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EEOC Announces COVID-19 Guidelines For Sick Employees

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, employers are now able to dive into an employee’s symptoms, should they call in sick. Employers may ask all employees who physically remain in the office if they have COVID-19 or symptoms associated with COVID-19.

In addition, employers are allowed to measure employees’ body temperature. However, should an employee have a fever, it is required that the employer keep that information confidential under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Additional advice from the EEOC includes: 

  • The ADA can’t interfere with employers following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention of Public Health authorities. 
  • An employer may send an employee home if they have COVID-19 or symptoms. 
  • Employers may follow the CDC, state, and local public health authorities’ advice regarding the information needed to permit an employee’s return to the workplace after visiting a specified location, whether for business or personal reasons. 
  • Employers and employees “are encouraged to use interim solutions to enable employees to keep working as much as possible.”
  • Although some individuals with COVID-19 do not have fevers, employers may conduct medical exams after making a conditional employment offer. 
  • Employers may delay the start date of a new hire with COVID-19 or show symptoms of the disease. 
  • Employers can withdraw a job offer when the applicant needs to start immediately, but the individual has COVID-19 or symptoms. 

Partner With GMS!

The last thing you want is an employee to come to work with COVID-19 or symptoms. By following the new guidelines enforced by the EEOC, you are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of your employees. When partnering with GMS, you are provided access to many benefits and resources to assist with these efforts. As part of our premier employee benefits administration services, we provide clients with access to Telehealth. Telemedicine can save you and your employees time and money by having access to a licensed physician virtually. Should your employees feel sick, they can call or video chat with a physician and investigate the root of the problem, ultimately limiting the exposure to COVID-19. Learn more.