By now you should have received two University-wide emails about the H1N1 influenza virus. This is a unique situation for the University to manage while ensuring adherence to daily business operations, policies, consistency and safety, etc. Managers and supervisors are expected to consult with Extension HR before making any decisions relating to this situation, including office closings or changes to tracking employee leaves of absence.
Also, managers and supervisors should explain to other employees who have been in contact with an employee exhibiting flu symptoms that they may have been exposed and that they should monitor their health closely. There is no need to identify the ill employee. The reason for telling faculty and staff about possible exposure is so that those with underlying medical vulnerabilities such as pregnancy or chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or emphysema can consult their physician. While supervisors cannot require staff members calling in sick to disclose the nature of their illness in this situation please ask if the symptoms are flu-like. Remember to follow appropriate FMLA and/or disability policies should the absence for illness become prolonged.
Extension HR will continue to receive instructions from central administration regarding workplace management as this situation develops. Please contact Extension HR with questions: Leslee Mason, Jo Ann Hardy, or David Werner.
Leslee Mason
Human Resources Director
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