SCO continues to update our internal processes and protocols as the CDC and local health department guidance evolves. We know that this constant state of change is difficult for everyone! That said, we would like to provide answers to the most common questions we receive from employees:
- What should I do if I am notified that I have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive patient outside the SCO community?
First of all, we need to understand the latest guidance from the CDC on what constitutes a close contact exposure. Close contact is defined by CDC as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic clients, 2 days prior to positive specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. That 15 minutes has been defined by the CDC as cumulative, over a 24-hour period of time.
If your interaction would meet this definition, then you should NOT report to work and contact your supervisor immediately to trigger the next steps outlined in #4.
- What should I do if I develop any symptoms that might be related to COVID-19 while at home?
If you experience shortness of breath, a persistent cough, a sore throat, fever, new loss of taste or smell, or vomiting/diarrhea, do not report to work and contact your direct supervisor to let them know so that back-up coverage can be arranged. Your supervisor will then trigger the next steps outlined in #4.
Employees will also want to consult with their own PCP when testing negative for COVD-19 with these symptoms. SCO will always defer to the medical guidance offered by your treating physician regarding when you are safe to be at work. These symptoms, even when not caused by COVID-19, should be explored by your physician.
- What should I do if I am already on campus when symptoms begin or if I reach the screening checkpoint and my temperature fails to meet standards?
Return to your vehicle and place a call to your immediate supervisor. Your supervisor will then trigger the next steps outline in #4. In most cases, you will need to return home and wait for further instructions. Sometimes, our internal team will be able to administer a COVID-19 test before you leave the property.
- What should the supervisor do if notified that any direct report will not be at work related to either possible COVID-19 symptoms or a close contact exposure?
Supervisors should email both Kim Branscomb, [email protected], and Tracy Lindow, [email protected]. Kim’s role is track all potential cases of COVID-19, to coordinate testing, and to lead our internal contact tracing should an employee, student or patient be confirmed as positive. Tracy will provide the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) information and the form required to access this additional benefit time, along with instructions.
- Am I required to obtain a COVID-19 test through SCO if I have symptoms or have been exposed to a known positive patient?
While employees are not required to obtain a COVID-19 test through SCO, we are able to provide a more efficient and effective process using our established vendor, PathGroup. The type of testing used by PathGroup is documented as the most reliable laboratory testing currently available, minimizing both false negatives and false positives reported by other processes. Plus, our internal team has been thoroughly trained on both the timeline for when individuals should be tested based on the date of the exposure and how those tests should be administered.
The most recent from the CDC indicates that all known close contact exposures should be tested prior the end of their 14-day quarantine. Accordingly, SCO is mandating that any employee required to quarantine due to close contact exposure submit to a COVID-19 test before returning to work.
- Are community members required to have a negative test result before they return to SCO’s campus once they have a documented positive test?
The short answer is No. The longer explanation is based on the CDC’s current recommendations based on two different situations:
If confirmed positive by a test and had symptoms
Patients can be with others after:
- At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and
- At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and
- Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving**Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation
Patients confirmed positive but with no symptoms
If you continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others after:
- 10 days have passed since the date you had your positive test
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