Pub. 2 2020 Issue 6

Your Employee Has Tested Positive for COVID-19 ... NOW WHAT MARTA SILAKKA, RN, BSN, CCM, COHN-S NURSE CASE MANAGER, NHADA — WCT 1. NHADA COVID Playbook: 2. Everything You Need to Know About Screening 3. New Hampshire COVID-19 General Travel and Quarantine Guidance & Employer Screening and Exclusion Criteria: 4. CDC Cleaning and Disinfection Tips: 5. Updates to Covid-19 Guidelines and FFCRA Benefits https://bit.ly/32vzgyi https://bit.ly/2IjfJtU https://bit.ly/35lQaBx https://bit.ly/35gknBM https://bit.ly/2JRdAX1 I wish I could say this is not a question we are getting here at NHADA-WCT but not only are we getting it; we are getting it more frequently. The number of pos- itive cases in New Hampshire are increasing. Experts warned of a “second wave” and of the complicating factor of the flu and further compounded by the cool weather moving folks inside. We have seen area businesses have to close temporarily due to staff having tested positive and the media is reporting more each day. Unfortunately, recommendations and guide- lines are not mandatory. People are experiencing “COVID Fatigue” and are just tired of following the recommendations of the experts. This is a crucial time in the pandemic and we have to remain vigilant. We have heard of businesses doing a good job screening their employees and applaud those who are working hard to prevent the spread. We are here for our members during this pandemic and are ready with the most up to date information from all available sources from the State of New Hampshire to the Centers for Disease Control. An amazing resource that should be printed and kept close by is the New Hampshire COVID-19 General Travel and Quarantine Guidance, & Employer Screening and Exclusion Criteria (linked at left) that was updated November 12, 2020. Per these guide- lines you should be screening your employees every day when they arrive at work before they are allowed to work. These guidelines are used as a reference for this article. One of your employees informs you they have just tested positive for COVID-19; now what? 1. If they have come to work to tell you they tested positive or find out while they are at work; they need to leave the work place immediately. People who have tested positive should have or will be contacted by the state for contact tracing. They should also be in contact with their primary care provider who will offer assistance for their care. D R I V E 8