YOUR WEEKLY EMPLOYEE NEWS UPDATE

AUGUST 30, 2023

UPDATED COVID PROCEDURES

Given the local and national rise in COVID-19 rates, the following COVID guidance will go into effect, as of this week.

Employees with COVID-19 infection must be well enough and willing to return to work and must meet the following criteria:

• At least five (5) days have passed since the test date (day 0)
• At least 24 hours have passed since the last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications
• Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved
• Return-to-work testing is not required
• Employees must wear an N95/KN95 for 2 weeks after returning to work

Asymptomatic employees who have a higher-risk exposure outside of work should continue to follow their work schedule, with no work restrictions. Following a higher-risk exposure, the employee must:

• Have a series of three viral tests for COVID-19 infection
• Testing is recommended immediately (but not earlier than 24 hours after the exposure) and, if negative, again 48 hours after the first negative test and, if negative, again 48 hours after the second negative test. This will typically be on day 1 (where the day of exposure is day 0), day 3, and day 5
• Wear an N95/KN95 until day 5 screening is complete with a negative result
• Testing is not recommended for asymptomatic people who have recovered from COVID-19 infection in the prior 30 days
• Antigen testing should be considered for those who have recovered in the prior 31-90 days.
• Follow all recommended infection prevention and control practices, including wearing well-fitting source control, monitoring themselves for fever or symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and not reporting to work when ill or if testing positive for COVID-19 infection
• Any employee who develops fever or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should immediately self-isolate and contact their established point of contact (e.g., occupational health program) to arrange for medical evaluation and testing
• Special factors and circumstances may be taken into consideration when determining work restrictions

Please encourage staff vigilance, as an illness due to COVID will require work restriction for 5 days, and will require the use of PTO.

If you have questions about the updated procedures, please talk to your supervisor.

Infinitec is an Internet platform used for various Misericordia employee training purposes.

SHARE YOUR SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS WITH US

Pictured: Nora T (CDS) with her kids: "Every summer my family goes on a camping trip to a new place we have never been. We put away our screens and electronics and enjoy the beauty and wonders of nature. This year we made our way to South Haven, Michigan this year!"

Pictured: Monica T (Marian Center): "I took a trip to Georgia to participate in a filming of DDPY workout. I have been doing DDPY for a year and am just wrapping up a six-month-long fitness challenge that I started in March of 2023 so this was part of my journey with that."

According to Psychology Today, "Engaging in leisure and recreational activities has been found to have significant benefits [...] from managing stress to bolstering our self-esteem."



This quarter we invite everyone to tell us how you've spent your summer. Whether it's taking a cross-country trip, reading a book series, adopting a new pet, cultivating an indoor garden, or anything else that has brought you excitement or peace and relaxation, we want to know!

Send your pictures, name, and a brief description to campusconnections@misericordia.com and we will share them with everyone!

LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO SOLVE PROBLEMS

"It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else."—Erma Bombeck