Are you wondering how your company will be able to transition into returning to work? The Centers for Disease Control has recently released new recommendations on how to safely return to work. This will help companies determine how they will bring employees back to work and under what conditions.
To learn more about what’s ahead, read this guide on what you should be doing to prepare for when your company is ready to return to work.
Which Employees Can Come Back to Work?
When considering who can come back to work, you’ll want to examine your employee’s health conditions. If someone from your company was sick with cold or flu-like symptoms but was not confirmed with a COVID-19 diagnosis, you should only let them come back to work under certain conditions. If they have fully recovered from their illness, there should be at least three days of recovery before they consider coming back to work.
They should also make sure they are free of a fever for at least 72 hours before returning to work without the help of a fever-reducing medicine. You will also want to make sure it has been 7 days since the start of their symptoms. Check that their respiratory issues are resolved to avoid a possible outbreak in the workplace.
On the other hand, if someone tested positive for COVID-19 but has not shown symptoms or gotten sick from the virus they should remain in isolation after their diagnosis. This employee should wait at least 7 days following testing positive before returning to work.
If they do not become ill during this time, they may return to work, but with limited contact. Have this employee stay six feet away from others. They should also wear a mask to limit the dispersal of respiratory secretions.
All those with symptoms and a diagnosis of the virus should stay in isolation and practice quarantine, staying in line with the CDC guidelines.
How Should I Transition My Employees Back to Work?
When trying to transition employees back to the workplace, the organization’s leaders should look at each employee on a case-by-case basis. A good way to start transitioning employees back is by starting with those who have shown no symptoms or diagnosis of the virus. When bringing in the second wave of employees, you’ll want to follow the above guidelines.
When bringing employees back to the workplace, there should be new safety measures in place. Make sure to maintain clean surfaces, distancing as much as possible, and providing gloves and face masks for employees. Send anyone home who is showing symptoms of any flu or cold-related symptoms.
It may also be wise to let employees stay home when possible based on their job duties and needs. Employees that can easily work at home from their computer with no issues should continue to do so until safety measures are lifted.
A Guide for Returning to Work
This is a stressful time for all business owners and employees. Make sure you’re as prepared as possible to navigate safely returning to work by keeping this guide in mind. Keep your company’s safety a priority to maintain a strong and healthy business.
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