HR COVID Information

March 13, 2024

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated recommendations for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu and RSV, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers. The CDC is making updates to the recommendations now because the U.S. is seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID and RSV.

Effective immediately, KU has adopted the new CDC guidance for its COVID-19 protocols, which can be found below.

When people get sick with a respiratory virus, the updated guidance recommends that they stay home and away from others. For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication.

Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next five days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems.

In an effort to try to prevent any contagious illness,

  • Wash hands frequently and before eating with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
  • Avoid sharing cups, water bottles, utensils and other personal items.
  • Stay home when sick and avoid others who are sick.

EMPLOYEES

Employees experiencing respiratory virus symptoms (fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose and headache, among others) should contact their healthcare provider for diagnosis, testing and/or treatment.

Employees who are sick should stay home until, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication. All ordinary leave provisions apply (i.e., doctor’s note for absences of three consecutive days). Remote work will no longer be available for employees who test positive for COVID-19.

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