From city hall:
Interim HR Policy Guidelines Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic v080421.1
INTENT
As the delta variant of COVID-19 is surging throughout Polk County, Iowa, and the US, the City of Johnston is revisiting the CDC guidance related to the pandemic.
On August 2, 2021, the CDC designated Polk County as having a high rate of transmission. The CDC and Polk County have also issued guidance related to the delta variant in areas of high transmission.
FULLY VACCINATED EMPLOYEES
People are considered fully vaccinated:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
If you do not meet these requirements, regardless of your age, you are NOT fully vaccinated.
See the CDC guidance related to being fully vaccinated.
EMPLOYEE MASKING GUIDELINES
Considering the CDCs updated guidance related to use of masks for all persons, regardless of vaccination status, in areas deemed to have substantial, or high transmission rates, the following guidelines will apply:
Employees are required to wear a mask when indoors and outside of their individual workspace and/or unable to socially distance, and also when riding in vehicles with others.
The public will be encouraged to wear masks in city buildings, but it will not be mandated.
EMPLOYEE EXPOSURE, QUARANTINE GUIDELINES
Vaccinated Employees:
Per the CDC guidance:
- Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Get tested 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure or until a negative test result.
- Isolate if you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 10 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Unvaccinated Employees:
If you have tested positive and/or are exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and/or you have been informed by a health care provider that you are likely to have
COVID-19, you must ISOLATE (stay in your home or other residence) until you are no longer at risk for spreading COVID-19. Until this time, you should not leave your place of isolation or enter any other public or private place, except to receive necessary medical care. You should distance yourself from other members of your residence. If possible, separate yourself from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area.
You are required to self-isolate because you can easily spread the virus to others. If you haven’t been tested, contact your healthcare provider for a medical assessment and to discuss whether you should be tested.
Seek urgent or emergency medical care immediately if you have trouble breathing, pressure or pain in your chest or any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
For more ways to protect yourself and others, see the CDC guidance for unvaccinated people.
RETURN TO WORK (Regardless of Vaccination Status)
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and/or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and/or you have been informed by a health care provider that you are likely to have COVID-19, you must isolate until:
At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first started; AND
At least 24 hours have passed since your last fever without the use of fever reducing medication; AND
Your symptoms have improved
ABSENTEEISM DUE TO ILLNESS:
COVID-19 related absences (isolation, quarantine, illness, school or daycare, vaccination) are subject to established City policies and require the use of accrued leave applicable to the situation (PTO, sick, etc.).
Employees who are ill with symptoms that may be related to COVID-19 (fever, shortness of breath, respiratory issue, cough, etc.) will be asked to self-isolate in accordance with IDPH guidelines. Employees who are self-isolating or quarantined are expected to remain at home except for essential errands or medical appointments.