Travel and Quarantine Policy updates include early return to work process after asymptomatic quarantine

Penn State Health and the College of Medicine have updated the Quarantine and Travel policy, effective Jan. 4, 2021, to include a process to clear employees for an early return to the workplace following an asymptomatic quarantine.

The policy also defines the terms “quarantine” and “isolation:”

• Quarantine: keeps someone who was in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 away from others.
• Isolation: keeps someone who is sick or tested positive for COVID-19 without symptoms away from others, even in their own home.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain our critical staffing needs for systemwide patient care, all Penn State Health and the College of Medicine employees must follow all safety policies, guidelines and protocols in place.

Employees should regularly review the Quarantine and Travel policy and COVID-19 resources and guidelines on the Infonet.

Safety reminders for all employees:

Employees should contact their manager or supervisor with questions or concerns.

• Stay home if you feel sick.
• Work from home when possible.
• Monitor yourself every day for changes in your health and symptoms of COVID-19. See your doctor if you experience symptoms.
• Follow the on-site workplace screening protocol.
• Masks are required indoors and outdoors.
• Maintain social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet apart.
• Workplace gatherings of any kind are prohibited in any workplace location, including but not limited to break areas, conference rooms, offices, practice sites and administrative areas.
• Avoid public places, especially indoor restaurants and bars. Skip events that do not adhere to masking, gathering and social distancing guidance..
• Wash your hands often, use hand sanitizer and avoid touching your face.
• Avoid travel— both domestic and international. Employees must notify managers and supervisors of international travel plans.
• Avoid gatherings, crowds and large group activities with people outside of your household.
• Avoid contact with anyone exhibiting COVID-19-like symptoms or with someone who is positive or suspected to have COVID-19.

Policies and Resources:

• Penn State Health and the College of Medicine Travel and Quarantine policy. Penn State Health COVID-19 Resources
• College of Medicine COVID-19 Resources
• Meeting, Training, and Gathering Guidelines
• WELL Pay and CARE Pay Special Pay options due to COVID-19 illness/quarantine. Subject to employee adherence to safety protocol and travel and quarantine policy.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Guidelines

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