will not be tested to determine if they are no longer contagious can return when:
- They have had 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 - At least 10 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared, whichever is longer
People with COVID-19 or its symptoms who are recovering at home (or other non-hospital setting), and will be tested to determine if they are no longer contagious can return when:
- They no longer have a 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 - They received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart
People who DID NOT have COVID-19 symptoms, but tested positive, who are self-isolating at home (or other non-hospital setting) can return to work when:
- At least 10 days have passed since the date of the first positive test
AND - They continue to have no symptoms (no cough or shortness of breath) since the test
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.
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: Please reference the Families First Coronavirus Act (FFCRA) Policy for leave details. You also can use any available paid time off you have remaining in your balance (i.e., vacation, floating holiday, etc.).