Greetings and thank you for all that you are doing for our community during the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis. 

As we move deeper into the health related issues impacting the work environment, please read the information we have received from Meritus Health on how to address concerns with employees and staff that may have contracted or come in contact with the virus.

Specific to your employees, please note the following:

  • For individuals who have recently tested POSITIVE for the Coronavirus (COVID 19)- Meritus Health physicians advise that he/she be quarantined at home and follow appropriate medical guidelines as has been advised. For now, this includes at least 7 days since onset of symptoms, with improvement of symptoms, and no fever for at least 72 hours without fever reducing medications. Please make appropriate accommodations in the interim including ‘’telework’’ if possible. Based upon available literature, it appears that the vast majority of patients that recover and are symptom free would be able to safely return to work at that time. 

  • For individuals who have recently tested NEGATIVE for the Coronavirus (COVID 19), however have symptoms likely from another viral illness, Meritus Health advises that the individual could return to work with improved symptoms and no fever for 24 hours without fever reducing medications

  • For individuals who have Upper Respiratory symptoms and have not been tested for COVID 19, this individual has been advised to self-quarantine and take appropriate steps. This period is typically 7 days from the onset of symptoms and fever free for 72 hours without fever reducing medications. We are requesting that you make reasonable accommodations as possible including ‘’telework’’.

  • Employees do not need to have a negative COVID test in order to return to work.  

For additional health information and updates on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) click on this link: https://www.meritushealth.com/patients-visitors/public-notice .
 
Sincerely,
Paul Frey, IOM
President and CEO
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
For up-to-date information on COVID-19 Coronavirus and its impact on Washington County, for Maryland State disaster relief fund information, Federal SBA relief fund information, Washington County resources and much more, please visit our homepage, our hagerstown.org/strongtogether. We're here for you!