May 26, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-10) Company Policy
Cleveland Institute of Music (“CIM” or “Institute”) will take proactive steps to protect the workplace during this infectious disease outbreak. It is the goal of CIM to strive to operate effectively and ensure all essential services are provided and that employees are safe within the workplace.

This policy includes the measures we are actively taking to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. You are kindly requested to follow all these rules diligently, to sustain a healthy and safe workplace in this unique environment. It is important that we all respond responsibly and transparently to these health precautions. We assure you that we will always treat your private health and personal data with high confidentiality and sensitivity.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) company policy is susceptible to changes with the introduction of additional governmental guidelines. If so, we will update you as soon as possible by email.

This policy applies to all of our employees (staff and faculty) who physically work in our office or branch locations. We strongly recommend to our remote working personnel to read through this action plan as well, to ensure we collectively and uniformly respond to this challenge.

Daily workplace and physical distancing guidelines:
Before entering the building, all employees will be asked to review a series of screening questions. If your response is yes to any of the questions, you must return home, contact a medical professional and then Human Resources.

If your response is no to all of the questions, you may enter the building and your temperature will be taken by a member of the security team. If you have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher you will be asked to return home, contact a medical professional and then Human Resources. Employees sent home with a fever can return to work when:
  • He or she has had no fever for at least three days without taking medication to reduce fever during that time; AND
  • Any respiratory symptoms (cough and shortness of breath) have improved; AND
  • At least ten days have passed since symptoms began.

Employees may return to work earlier if a doctor confirms that cause of the employee’s fever or other symptoms is not COVID-19 and provides a written release for the employee to return to work.

While in the building, employees must practice the following safety precautions:
  • Wear a mask or face covering at all times unless in the workspace alone.
  • Avoid meeting face-to-face if possible. Employees are encouraged to use Microsoft Teams, telephone or email to conduct business as much as possible, even when participants are in the same building. If face-to-face meetings are necessary, all parties must remain 6 feet apart and wear a mask or face covering.
  • Do not congregate in work rooms, offices, kitchen areas or other areas where people meet or socialize.

Sick leave arrangements:
  • If you have cold symptoms, such as cough/sneezing/fever, or feel poorly, request sick leave or work from home. To request sick leave, contact Human Resources.
  • If you have a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, complete the Positive Results Form and Human Resources will be notified. You can return to the office only after you’ve fully recovered, with a doctor’s note confirming your recovery.

Work from home requests:
  • If you are feeling ill, but you are able to work, you can request work from home from your supervisor.
  • If you have recently returned from international travel, we'll ask you to work from home for 14 calendar days and return to the office only if you are fully asymptomatic. You will also be asked not to come into physical contact with any colleagues during this time.
  • If you’ve been in close contact with someone infected by COVID-19, with high chances of being infected yourself, request work from home. You will also be asked not to come into physical contact with any colleagues during this time.
  • If you’re a parent and you have to stay at home with your children, request work from home. Follow up with your manager or department leader to make arrangements and set expectations.
  • If you need to provide care to a family member infected by COVID-19, request work from home. You’ll only be permitted to return to the office 14 calendar days after your family member has fully recovered, provided that you’re asymptomatic or you have a doctor’s note confirming you don’t have the virus. You will also be asked not to come into physical contact with any colleagues during this time.

Traveling/commuting measures:
  • All work trips and events – both domestic and international – will be canceled/postponed until further notice.
  • If you normally commute to the office by public transportation and do not have other alternatives, please be sure that you physically distance from other passengers, wipe down the area you are sitting, wear a face mask or covering and gloves.
  • If you are planning to travel voluntarily out of the country, we’ll ask you to work from home for 14 calendar days when you return. You will also be asked not to come into physical contact with any colleagues during this time.

General hygiene rules:
  • Wash your hands after using the restroom, before eating and if you cough/sneeze into your hands (follow the 20-second hand washing rule). You can also use the sanitizers you’ll find around the office.
  • Cough/sneeze into your sleeve, preferably into your elbow. If you use a tissue, discard it properly and clean/sanitize your hands immediately.
  • Offices with windows should open them regularly to ventilate.
  • Avoid touching your face, particularly eyes, nose and mouth with your hands to prevent from getting infected.
  • If you find yourself coughing/sneezing on a regular basis, avoid close physical contact with your co-workers and take extra precautionary measures (such as requesting sick leave).

If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact the Senior Director of Human Resources.


Tammie Belton
Senior Director of Human Resources
Tamatha.Belton@cim.edu | 216.795.3119