On May 3, 2020, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued updated guidance in the form of General Business Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). The FAQ provides guidance on what employers should do: (1) if an employee comes to work with symptoms of COVID-19; (2) if an employee has tested positive for COVID-19; and (3) when an employee is ready to return to work after recovering from COVID-19 illness.
The FAQ also provides guidance for employers on ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, how to conduct healthy business operations during the pandemic (including social distancing tips), and cleaning the workplace. The FAQ can be found at the CDC website.
Additionally, the CDC has updated its guidance on ending isolation for people recovering from COVID-19.
Persons with COVID-19 who demonstrated symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation without testing under the following conditions:
- At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery, defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and,
- At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared (previously, only 7 days was required).
The guidance regarding ending isolation after two negative COVID-19 tests taken at least 24 hours apart remains unchanged. The guidance concerning ending home isolation can be found here.
For COVID-19 related questions about employment concerns, contact Tracy Armstrong or any member of the Wilentz Employment Law Team.