COVID-19 Guidance for Employees & Supervisors
This page is intended to guide our employees and managers through this difficult time to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (and the disease it causes COVID-19) among their peers and patients.
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As circumstances change, advice and guidance may change as well. Please contact HR with specific questions or concerns not addressed here.
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(Updated July 23, 2020)
Gov. Edwards signs orders extending Phase 2 and the statewide Mask Mandate Today, as Louisiana exceeds 100,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, Gov. Edwards signed a renewal of the current orders extending Phase 2 yet again, which includes the statewide mask mandate and additional restrictions, until August 7, 2020. We would like to take this time to remind our staff that proper PPE is required in all facilities and when in contact with patients. This includes wearing your mask to cover both your nose and mouth, frequently washing hands, and maintaining respective 6-foot distance with others when possible. We care about the safety of our staff, their families, and our patients. We understand that in the medical field, it is necessary to close the respective gap for countless reasons, especially for the physical safety of your patients. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to your profession. We understand that our staff are eager for more information concerning company policies and procedures on COVID-19 testing, qualifications for paid sick leave, and future scheduling conflicts when schools reopen. We strongly advise all our staff to contact Human Resources directly for any and all information pertaining to your inquiries. As the guidelines put forth by the Federal and state government, as well as the CDC and Dept of Labor, are changing and being updated daily. We are addressing each of our staff individually on their concerns, and our company's legal obligations to fulfill and compensate in any way we can. Contact HR Help Desk with any inquiries. Remember to visit the Employee Web Portal for standard forms, direct links to healthcare providers, Medical Leave instructions and many other employee resources that can save you time and energy. |
(Mar. 17)
Limited access to Corporate Office, and notification to employees of corresponding office contacts information. (Apr. 27)
Governor John Edwards announced today that he will be extending Louisiana's Stay-at-Home order through May 15th in an effort to continue to slow the spread of Covid-19. (May 14)
Gov. John Edwards declared Louisiana will move into Phase 1 of reopening effective May 15 when "Stay at Home" order expires. (Jun 1)
Gov. Edwards announces Phase 2 to begin on Friday, June 5, 2020 (Jun 22)
Gov. Edwards announces Phase 2 will be extended for Louisiana through July 20, 2020. (Jul 11)
Gov. John Bel Edwards announces mandatory mask requirement for Louisiana beginning Monday, July 13 Self-Quarantined? Easily track your daily symptoms with an app on your phone like THIS!
Has this information been helpful to you?
If you have questions concerning some of our updated policies and procedures, please contact email HRHelpDesk@southernmedical.com |
For more detailed and current information for Louisiana residents, employees, employers and businesses during the reopening of Louisiana following the coronavirus pandemic, visit
coronavirus.la.gov
coronavirus.la.gov
See direct links below for more detailed up-to-date information on the coronavirus and COVID-19 news in Louisiana.
○ Louisiana Office of the Governor John Bel Edwards
○ Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division
○ Louisiana State Department of Health
○ Center for Disease Control and Prevention
○ Louisiana Office of the Governor John Bel Edwards
○ Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division
○ Louisiana State Department of Health
○ Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
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LA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Info
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LA Office of the Governor COVID-19 Resources
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We are here to support our employees during this difficult time.
Complete this form if you are taking qualified leave related to COVID-19
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Questions about your company benefits, click here to email Benefits Specialist
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Questions about your pay stub from GreenShades, email the Payroll Dept bly clicking here
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Click here for contact info for other Corporate Office Departments
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* Frequently Asked Questions *
The following FAQ's are intended to help manage the risk associated with COVID-19 and have associated links from the CDC and Dept of Labor that may give more details to assist you.
1. What is the difference between Influenza (FLU) and COVID-19?
A: Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and the flu is caused by an infections with influenza viruses.
2. What should I do if I feel sick?
A: If you feel sick, stay home and inform your supervisor/manager of your absence per usual company policy. If you have a fever, cough, loss of taste or smell or other symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
3. Can employee(s) who are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms be required to go/stay home?
A: Yes. Employees may be required to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms related to COVID and self monitor; especially fever, loss of taste or smell, or the combination of a persistent cough with shortness of breath, sore throat, severe congestion or runny nose, fatigue and body aches, or other symptoms. Employees are to remain at home until they are symptom and fever free for at least 72-hours before returning to work.
4. Can my employer take my temperature?
A: Yes. Temperature readings should be administered in the least invasive way possible, such as temporal scanners, and should be based on legitimate and non-discriminatory business needs.
5. Am I required to use sick leave if I am not feeling well enough to come to work?
A: Yes. Our policy states an employee cannot go into an unpaid status if they have other leave accruals available, such as PTO and SICK.
6. I have tested positive for COVID-19, now what do I do?
A: Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to provide Human Resources with the documentation stating they have tested "positive" for COVID, and are then required to self-quarantine for 14 days following the positive reading. These employees may be eligible for paid sick leave under the FFCRA guidelines, in which Human resources will administer and manage.
7. What if I am sick for more than 3 days with a "negative" COVID reading, do I need a doctor's note to return to work?
A: Company policy handbook clearly dictates that a "Return to Work" release from your physician is required after 3 consecutive days of medical absence under our normal policies.
8. Can I work if I was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19?
A: As long as you are symptom-free, you may continue to work, provided you follow the protocols in place for properly wearing your full PPE at all times within in a facility and in proximity to patients (this always includes a face mask).
9. If I need to self-quarantine, how will I get paid?
A: This depends specific case. Be aware that any and all testing (as well as turning in all documentation provided by personal healthcare providers) is 100% the employee responsibility unless the employer requests directly that an employee be tested. Below are some examples...
- Exposed to Covid "positive" person. If you have been exposed to someone who has tested "positive" for COVID and have been ordered by a physician to self-quarantine, these absences may be eligible for compensation under FFCRA as Emergency Paid Medical Leave. Physician statement recommending self-quarantine must be provided to Human Resources to verify eligibility of compensable payment.
- Personal Choice. If you are self-quarantining or seeking medical diagnosis out of personal choice, these absences will be treated as personal "sick leave", and will fall under the Employee Handbook Manual guidelines.
- "Positive" Test Reading. If you have tested "positive" for COVID under either of the above examples, the employee will be required to self-quarantine for a minimum of 10 days (see FAQ #6) and may be eligible for compensation under the FFCRA as Emergency Medical Leave. Contact Human Resources immediately to provide your documentation and receive further instruction.
10. What if my child's daycare or school closes and I have to stay home with them?
A: If you are unable to work due to responsibilities for caring for a child who's school is either closed or must participate in an online-learning program due to COVID-19, you should report your absence and availability to your direct supervisor. You may also be eligible for FFCRA compensation OR Expanded FMLA Leave. As all extended medical leave, employees MUST submit a Request for Leave directly to Human Resources for eligibility review and approval.
If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources by emailing HRHelpDesk@southernmedical.com.
1. What is the difference between Influenza (FLU) and COVID-19?
A: Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and the flu is caused by an infections with influenza viruses.
2. What should I do if I feel sick?
A: If you feel sick, stay home and inform your supervisor/manager of your absence per usual company policy. If you have a fever, cough, loss of taste or smell or other symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
- Employees should follow existing policies and guidelines regarding the use of personal medical leave, including their accrued sick time usage. You can use the CDC provided "self checker" to guide you in making decisions and seeking appropriate medical care. If you experiencing emergency warning signs (including trouble breathing), seek emergency care immediately.
3. Can employee(s) who are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms be required to go/stay home?
A: Yes. Employees may be required to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms related to COVID and self monitor; especially fever, loss of taste or smell, or the combination of a persistent cough with shortness of breath, sore throat, severe congestion or runny nose, fatigue and body aches, or other symptoms. Employees are to remain at home until they are symptom and fever free for at least 72-hours before returning to work.
- Employees required by employer to take leave due to COVID related symptoms may be eligible for paid leave under the FFCRA - you can click HERE to check your eligibility.
4. Can my employer take my temperature?
A: Yes. Temperature readings should be administered in the least invasive way possible, such as temporal scanners, and should be based on legitimate and non-discriminatory business needs.
5. Am I required to use sick leave if I am not feeling well enough to come to work?
A: Yes. Our policy states an employee cannot go into an unpaid status if they have other leave accruals available, such as PTO and SICK.
- This policy has been temporarily altered for those employees who test "positive" for COVID-19 (see FAQ #6).
6. I have tested positive for COVID-19, now what do I do?
A: Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to provide Human Resources with the documentation stating they have tested "positive" for COVID, and are then required to self-quarantine for 14 days following the positive reading. These employees may be eligible for paid sick leave under the FFCRA guidelines, in which Human resources will administer and manage.
- If the employee is asystematic (no symptoms), they may return after the 10 days has expired without further testing.
- If symptoms persist after day 10, employee may not be cleared to return to work until they are symptom-free for at least 72 hours. They will need to communicate directly with Human Resources and their managers via email on their status until cleared for return to work.
7. What if I am sick for more than 3 days with a "negative" COVID reading, do I need a doctor's note to return to work?
A: Company policy handbook clearly dictates that a "Return to Work" release from your physician is required after 3 consecutive days of medical absence under our normal policies.
- If the employee is sent home by a manager or facility due to COVID symptoms, they will be required to self-monitor their symptoms and allowed to return to work once they are symptom-free for at least 72 hours (refer to FAQ #3).
8. Can I work if I was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19?
A: As long as you are symptom-free, you may continue to work, provided you follow the protocols in place for properly wearing your full PPE at all times within in a facility and in proximity to patients (this always includes a face mask).
- If you begin to show symptoms, contact your supervisor immediately and refer to FAQ #9.
9. If I need to self-quarantine, how will I get paid?
A: This depends specific case. Be aware that any and all testing (as well as turning in all documentation provided by personal healthcare providers) is 100% the employee responsibility unless the employer requests directly that an employee be tested. Below are some examples...
- Exposed to Covid "positive" person. If you have been exposed to someone who has tested "positive" for COVID and have been ordered by a physician to self-quarantine, these absences may be eligible for compensation under FFCRA as Emergency Paid Medical Leave. Physician statement recommending self-quarantine must be provided to Human Resources to verify eligibility of compensable payment.
- Personal Choice. If you are self-quarantining or seeking medical diagnosis out of personal choice, these absences will be treated as personal "sick leave", and will fall under the Employee Handbook Manual guidelines.
- "Positive" Test Reading. If you have tested "positive" for COVID under either of the above examples, the employee will be required to self-quarantine for a minimum of 10 days (see FAQ #6) and may be eligible for compensation under the FFCRA as Emergency Medical Leave. Contact Human Resources immediately to provide your documentation and receive further instruction.
- If you are self-isolating due to an underlying medical condition for yourself or a family member, you should contact Human Resources to see if you qualify for FMLA or EFMLA options. Otherwise, these absences will be treated as personal leave.
10. What if my child's daycare or school closes and I have to stay home with them?
A: If you are unable to work due to responsibilities for caring for a child who's school is either closed or must participate in an online-learning program due to COVID-19, you should report your absence and availability to your direct supervisor. You may also be eligible for FFCRA compensation OR Expanded FMLA Leave. As all extended medical leave, employees MUST submit a Request for Leave directly to Human Resources for eligibility review and approval.
If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources by emailing HRHelpDesk@southernmedical.com.