Affinity HR Q&A of the Month

Q: We have an employee whose daughter tested positive for COVID-19.  Her daughter is now feeling better and my employee would like to come back to work, but I want to make sure she is not carrying the virus. What do you advise?

A: That's wonderful news that her daughter is fully recovered.  That said, your employee could still have acquired COVID-19 and may not be showing symptoms yet.  The CDC states that, to be safe, an employee should be quarantined for 14 days from the date of exposure to ensure she isn't infected and contagious.  I would check with your daughter's doctor to determine the date when she would no longer be contagious.  The CDC recommends 2 negative COVID-19 tests taken no less than 24 hours apart to confirm an individual is no longer contagious.  The best bet is to start your employee's 14 day quarantine from the estimated date that the employee's daughter was last contagious. If possible, have her work at home in the meantime and wear protective gear (masks, gloves) when in public. As always, keep checking the CDC site as their recommendations are changing as they learn more about the virus.  Stay healthy!