COVID-19 Protocols - COVID/PAY

FAQ’s

What is defined as the 1ST day of COVID- Pay?
Cal/OSHA, ETS (TORO) require that employees promptly inform employer of possible symptoms related to COVID-19, such as…
• Experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking a medical diagnosis and, advised by a health care professional to self-quarantine due to concerns related to Covid-19.
• A person who is exposed to someone with COVID-19 (confirmed) is required to report immediately to Toro. Once this information is shared by the employee to a Toro Safety Manager/ Supervisor and is instructed to not come to work, this will then be recorded as the 1st Day. 

Are the use of Over-The-Counter Test acceptable?
• The use of Over-The-Counter test are not acceptable, (although, are a good place to start) Testing performed by a regulated testing site ONLY, will be accepted. Tests such as a Rapid Antigen Test also a Molecular test (also known as PCR tests) which is more sensitive and more accurate. If you are symptomatic and your tests are still negative you should consult with your healthcare provider whether an additional molecular test would help with your care and when you should discontinue home isolation. ONLY A POSITIVE TEST RESULT WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR COVID-Pay. (Ref. https://www.cdc.gov/COVID19 for regulated testing)

 What is the return-to-work criteria?
• You have had no fever for at least 24 hours (that is one full day with no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fever and, other symptoms have improved (for example when you cough or shortness of breath has improved.)
• At least 5 days have passed since your symptoms have first appeared or your exposure to a Confirmed Positive Person.
• Loss of taste or smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation or quarantine. A negative test is not required to return to the workplace as a positive test result may occur for weeks or months after recovery.

Frank Borjon
SAFETY MANGER