Essential tips for employees to stay healthy during the coronavirus pandemic

Important information for faculty and staff 

The health and well-being of our faculty and staff is our top priority as we continue to navigate the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We have worked together, tirelessly, to ensure the safety of our students in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is also important that each of our employees take precautions to ensure their own health and the well-being of their colleagues in this unprecedented situation.  

Take proactive steps 

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we ask all employees to cooperate in taking steps to reduce the spread of illness. It is imperative that all employees follow the safety guidelines from our health experts: 

• Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. 

• Cover your mouth with tissues whenever you sneeze, and discard used tissues in the trash.  

• Avoid people who are sick with respiratory symptoms.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

• Stay home if you are sick 

In accordance with recommendations from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio University is asking employees to perform daily temperature monitoring prior to arriving at work until further notice.  

If an employee has an elevated temperature or is not feeling well and exhibiting symptoms of illness, the employee should immediately notify the supervisor and stay home.    

In accordance with University policy, employees who report to work ill will be sent home.   

If you experience these symptoms while you’re at work, please immediately notify you supervisor so you can be separated from other employees and excused from work. 

Ohio University recognizes the importance of protecting the confidentiality and privacy interests of all persons suspected of having, or who have, a communicable illness. We will work in conjunction with local and state public health officials if we must disclose sensitive medical information to ensure the health and safety of all members of the Ohio University community, and in a manner consistent with applicable law.  

Resources for faculty and staff 

Supervisors and managers should become informed about coronavirus, how it might impact their employees and what resources are available to help.  

Employees are asked to report a presumptive or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis to their local public health officials immediately.  

The Employee Assistance Program is available 24 hours a day, seven days per week by calling at 1-800-227-6007 for help cope with feelings of stress or anxiety.   

The federal government has passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that provides public sector employees (including Ohio University) with two forms of paid leave for workers impacted by the outbreak. 

Ohio University provides significant paid sick time for all benefits-eligible faculty and staff.  Please review the pertinent sick leave policy for additional details.  

40.029: Sick and Bereavement Leave for Faculty and Administrative Appointees  

40.030: Sick and Bereavement Leave for Classified Employees  

Additional Information  

Ohio county health departments:  https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/find-local-health-districts 

For southeastern and central Ohio:  https://blog.ohiohealth.com/series/covid-19-coronavirus-toolkit/ 

Ohio Department of Health Call Center: Now open to answer questions regarding COVID-19 seven days a week from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

Ohio University takes this situation very seriously, and we ask that you join us in taking necessary steps to reduce the risk for spread within our University community. We will keep the lines of communication open and continue providing as many updates as we can.  

Take care of yourself and those around you.