Labor and Employment
CDC Speaks Again: How Does it Affect Employees?
By Katherine Witherspoon Fry
New COVID guidance from the CDC throws some of what we’ve learned about safe returns to work and prevention out the window. The CDC’s recommendation is now that anyone exposed to COVID is safe to be around others by wearing a well-fitted and high-quality mask for ten days. I’d suggest that the “well-fitting and high-quality mask” is a big factor. Employers should still require that employees inform them of exposure and intent to test and, at that time, let them know the new standard and that they may report in person. Keep a stock of KN95 or other tight-fitting masks on hand. Delaware still requires employers to provide masks, and these are readily available.
All persons should still seek testing for active infection when they are symptomatic or if they have a known or suspected exposure to someone with COVID. Symptomatic or infected persons should isolate promptly, and infected persons should remain in isolation for at least five days (day 0 is the day of exposure) and wear a well-fitting and high-quality mask if they must be around others. Infected persons may end isolation after five days, only when they are without a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of medication and all other symptoms have improved. They should continue to wear a mask or respirator around others at home and in public through day 10.
Don’t forget: employees at high risk for severe illness and those in contact with them (such as caregiving recipients and household members) may want to minimize risk if they learn they’ve been exposed. They may still ask to quarantine while they await test results. This may either be handled by telework, isolating onsite, or taking available paid or unpaid time off. Be cognizant of reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities; this may fall into that basket.
On another note, I am really happy to announce that I was voted into Best Lawyers in America for employment law. I joined 59 of my colleagues at Offit Kurman, who were included in the listing of the top 5% of American lawyers.
Sincerely, thank you for your trust in me.
