The vaccine and test mandates were recently found unconstitutional as written and, as a result, FCC will rescind that procedure as well as the requirements that went with it. Information collected will still be treated confidentially and, as before, will be maintained separately from your employee file.
We had ordered a number of individual rapid test kits in anticipation of the rule, and want to make those available for employees. With external testing sites having such high activity levels it was not unusual to have to wait a day or so to get in for testing so our hope is the availability of testing will be a welcome benefit for everyone. Additionally, the federal government has been making test kits and masks available to individuals. You can find sources online to order or for more information.
As you can probably imagine, figuring out the proper steps for those who may had close contact, positive test results, etc. is not just daunting, but it can be a moving target. The updated guidelines from the CDC follow the testing guidelines, and you will find that they are in an easier to read form.
We will continue our efforts to provide a safe work environment for employees and clients, and we are grateful for your help.
January 19, 2022 COVID Update
TESTING
Test kits will be available for employees and residents of Hiawatha Hall in an effort to provide rapid results and determine return to work status. If you have been exposed to somebody who has tested positive or are experiencing symptoms contact your supervisor who can get a test for you and will also assure an Internal Unusual Incident Report is completed. Tests may be taken at work or if you are at home you will have to make arrangements to have a test picked up at the office. You can also choose to set up a test from another entity on your own.
Tests can be picked up from the following:
- Viroqua – Suzie Howe, Mary Jacobson
- Winona – Karrie or Leah
- La Crosse – Rich or Melissa
The following is the latest guidance from the CDC for COVID cases.
Quarantine
If you were exposed….Quarantine and stay away from others when you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Isolate
If you are sick or test positive….Isolate when you are sick or when you have COVID-19, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Calculating Quarantine
The date of your exposure is considered day 0. Day 1 is the first full day after your last contact with a person who has had COVID-19. Stay home and away from other people for at least 5 days.
