By now, we have all heard how important it is to stay inside and #FlattenTheCurve. There is not a single American who has not been impacted by the current coronavirus outbreak. With schools being closed, businesses being shuttered and government functions being doled out on an “essential” basis, the impact is being felt far and wide. It is the virtual wild, wild west with so much uncertainty and so many questions. I thought we would use the space in this column to take a look at some of the guidance and direction from our local, state and federal officials.

Federal Government Response

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Some simple tips, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are very useful. The CDC recommends that employers actively encourage sick employees to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4°F or greater). Employers should ensure that sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of these policies. Eliminate the need for a health care provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work, as health care provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely way.