Complete Story
04/28/2020
COVID-19 Symptoms Assessment & Testing requirements
At the end of the day, we all realize it is very difficult to determine if someone has COVID-19 without a test. The EEOC has now stated that it is allowable for a company to require an employee to have a COVID-19 test. The guidance is not specific about what will trigger the need to test. Adriane Harrison with PIA recommends the following circumstances to require employee COVID-19 testing – and keep in mind you may find situations where testing is justified that is not on the list:
- Employee has been sick and has had some COVID-19 symptoms
- Employee has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and is ready to return to work (Adriane would require two negative test results that were taken approximately 72 hours apart)
- Employee is living with or quarantined with a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is sick with symptoms of the virus
- Employee has been in very close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (touching or closer than 6 feet for longer than a brief encounter)
Up until now, employee health status has been monitored by taking temperatures and asking about cough and shortness of breath. The CDC has released a list of six additional symptoms that people who contract COVID-19 may develop between 2 and 14 days after exposure. They are:
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore Throat
- New loss of taste or smell
In addition, people with COVID-19 may experience gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Because the EEOC is now allowing employers to ask about symptoms that are provided by the CDC, public health authorities, or a reputable medical provider. Here is a list of symptoms that, at this time based on my review, an employer is allowed to ask employees if they are experiencing.
1. Fever
2. Dry cough
3. Shortness of breath
4. Chills
5. Repeated Shaking with chills
6. Muscle pain
7. Headache
8. Sore Throat
9. New loss of taste or smell
10. Nausea
11. Diarrhea
12. Vomiting
As with all medical-related information, you should keep this information confidential on a need-to-know basis and retain it in a HIPAA-protected location.
