[Entm-researchstaff] What to do if you suspect COVID in your lab or in others

[Richard Redak]

 All,

I finally received some clarity on what to do with concerns about potential
exposure to COVID (e.g. a person in your lab has a spouse, or housemate,
who may have been exposed).  Here is the answer; short and sweet.

*Employees who are concerned about exposure to themselves or to any other
employee will need to call the Hotline*.

*The number is  1-844-827-6827 *

*This should handle all  scenarios of concern.  So if  you hear of a
potential exposure to somebody in your lab, pick up the phone and let the
hotline people do their thing.  *

*If you are feeling poorly, don't come to campus and do pick up the phone
and let the hotline people do their thing.  *

Whenever there is a question about closing a building, sending employees
home, etc., employees/supervisors should always call the Hotline first. The
Hotline sets everything in motion. The Hotline notifies the supervisor,
informs the employee to self-quarantine and notifies the HRBP/Leave
Coordinator to contact the employee concerning leave options.

When an employee is sent home due to an illness that has not been confirmed
as a COVID-19 case, but are COVID-19 symptoms supervisors* must not share*
the employee’s personal protected health or medical information with other
employees in the department/organizational unit. In the event that employee
tests positive for COVID-19, the employee should notify the hotline
immediately to ensure EH&S, Facilities and Workers’ Compensation are
informed. In conjunction with the Hotline, EH&S and Facilities will review
the information and determine if a building, office, etc., will need to be
closed or sanitized. Based on the information provided by the employee, the
Hotline will review and determine if others were exposed. If others were
exposed, a case investigation will occur and that will determine the
notification process for additional quarantine measures.

I have attached the full blown SOP for this (although it vague at best),
just in case you already do not have it.

Rick Redak
Professor & Chair
Department of Entomology
University of California
Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-7250
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