COVID Disclosure from an Employee
What Should I Do?

May 19, 2020 by MEGAN, SPHR, JD

What should I do if my employee discloses that their family member or roommate has COVID-19?

 

Employees who have come within six feet of someone who is infected should self-quarantine for 14 days after their last exposure per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During this time, they should take their temperature twice a day and watch for symptoms of COVID-19. Currently, the known symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, chills, new loss of taste or smell, or shortness of breath.

Because COVID-19 is widespread in so many communities, the CDC recommends that everyone practice social distancing, be alert for COVID-19 symptoms, and follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.

Remember to maintain the confidentiality of all employees’ medical information, which includes symptoms as well as the lack of symptoms.  

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Megan graduated from the University of Maryland, magna cum laude, and from Lewis and Clark Law School, cum laude. She has extensive work experience in a variety of industries, which she draws on to help clients with their HR questions.