HomeMy WebLinkAbout112320_ra03Regular Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Philip Morley, County Administrator
Erin Lundgren, Clerk of the Board/Human Resources Manager
DATE: November 23, 2020
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION and POTENTIAL ACTION re: Temporary Authorization to Allow
Employees to Use Their Accrued Employer Provided Sick Leave During a Voluntary
Self -Quarantine for 14 days After Traveling
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
On November 15, 2020, the Governor adopted Proclamation No. 20.25.8 "Stay Safe — Stay Healthy"
Rollback of County -by -County Phased Reopening Responding to a COVID-19 Outbreak Surge.
Attached is a copy of the Proclamation and the COVID-19 Guidance that was issued. The Proclamation
includes a reminder that the Governor's travel advisory issued on November 13, 2020 for all non-
essential travel remains in effect. That advisory states:
(1) Persons arriving in Washington from other states or countries, including returning
Washington residents, should self -quarantine for 14 days after arrival. These persons should
limit their interactions to their immediate household; and
(2) Washingtonians are encouraged to stay home or in their region and avoid non -essential
travel to other states or countries.
With COVID-19 infection rates surging, employees are urged not to travel or host individuals from
outside the area during the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. However, if employees do
travel outside of Jefferson County, or host guests from outside the area during this time, they are
encouraged to voluntarily self -quarantine for 14 days before returning to work.
ANALYSTS:
In the event employees travel outside the area, or host guests from outside the area, and voluntarily self -
quarantine for 14 days, temporary authorization is requested to allow employees to use their accrued
employer provided sick leave during the voluntary quarantine, regardless of whether or not they are ill. This
temporary authorization would be in effect for as long as the Governor's travel advisory is in effect, or for as
long as it may be extended. Making this option available to employees may incentivize them to voluntarily
quarantine if they travel and will help protect their co-workers. Employees may also choose to use their
accrued personal leave such as vacation, floating holidays or comp time.
It is noted, that employees must receive approval from their supervisor before volunteering to
quarantine for 14 days. Employees must also receive approval from their supervisor to work remotely
during the quarantine period. In accordance with County policy, Elected Officials and Department
Directors will determine which positions are eligible to temporarily telecommute based on essential
functional role and business needs.
Regular Agenda
RECOMMENDATION:
Temporarily authorize employees to use their accrued employer provided sick leave during a 14-day self -
voluntary quarantine after traveling, regardless of whether or not they are ill, for the duration of the
Governors' travel advisory, or for as long as it may be extended.
REVI `V
Philip Morl , ounty Ad-rriinislraTor
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