The Linn County Board of Supervisors passed temporary employment policies for the county’s workers on Monday, including paid leave, as a result of COVID-19.
The temporary policy also ensures “the continuity of Linn County government services.” Most county buildings have closed to the public, but people can contact Linn County departments by phone or email. Some employees will have the option to work from home.
The measures taken by Linn County are consistent with recommendations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Under the new policy, county employees will not be required to use their accrued sick leave or other accrued paid leave under certain conditions relating to COVID-19, including:
• If an employee tests positive for COVID-19 and must therefore stay home per their doctor’s and/or Iowa Department of Public Health’s orders.
• If an employee is quarantined per their doctor’s, Iowa Department of Public Health and/or the Center for Disease Control orders due to suspected exposure with COVID-19
• If an employee has been exposed to someone who has the virus and needs to be tested.
• If an employee is needed to care for a family member who has the virus or has been in contact with someone who has the virus.
• If an employee has traveled to an area that is on a restricted travel list (domestic or international) in effect on the planned date of return.
The employee will remain on paid status for up to 14 calendar days if the above criteria is met.
There are circumstances where employees will be required to use their accrued sick leave, but it is expected this will only be until Wednesday, March 25.
“On April 2, the federal law is requiring that employees meeting the circumstances currently in our Section VII be employer paid and not required to use their own sick leave,” Linn County spokesperson Joi Alexander said in an email. “Linn County’s HR director is recommending the Board of Supervisors approve this change for County employees on Wednesday instead of waiting until April 2 out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety and health of the County government workforce.”
The circumstances currently not covered by paid leave but would be if the board passes the recommendation include:
• An employee showing potential virus symptoms or and who has consulted with a health care provider and submits proof of such consultation.
• An employee who chooses to self-isolate due to an underlying health condition or age, or that of a spouse or dependent, and submits a recommendation for the self-isolation from a health care provider.
• An employee who needs to stay home to care for a family member due to the closing of a school or child/adult daycare. An employee choosing this option may be subject to callback in order to maintain minimum staffing levels at 24/7 operations and county-designated essential services.
