Utah Department of Health Announces a New Shortened Quarantine Period for Business Exposures to COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, employees may have more than one exposure to COVID-19. Being asked to quarantine multiple times can place a tremendous financial burden on both employers and employees. Individuals may be reluctant to quarantine if they fear losing their job or not having enough money to pay for their living expenses.
The Utah Department of Health is now recommending a shortened quarantine based on new data, science and the need to balance compliance and economic impact of quarantine guidelines in the workplace. The guidance assumes all employers and employees are complying with the statewide mask mandate, which requires all employees and contractors to wear a face mask while at work. This guidance is similar to the “low risk test and return” quarantine guidelines K-12 schools are now following in Utah.
This quarantine guidance only applies to workplace worksite exposures. It does not apply to household contacts or exposures in an employee’s personal life.
NEW GUIDANCE:
An employee may return to work 7-days after the last date of exposure if all of the following criteria are satisfied:
- The employee’s exposure was in the workplace;
- The employee can produce a negative COVID-19 test that was administered at least 7-days after the last date of exposure; and
- The employee is not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
An employer is not required to permit an employee to come back using these new shortened quarantine guidelines and may elect to continue to follow the full 14-day quarantine process. The Utah Department of Health Business Manual will be updated later today with this new guidance.
If members have questions or concerns regarding this new guidance feel free to reach out to a member of the association staff.
