Coronavirus (COVID-19) - HR guidance for state agencies
COVID SHR
Contact information
The information here is to help state organizations to prepare for and respond to issues and questions related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We hope this resource helps you make sound decisions in the workplace. We will adjust these guidelines as we learn more about the spread and impacts of the virus. This guidance applies to general government employers. Higher education employers may choose to follow this guidance.
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Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery Guide for State Agencies [PDF] (Version 21 - updated 7/15/2022)
Goals and guidance sent out to state agency leaders and HR Directors to assist in the reopening and ongoing safety of state worksites.
This guidance was distributed to HR Managers on 8/20/20 to help state agencies and managers in those agencies support working parents and caregivers. It includes numerous options to allow flexibility for those state employees with children or other dependents requiring care in the home and other resources and recommendations for supporting employees in light of the ongoing pandemic and school closures.
Additional COVID-19 response guidance
The Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery Guide provides guidance on many areas for organizations to refer to during the COVID-10 pandemic. Please reference the guide if you do not see a specific item addressed below.
See our guidance on options for onboarding, depending on your agencys's needs:
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What we recommend
- If the employee asks to take time off to protect their health and cannot telework, you should allow them to do so.
- If an employee is unwilling to report to the worksite, the employer should work with the employee to explore options. Allow an employee to telework if telework is an option. If telework is not an option, employees may use leave in accordance with the civil service rules or CBA.
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What health and medical organizations strongly recommend |
How Human Resources should respond to each issue |
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You can recommend that the employee review what the CDC and DOH recommends and consult with their health care provider by phone. |
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If the employee asks to take time off to protect their health and cannot telework, you should allow them to do so. |
If an employee is unwilling to report to the worksite, the employer should work with the employee to explore options. Allow an employee to telework if telework is an option. If telework is not an option, employees may use leave in accordance with the civil service rules or CBA. |
Can I ask my employee if they are experiencing symptoms of fever and cough or shortness of breath?
Yes, you may ask them this question. Don’t ask them to disclose if they have an underlying medical condition. If they are experiencing these symptoms, they need to stay home and not come to work for 72 hours after fever is gone and symptoms get better, whichever is longer.
See our guidance on continuing active recruitments, freezing or suspending recruitments, and how to interview candidates during the COVID-19 outbreak:
