As more information about COVID-19 becomes available, many employers want to know how they can safely return employees back to work. Here’s a quick guide. (revised 7/20/20 per CDC recommendations)
Positive COVID-19 Test WITH Symptoms
At least 24 hours have passed since fever free (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and
Improvement in symptoms and
10 days passed since symptoms first appeared
Note: For patients with severe illness, isolation for up to 20 days after symptom onset may be warranted; consult with local infection control experts.
Positive COVID-19 Test WITHOUT Symptoms
Ten days have passed since date of first positive test (assuming symptoms have not developed)
Known COVID-19 Exposure WITHOUT Symptoms and NO TEST
Follow guidance provided by local health department
CDC recommends 14 days of quarantine, based on the time it takes for illness to develop
Important Considerations
As of July 29, 2020, the CDC no longer recommends test-based strategies for return to work.
Severity or absence of symptoms does not indicate where an individual is in the course of the illness.
The above recommendations will prevent most - but not all - instances of secondary spread.
Employers can choose to apply more stringent criteria to return to work.
Return-to-work physicals can be scheduled at Freeman OccuMed when the above recommendations are followed. Please call 417.347.6959 to schedule your appointment.
