Fulton County Reopening Update
Watch: What Employees Need To Know
Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the County Manager are very happy to welcome the Fulton Family back to work in County facilities. 
 
Workplace safety, always a top priority, has taken on a new meaning with the arrival of COVID-19. As a result, we are looking to do as much as possible to safeguard staffers and customers by providing guidance on how we operate.
 
Returning to Work in Fulton County – A Safety Training Course   is an integral and mandatory component of our reopening plan. All employees are required to view this course, prior to their scheduled return to County facilities.  This training course lays out the policies and procedures that will be enforced at facilities.
 
Please remember, in order to receive credit for participating in the webinar, employees must complete the following survey  after  they’ve participated in the webinar

Government Center Employee Entrances
Fulton County employees may enter the Government Center facility through the Peachtree Street entrance or the Pryor Street entrance.

Please show your employee ID badge and expect to have your temperature taken before entering the facility.

This applies to the entrance at Peachtree Street near Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive only at this time. Please do not enter through the Public Safety Building entrance.
Special Fulton Today
In this special Fulton Today, Fulton reopens more services to the public, more free COVID-19 testing becomes available, and the Tax Commissioner predicts when tax bills will be in the mail.

Reopening Frequently Asked Questions
1.      What steps are being taken by Fulton County to ensure the safety of employees as they return to work?

Fulton County has purchased personal protective equipment (PPE), including face coverings and hand sanitizer, as well as modified its sanitization procedures. Additionally, the County has implemented recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in its “ Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019".

2.      I have been directed to report back to work, but I still have childcare issues. What options are available to me if I am unable to telework?
 
Administrative leave will continue to be available to employees for COVID-19 related absences through June 15, 2020. After June 15, 2020, employees can use leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSLA”), which provides up to 80 hours of paid leave (which will not be deducted from an employee’s accrued leave banks) to an employee who is unable to work (or telecommute) for COVID-19 related reasons. In addition, the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“FMLA+”) amends the FMLA to provide paid leave to an employee who is unable to work (or telework) due to a need to care for the employee’s son or daughter (under 18 years of age) if the child’s elementary or secondary school or place of care has been closed, or the childcare provider is unavailable, because of COVID-19.

3.      Can I refuse to be tested for COVID-19? 

Yes, however, Fulton County remains committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for its employees. You, therefore, will not be permitted to enter the workplace until you have taken the test and received your test results, and it has been determined that your presence in the workplace will not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. Any employee who refuses to take the test will not be permitted to report to work or to utilize accrued leave to cover his/her absence. Without an approved accommodation, the employee will placed in a leave without pay status for up to five business days. At the end of this period, the employee may face disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal for job abandonment, in accordance with applicable Fulton County policies and procedures.

4.      I have an underlying medical condition that prevents me from being able to wear a face covering. Will I be excused from the requirement to wear a face covering while at work?

If you are unable to comply with any of the safety measures that are being implemented by Fulton County due to a disability or your personal religious beliefs, you may contact the Fulton County Department of Diversity and Civil Rights Compliance (DCRC) at (404) 612-7305 for information regarding requesting an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII).

5.      My job functions are suitable for telecommuting and I have the necessary equipment and resources to do so. Will I still be required to report to the office?
 
Consistent with the Telecommuting Policy and Procedure (335-16), each department head has the authority and discretion to approve or deny requests to telecommute based on operational need and other objective criteria including proven ability to perform, high job knowledge, ability to establish clear objectives, flexibility, ability to work independently, and dependability. 

6.      What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

First, you should immediately contact your department’s HR Liaison to request emergency paid sick leave under the EPSLA. You will be required to complete an Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act Request Form along with supporting documentation. You should then contact the County’s third party FMLA vendor, Sedgwick, at 888-436-9530 or via the company’s employee portal at timeoff.sedgwick.com , to determine your eligibility and qualification for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). 

7.      Will the results of my COVID-19 test be disclosed to Fulton County?

Be advised that, in accordance with the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), positive test results will be provided confidentially to the Georgia Department of Public Health, and the fact that you have taken the test, but not the result of your test, will be provided to Fulton County. If you do test positive and need that information forwarded to HR for absence reporting purposes, you will need to provide the Board of Health with a separate written authorization to release your test results to Fulton County.
Fulton County's Reopening Plan is proceeding with Phase III underway. Modified openings include Fulton County Courts and Tax Commissioner offices, Behavioral Health and Tax Assessor offices.

Facilities that Reopened to the public June 15 include:

  • Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor Street, Atlanta
  • South Fulton Service Center, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, Atlanta, GA 30349
  • North Fulton Service Center, Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
  • Customer Service Center at Maxwell Road
  • Greenbriar Mall Tax Commissioner’s Office

New safety measures underway include:

  • COVID-19 Testing for employees before returning to work.
  • Re-orientation from the Human Resources Department about new practices and procedures
  • Employee health attestations
  • Review and modifications of employee work schedules as needed
  • Cleaning & Decluttering of all work spaces
  • Modifications to some work spaces to ensure social distancing
  • New signage and social distancing markers in all facilities
  • Issuance of Personal Protective Equipment to employees
  • Temperature screenings for employees and the public
Freshments Markets Modifications
The Freshments Markets located at the Pryor Street Government Center, the Justice Center Tower, and the Juvenile Justice Center are back open with some precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Freshments employees must wear masks and gloves at all times.
  • Social distancing signs are displayed to ensure guidelines are followed.
  • High touch areas will be sanitized frequently.
  • Chick Fil A at the Justice Center Tower is not available at this time.
  • Freshments at Juvenile Justice Center now only offers vending services.
  • Foods served in open containers will not be served at this time including: hot dogs, waffles, muffins, and bagels.
  • Cash is currently not accepted. Only debit or credit cards may be used.
  • Tables have been removed and relocated to maintain social distancing.
  • Kiosks have been spaced out.
COMING SOON: Diversity Dialogues:
“I, Too, Am America”
As the world struggles in the grip of a novel virus, painfully historic conflicts about race and systemic racism are erupting with overwhelming force.  These are painful, mournful times. Public service has never been more challenging or demanding. We are weary and worn, but be assured, we are not broken. We can meet this moment of inhumanity with love, empathy, compassion and a commitment to justice. 

Fulton County Government’s steadfast allegiance to the principles of fairness, equal opportunity and inclusion shine as an eternal beacon of light in this moment of darkness. We are confronting a history we did not choose, but we will decide the future. “As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world…as in being able to remake ourselves” (Mahatma Gandhi). By working together, we will recover from our challenges, rebuild what we have lost and re-imagine what we can become.

Soon DCRC, in collaboration with the Department of Human Resources Management and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, will begin a virtual dialogue series to explore the American experience from the perspective of diverse racial, religious and ethnic groups. In this safe space, participants will engage in discussions about access, equality and inclusion for all. Specific details about the series are forthcoming.
We look forward to building the future with you.
Employee Assistance Program Articles
The Employee Assistance Program has provided information and tips on various topics to help employees as they deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Click on the links below to read the articles:

Human Resources Guidance Relative to COVID-19
These frequently asked questions (FAQs) , which supersede and replace the guidance previously issued on April 10, 2020, are applicable to all departments that report directly to the Fulton County Manager. 

It is highly recommended that elected officials, who are appointing authorities or department heads that report directly to a Board, follow these parameters and/or contact the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) and/or County Attorney’s office for guidance, if they seek to implement a protocol inconsistent with these guidelines. 

Fulton County will continue to monitor the situation and provide guidance as more information becomes available. These FAQs are subject to change as the COVID-19 situation develops. The County reserves the right to rescind or modify this guidance at any time.

Reopening Employee Leave Options
COVID-19 Testing Opportunities within Fulton County
Walk-Up Site:
Center for Health and Rehabilitation
265 Boulevard
Atlanta, Georgia 30312
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Drive-Thru Sites:
4700 North Point Pkwy
Alpharetta, Georgia 30005
Hours: Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Wolf Creek Amphitheater
3025 Merck Rd S.W.
College Park, Georgia 30349
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For any location, appointments are encouraged but walk-ups are accepted. Call 404-613-8150 to schedule an appointment. The COVID-19 Hotline hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Upcoming Webinars
Green Cleaning Webinar
UGA Extension Fulton County, Fulton County Library System and Fulton County Wellness Committee are hosting an online green cleaning workshop.

Employees are encourage to watch the webinar on Wednesday, June 24 at 6 p.m. To register for the event email Employeewellness@fultoncountyga.gov
Employee Assistance Program Webinars
Employees are encouraged to take part in upcoming webinars including:

June 23 – Building Good Credit and Improving your Credit Score
June 25 – Relaxation to Suit Your Lifestyle
June 30 – Managing Strong Emotions

Check out the For Employees section of the website for more information on accessing these webinars
Join Fulton County's Employee Facebook Group
Don't forget to join the Fulton County Employee Facebook Group. This is a closed group managed by the Department of External Affairs specifically for Fulton County employees.

You can find the group on Facebook by copying and pasting this link https://www.facebook.com/groups/259798841696258 or
searching for "Fulton County Employee."

Employees who wish to join this group will be asked to provide their name, department, and work email. Each employee will be authenticated using the Outlook Directory before being given access to the group.
Cyber Security Awareness Training
Cyber security awareness training for all users of Fulton County computer systems will be made available until December 15, 2020. This training is provided through a partnership with Knowbe4.

With growing health concerns related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), cybercriminals are sending out scores of phishing emails with sensational subject lines aimed at getting victims to click before they think.

Fulton County Information Technology's goal is to equip Fulton County employees with the knowledge needed to keep cybercriminals at bay and help protect the county’s network and computer systems.

All employees will receive an email with a link to take the online course. If you've taken the course before, your login information will be the same. Instructions for new users will be provided in the email.

Need More Info? Have Questions? Contact FCIT.Security@fultoncountyga.gov or the helpdesk at 404-612-7334.
Pound the Pavement Step Challenge
Challenge runs from June 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020. Ready, Set, Go!
Email employeewellness@fultoncountyga.gov with any questions.