Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t feel well?
As with any illness, employees who are ill should stay home and, if warranted, seek medical attention. Employees should follow normal call-in procedures and protocols for their department and report time away from work in accordance with University policy. If you believe you have been exposed to coronavirus, you should follow this additional guidance from the CDC.
An employee in the department appears to be ill. Can I, as the supervisor, send the employee home?
You can suggest that the employee go home or seek medical treatment, but you should not mandate that the employee leave the workplace. If the employee chooses to go home, they should report time away from work in accordance with University policy.
My employee has not reported to work or called in absent. What should I do?
The absence of an employee from work (except those employees recently traveled from a Level 3 Country) should be handled the same as any other absence, following your normal procedures when an employee fails to appear for work.
As a supervisor, can I post information on how to properly wash hands or provide hand sanitizer to employees, etc.?
Absolutely. The University has a Germs are Everywhere campaign that can be used for this purpose.
What if I have recently traveled from a Level 3 Country?
The fact that you have traveled, in and of itself, is not cause for concern. In accordance with guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health, all persons returning from a CDC Travel Notice 3 nation should remain at home and self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of departure, avoid congregate settings, limit public activities and practice social distancing. If you are returning to the United States in this circumstance, the University asks that you not return to campus during the self-quarantine period. It is imperative that, when you reach your final destination, you contact your local health department. Your health department will advise you on steps you can take to protect your health and the health of your community. Employees in this situation should contact Human Resources immediately to provide documentation of the self-quarantine and to discuss potential options for work from home and/or benefit usage.
I have a trip scheduled to a country that is currently at Level 2. Can I still take the trip?
The University has restricted all business/professional travel to countries currently at a Level 2 or higher in accordance with CDC Travel Advisorieshttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html. Although the University cannot restrict your personal travel, you are encouraged to review those CDC travel advisories before making any final decisions regarding your personal travel.
I am not sick, but I am concerned about being exposed to illness if I come to work. Can I stay home?
Employees in this situation are expected to follow existing departmental policy by requesting time off from their supervisor. Approval will be at the supervisor’s discretion in order to meet operational needs.
I am concerned about being exposed to illness if I come to work. Will the University provide me with a mask to wear so I don’t get sick?
No. The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask. The best way to prevent respiratory disease, including the coronavirus, is to use everyday preventive actions.
What if I have more questions?
In addition to the information provided here, the University has developed a coronavirus webpage to keep faculty, staff and students updated on this evolving situation. It contains information specific to ISU as well as links to information from various national and international agencies monitoring this situation. You are encouraged to visit these sites on regular basis to obtain the most up-to-date information as these sites are being updated as new or changing information becomes available.