FAQ’s Regarding COR Staff Response to COVID-19
From the Office of Emergency Management
Question:
1. How are front-line employees to respond if a citizen or employee reports that they have come in contact with someone who has been exposed to a COVID-19 positive person?
Answer:
If an employee reports that he/she has been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, he/she should self-isolate for 14 days. If, during that time the employee develops a fever and symptoms, such as a cough or difficulty breathing, the employee should call his/her healthcare provider for medical advice.
Question:
2. What is the difference between essential (Alpha) and non-essential (Beta) personnel?
Answer:
During the event of a City closure, essential (Alpha) personnel must continue to report to work; whereas, non-essential (Beta) personnel are encouraged to self-isolate and remain home. Some Alpha employees may be allowed to telework from their homes. If you are unsure of your classification, contact your supervisor immediately.
Question:
3. What Rapids code should I use in the event of a City closure?
Answer:
COVID-19-Closure is a leave type that will be used if there is a City closure and an employee is otherwise unable to perform work duties (non-essential/Beta employees). An employee meeting this criteria should use the leave type COVID-19-Closure.
This leave type does not utilize the vacation or sick leave balance of an employee.
This leave type does not apply to employees who work remotely or have otherwise been designated as essential (Alpha) personnel.
Question:
4. I am scheduled to attend a business trip. Should I still go?
Answer:
No, a moratorium has been placed on all City-related travel. Please work to recoup any costs related to near-future travel arrangements and record the expenses for potential reimbursement later. Additionally, the City echoes the advice of the CDC and encourages the postponement of personal travel at this time.
Question: UPDATED.
5. What if I have symptoms related to COVID-19 or need to care for an immediate family member who has symptoms related to COVID-19?
Answer:
In accordance with a new law signed by President Trump on March 18th, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, effective April 1, 2020, employees must be allowed 80 hours of leave for COVID-19-related illnesses, self-quarantine, if caring for a relative who is in quarantine or isolation or who has symptoms, and having to care for a son or daughter whose child care/school is closed. COVID-Sick Leave after April 1, 2020, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, will not be charged to the employee’s sick or vacation leave balances.
Question
6. What if my child or immediate family member is sick with COVID-19? Should I use the new COVID-19 Sick Leave type?
Answer: UPDATE
Yes, In accordance with a new law signed by President Trump on March 18th, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, effective April 1, 2020, employees must be allowed 80 hours of leave for COVID-19-related illnesses, self-quarantine, if caring for a relative who is in quarantine or isolation or who has symptoms, or having to care for a son or daughter whose child care/school is closed. COVID-Sick Leave after April 1, 2020, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, will not be charged to the employee’s sick or vacation leave balances.
Question: UPDATE
7. How many hours can I use for COVID-19-Sick?
Answer:
In accordance with a new law signed by President Trump on March 18th, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, effective April 1, 2020, employees must be allowed 80 hours of leave for COVID-19-related illnesses, self-quarantine, if caring for a relative who is in quarantine or isolation or who has symptoms, or having to care for a son or daughter whose child care/school is closed. COVID-Sick Leave after April 1, 2020, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, will not be charged to the employee’s sick or vacation leave balances.
Question: UPDATE
8. Can someone work from home if they have to stay home due to not having
childcare? Is that something that will be addressed within each department?
Answer: UPDATE
Essential (Alpha) employees with the ability to work from home will be encouraged to do so. However, some City functions or processes may not allow for full-time teleworking. Please work with your supervisor to establish, on a case-by-case basis, how we can ensure a continuity of government services. This may involve flexing schedules or seeking assistance with childcare, please see question #20 for childcare assistance. Individuals who must be out related to COVID-19 (COVID-19 illness/quarantine or lack of childcare) may use COVID-19 Sick Leave.
In accordance with a new law signed by President Trump on March 18th, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, effective April 1, 2020, employees must be allowed 80 hours of leave for COVID-19-related illnesses, self-quarantine, if caring for a relative who is in quarantine or isolation or who has symptoms, or having to care for a son or daughter whose child care/school is closed. COVID-Sick Leave after April 1, 2020, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, will not be charged to the employee’s sick or vacation leave balances.
Question
9. What if someone is self-quarantining if they believe or know they have been
exposed to COVID-19?
Answer:
If an employee reports that he/she has been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, he/she should self-isolate for 14 days. If, during that time the employee develops fever and other symptoms, such as a cough or difficulty breathing, the employee should call their healthcare provider for medical advice.
Question:
10. What if someone has traveled out of the country or out of the state to an area
with a high incidence of positive cases of COVID-19? What does the City of
Richmond want them to do?
Answer:
Based on CDC/VDH guidance, that individual should self-isolate for 14 days.
Question:
11. How will I keep updated on city openings and closures for employees?
Answer:
The City protocol for announcing closures uses a citywide email to all staff, a citywide voicemail to all staff, notifications on the City’s Twitter account (@CityRichmondVA) and Facebook (City of Richmond, VA Government), and a blog post on the homepage of the City’s website. If you have a City desk phone, you can call 646-1500, enter the last 4 digits of your City phone number, and then enter your PIN # to receive City voicemail messages from the Office of the Press Secretary on closures and openings.
Externally, the public is made aware of city closures through a press release and media outreach.
Question:
12. What are the most reliable sources of COVID-19 information?
Answer:
For those who have internet access, the best sources of up-to-date information are the Virginia Department of Health website: www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus and the
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website:
You can also call 877-ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343) for additional information.
Visit the city webpage,www.richmondgov.com/covid19, to learn about the City’s response to the coronavirus.
FAQ’s Extended
Question:
13. What is the City’s healthcare provider doing during this event?
Answer:
Through May 31, 2020, Cigna will waive customers’ out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing-related visits with in-network providers, whether a doctor’s office, urgent care clinic, emergency room, or by virtual care options such as talking with a doctor/clinician 24/7 by phone, tablet, or computer.
You can also use the following link to: http://www.explainmybenefits.biz/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cigna-Telehealth-with-Behavioral-Health-Presentation.pdf
Through May 31, 2020, Cigna will make it easier for customers with immunosuppression, chronic conditions, or who are experiencing transportation challenges to be treated virtually in-network.
Cigna will ensure delivery of your medications. There is no need to order refills earlier than usual or to stock up. Cigna is available at any time to answer your calls, provide support, and assist your providers. If you have general questions about your benefits and coverage, call 1-855-287-8400.
Question:
14. Can employees with symptoms of COVID-19 be excluded from the workplace?
Answer:
Yes. Employees should not report to work with COVID-19-like symptoms (per CDC or VDH symptoms for COVID-19) or if they have been quarantined. Some employees will develop symptoms of the COVID-19 virus while at work. These individuals must notify their supervisor, immediately leave the workplace, and should not return to work after the onset of symptoms until the time period recommended by the CDC. If the employee is too ill to drive themselves home, the supervisor shall arrange for alternate transportation to their home or to medical services, if required.
Question:
15. Can I telecommute?
Answer:
Department Directors/Appointing Authorities will use their discretion to identify positions where teleworking/telecommuting is possible and are encouraged to consider creative telework options for essential employees. The Department of Information Technology is coordinating with departments to identify available resources and establish centralized systems.
Question:
16. How will previously-scheduled vacations and planned absences be handled?
Answer:
During a declared public health emergency, vacation leaves and planned absences (e.g., training or conferences) for many City employees will be canceled until further notice. The priority for the City will be to ensure continued delivery of essential services, and reduced manpower may hamper those efforts.
Question:
17. What if I believe I have COVID-19 due to an occupational exposure?
Answer:
If an employee believes that he/she has COVID-19 as a result of occupational exposure while performing duties on City business during a public health emergency, the employee should follow the normal procedures to complete a Worker's Compensation claim form. Claims will be investigated and adjudicated in accordance with requirements of the Virginia Worker’s Compensation Commission.
Question:
18. If I am currently a non-essential employee (Beta), can I be designated as an essential (Alpha).
Answer:
Yes. As the City continues to ensure continuity of services, non-essential (Beta) employees may be designated as essential (Alpha) employees for the remainder of the event. This designation will be sent from the department Director to the employee and the designation will be limited to those processes needed during the event. Schedules may change to reflect only the time needed to complete the essential task.
Question:
19. Administrative Regulation 1.5 –Emergencies and Closings, states: “Employees may also be granted additional time or compensation, on an hour-for-hour basis, for all hours worked during the emergency.”
Will I receive additional compensation for working during the City closing?
Answer:
Yes. The Administration is proud of the public servants who ensure the continuity of City services for Richmond residents and community’s. At the conclusion of the event additional compensation will be made available to all essential non-exempt personnel.
Question: UPDATE
20. What options exist for childcare for essential personnel?
If you are an alpha employee who cannot work from home, then you are encouraged to seek emergency childcare for essential personnel.
Two options exist for children ages 5-14:
- In partnership with the City Of Richmond, the YMCA of Greater Richmond is operating five emergency childcare sites across the region for children of essential personnel. Program hours are 6am-6pm, and the program costs $15 per child per day; $10 for each additional child. Children must bring lunch and a morning snack; afternoon snack will be provided. More information and registration is available here: https://www.ymcarichmond.org/camp-hope/
- Starting April 6, the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and Richmond Public Schools will be opening emergency childcare sites for children of essential local government personnel. Program hours will be 7am-6pm, and the program will be free of cost. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Please contact RVASPECIALEVENTS@richmondgov.com for registration information.
For children younger than five:
- YWCA Richmond has reopened its downtown preschool to offer emergency childcare for children 18 months to five years old. Program hours are 7am-6pm, and the program costs $250 per child per week. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and diapers/pull-ups are provided. There is a sliding scale fee as well as full scholarships available for families who qualify. Please apply through sprout@ywcarichmond.org
- Child Care Aware of Virginia is maintaining an up-to-date database of all infant and toddler centers that are open across the state during the COVID-19 crisis. You may search for care options online ( https://vachildcare.com/find-quality-childcare/ ), call 866-543-7852, or email KasharaL@va.childcareaware.org for individualized assistance.
