Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- What preventive measures should I take?
District employees should adhere to safety measures including maintaining social distancing to the fullest extent possible, wearing a protective face covering such as a mask or face shield, and frequent hand washing. District employees should also conduct a daily health check utilizing the Staff Self-Screener Tool , and stay home from work if not feeling well.
- What do I do if I am a Confirmed or Suspected Case, or if I am a Contact of a Confirmed/Expected Case?
Employees should refer to the appropriate Confirmed-,Suspected-,Contact-Flow Charts for specific guidance. Anytime an employee has had a confirmed positive test, is symptomatic, or has been in contact with a confirmed or suspected case, they should immediately contact their immediate supervisor for specific instructions on appropriate steps.
- What are my leave options if I have to quarantine or isolate for a COVID-related reason?
Please refer to the chart that is included in the Confirmed-,Suspected-,Contact-Flow Charts document for various leave options for staff members.
- What should I do if I am in need of a leave or accommodation due to having an underlying condition that puts me at higher risk?
Any need to take a professional leave of absence or to have a reasonable accommodation made based on health reasons should be first discussed between the employee and their healthcare provider. Appropriate medical certification will be required to determine if the employee has an ADA qualifying disability that would require a reasonable workplace accommodation or leave of absence is warranted. If an employee believes they qualify for an accommodation or leave, they should contact the Assistant Superintendent’s office or the Administrative Assistant for Human Resources ([email protected]) to arrange a meeting.
- How will my privacy be protected if I am a Confirmed or Suspect case?
Through the District’s contact tracing efforts, which follow all CDC and Department of Health guidelines, the privacy of all parties involved is protected at all times. Identifying information will only be shared with employees with a need to know (supervising administrators and appropriate district health professionals). Potential contacts will be informed that they have potentially been exposed to a confirmed or suspected individual, but names will not be shared.
- Will I be informed if I was in contact with an individual at work who is a Confirmed or Suspected case?
Any members of the school community that are identified as a contact of a confirmed or probable case will be notified as such, as well as being notified as the appropriate steps that must be taken based on CDC and DOH guidance, while protecting the confidentiality of the individual who is the confirmed or probable case.
Telemedicine Option:
South Western's health care plan includes the ability to use Telemedicine through American Well (AmWell) and/or Doctors on Demand (DoD). This may be an appealing medical consultation option for employees, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the district's QHDHP, the deductible has to be met first and then members would pay a $20 copay for Telemedicine services. However, in response to the national COVID-19 pandemic, Highmark is expanding the scope of the cost-share relief program for contracted telemedicine services and virtual medical visits. The Program will waive cost-sharing and copayments on all services under AmWell or DoD (general medicine, behavioral health and telederm) for 90 days. If you are unsure how to contact a telemedicine provider, please call the Highmark customer service number on the back of your ID card.
Telemedicine Options; Further Information: