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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 22 cc -. ate alizifrs 1 .;if.•PLR COUNTY OF JEFFERSON State of Washington In the Matter of Adopting a Ninth } Temporary County Policy Based on } RESOLUTION NO. 04 22 Emergency Response to the COVID-19 } Pandemic } WHEREAS, on February 29, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee declared a State of C5 Emergency in all Counties in Washington State to due to the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 virus; and WHEREAS,on March 10,2020,the Jefferson County Health Officer issued a Public Health Order to control and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus; and WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 to be a pandemic; and WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved a Declaration of Emergency due to the COVID-19 Pandemic; and WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee signed Proclamation 20-25 declaring that a State of Emergency continues to exist in all Counties in Washington State due to COVID-19; and WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved a Resolution Temporarily Limiting Access to County Buildings and Offices through April 24, 2020, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic; and WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved a Resolution Adopting a Temporary Policy for a Limited Period of Time to Grant "Emergency Paid Administrative Leave"; Authorize Telecommuting; and Authorize Sick Leave Advancement for employees due to the COVID-19 Pandemic through April 24, 2020; and WHEREAS, on April 13, 2020, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved a Resolution Extending the Order Temporarily Limiting Access to County Buildings and Offices due to the COVID-19 Pandemic through May 4, 2020 or for as long as the Governor's Stay Home—Stay Healthy Order is in effect; and WHEREAS,on June 24,2020,the Secretary of Health issued Order 20-03,effective June 26, 2020, requiring all individuals in Washington State to wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth when in any indoor or outdoor public setting, except under certain circumstances, which provides a minimum level of protection for Washingtonians when they are not at work where the Department of Labor& Industries' face covering requirements apply; and WHEREAS, on July 24, 2020, the Secretary of Health issued Order 20-03.1, effective July 25, 2020, which expands the Secretary's prior face covering mandate to require all Page 4 of 5 people in Washington State to wear a face covering when they are outside of their house, mobile home, apartment, condominium, hotel or motel room, bedroom in a congregate living setting, or other dwelling unit; and WHEREAS, as of March 1, 2021, COVID-19 vaccines became available for the general public and employees according to each individual's Washington State mandated priority order and Jefferson County,in order to promote public health during this pandemic,deems it in its interests to encourage employees to become vaccinated; and WHEREAS, Proclamation 20-25 has been amended several times, with the most recent amendment occurring on September 13, 2021 in Proclamation 20-25-17; and, WHEREAS,on June 11,2021 Governor Inslee announced that industries may return to usual operations on June 30, 2021, except the May 21, 2021 masking guidance from the Washington Department of Labor& Industries in Publication F414-179-000 [05-2021] continues to apply; and WHEREAS, rates of COVID-19 transmission and hospitalization have been on the rise throughout the summer of 2021 due to the highly contagious Delta variant, largely in the unvaccinated population; and WHEREAS, fully vaccinated persons obtain a high level of protection from the vaccine both in terms of getting sick and, even if there is a breakthrough infection, for fully vaccinated persons from getting a severe version of the disease; and WHEREAS,the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated on July 27,2021 that to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if people are in an area of substantial or high transmission; and WHEREAS, concern and uncertainty exist about the possibility of increased transmission of current and future COVID-19 variants to children, the immunocompromised and vaccinated populations; and WHEREAS, on July 26, 2021, Health Officers from eight Puget Sound Counties, including Clallam and Jefferson, released the following recommendation: "The health officers of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson, San Juan, and Grays Harbor counties have joined together to pass on their best public health advice to protect you, your family, and our communities. We recommend all residents wear facial coverings when in indoor public settings where the vaccination status of those around you is unknown. This step will help reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public, including customers and workers, help stem the increase in COVID- 19 cases and hospitalizations in many parts of the state and decrease the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. " and WHEREAS, on August 16, 2021, due to the rise of the highly infectious Delta variant and growth in case rates, a masking order was enacted by the Health Officer for Jefferson Page 4 of 5 and Clallam Counties requiring a face covering in indoor public spaces, regardless of a person's vaccination status; and, WHEREAS, on September 2, 2021, proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 was required in Clallam and Jefferson Counties by the Health Officer for all persons entering bars and restaurants(with exceptions)in order to reduce transmission in our communities,allowing our hospitals to keep functioning and our schools to open safely; and WHEREAS, as of December 20, 2021, the COVID-19 variant, Omicron, was detected in the United States and is rapidly increasing the proportion of COVID-19 cases it is causing; and WHEREAS, the Omicron variant has demonstrated an increased ability to evade immunity achieved through vaccination and through prior infection, when compared to prior variants. This has led to an increased rate of breakthrough infections in our community. However, the disproportionate majority of the new COVID-19 cases diagnosed in Jefferson continue to be among the unvaccinated,who remain 2-4 times more likely to contract COVID-19 than those who are fully vaccinated; and WHEREAS, Omicron is a highly contagious variant that is easily spread to others and while current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur; and WHEREAS, Jefferson County Public Health reports that as of January 18, 2022, community transmission in Jefferson County is high, with a case rate of 1,460 per 100,000, which is the highest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; and WHEREAS,vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19,slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging and masks offer protection against all variants; and WHEREAS, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic there have been waves of increased risk of transmission, requiring the ability to implement stricter mitigations and safety protocols as recommended by public health officials; and WHEREAS, RCW 38.52.070(2) vests emergency powers in the Board to take extraordinary measures for the preservation of public health and to relieve loss, hardship, and suffering; and WHEREAS, the severity of the situation demands that the Board take measures to protect the public and County employees from further transmission of COVID-19 in Jefferson County; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Jefferson County Commissioners that: Page 4 of 5 1. In-person, open public meetings are hereby suspended until such time as they are deemed safe by the local Health Officer, and will be held in virtual formats only with the public having access via internet platforms (such as Zoom or GoTo Meeting), via the telephone or streaming on the County's website; and 2. APPENDIX `I' — Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic as amended (attached) is adopted as set forth below to comply with the Health Officer recommendations of January 24, 2022 in addition to the most recent workplace guidance from the Washington Department of Labor and Industries; and 3. Each policy in this resolution is adopted as a temporary measure to slow and help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, APPENDIX `I' — Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic as amended (attached) continues to be added to the Jefferson County Personnel Administration Manual and contains standards for public service and accountability and is necessary to maintain the efficiency of governmental operations. Employees who fail to follow the requirements of APPENDIX `I' are subject to disciplinary action and termination for just cause. 4. This Resolution shall repeal and replace Resolution 45-21 of Jefferson County and shall be effective immediately upon adoption. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 2-Y day Yl 14 a , 2022. SEAL-:4 • c; JEFFERSON COUNTY BO RD OF COMMISSIONERS r �' eidi Eise our, Chair ATTEST: '` , g t n, Member G �`(('1r�'� Kate De , em er aroly1 Gallaway, CMC Clerk of the Board Page 4 of 5 APPENDIX `I' — Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic 5. HEALTH AND SAFETY WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS: To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 employees must follow these workplace requirements: C. Sick Employees Must Stay Home: Please help keep co-workers safe. This includes temporary/seasonal employees. 1. If you are sick, please contact your supervisor immediately and stay at home. 2. Medical certification from your health care provider may be required. 3. If you need to stay home to care for a sick family member, please do so. During this time, more workers may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than is normal. 4. Employees may use individual leave accruals per policy (e.g., sick leave, vacation, floating holidays, and comp time) and may be eligible for WA State Paid Family & Medical Leave. D. COVID-19-Sick Employees or Family Members: 1. Employees who have been sick with or without COVID-19 may be required to provide medical certification. Medical certification for FMLA requests will be required if the FMLA is for a COVID-19-sick employee or family member. 2. If an employee is sick, with or without COVID-19, or has been exposed to COVID-19 or in close contact with a known case of COVID-19,the employee must: a. Notify their supervisor immediately. The supervisor and any other employee who knows must keep the notification confidential, except as provided in Section 2.d., below. This is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). b. Follow guidance from the Jefferson County Public Health Department's most current COVID-19 RESPONSE flow chart regarding symptoms and testing and what to do if they are sick. Follow guidance from the CDC regarding symptoms and testing and what to do if they are sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- nCoV/index.html. c. Once informed, the supervisor and/or department director will immediately notify the Human Resources Manager. 3. When a supervisor or department head is notified of an employee who is sick, they must: a. Send the person home if they are at work. b. Follow guidance from the Jefferson County Public Health Department regarding symptoms and testing using the most recent COVID-19 Testing Flowchart. Page 1 of 5 Adopted:January 24,2022 Appendix I Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic c. Notify the Human Resources Manager if an employee tests positive with COVID- 19. d. Maintain confidentiality of an employee who is sick or exposed. e. Notify other staff who may have been exposed to COVID-19, without identifying any employee who may have been the source of the exposure, unless the employee agrees in writing to the limited release of information related to the exposure. f. Contact Facilities to sanitize the workplace. g. Work with the Human Resources Manager to develop a plan for their department to limit additional exposure to other employees and the public. The Human Resources Manager will coordinate with the Department of Public Health before finalizing a plan. 4. Employees who have a family member at home with COVID-19 must: a. Notify their supervisor immediately. b. Follow guidance from the Jefferson County Public Health Department regarding symptoms and testing and what to do if they are sick using the most recent COVID-19 Testing Flowchart. c. Follow guidance from the CDC regarding symptoms and testing and what to do if a family member is sick:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. d. Working remotely may be authorized if approved by the employee's department director. E. Required Face Coverings: To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 employees must follow these workplace requirements (updated on July 28, 2021): 1. Definitions. a. "Face covering"means a mask made of at least two layers of cloth,a surgical mask, a N95 mask, or a KN95 mask. "Face covering" does not include bandanas, face shields, gaiters with less than two layers of cloth, scarfs, or sweaters. b. "Fully vaccinated employee"means an employee who has received all the required doses of a vaccine for COVID 19(e.g.,two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine), two weeks have passed since the final dose, and has provided proof of vaccination in the form of an official vaccination card, a likeness of an official vaccination card, or by signing a document under penalty of perjury that they are fully vaccinated and providing it to the Human Resources Manager or designee. c. "Unvaccinated employee" means an employee who does not satisfy the requirements in the definition of fully vaccinated employee. 2. Face Coverings Required for All Employees at All Times, While Indoors. Page 2 of 5 Adopted:January 24,2022 Appendix I Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic a. All employees, including any unvaccinated (defined above) or fully vaccinated employee(defined above)must wear a face covering(defined above)over the nose and mouth at all times to prevent transmitting droplets while working or present indoors in any space owned or operated by Jefferson County, including but not limited to publicly-accessible or shared space,hallways, stairways,meeting rooms, breakrooms, restrooms, or individual offices. b. When wearing face coverings is required, employees may wear County-provided face coverings or coverings made or purchased by the employee. c. Employees shall keep cloth face coverings clean,consistent with washing standards set by the CDC. 3. Face Covering Not Required for Employees While Working Outdoors. Employees working outdoors will not be required to wear a face covering. 4. Avoid Touching Surfaces and Face While Using a Face Covering. Employees should avoid touching mouth, nose, eyes or nearby surfaces when putting on, using, and removing a face covering. 5. Limited Exceptions to Mask Wearing. Employees are NOT required to wear a face covering in the following scenarios: a. When within their own, non-shared office. However, if other employees enter an employee's own, non-shared office space, all of the employees must wear a mask. b. While eating and drinking, but maintaining a distance of 6-feet between other employees. Utilizing a private space where employees can eat or drink alone is encouraged. 6. Required Log of Fully Vaccinated Employees. The Human Resources Manager shall keep a log of all fully vaccinated employees. The Human Resource Manager shall make the log available to the Washington Department of Labor & Industries upon request. 7. Applicable Rules When Unvaccinated Employees or Other Persons Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated Are Present. a. If an employee chooses not to provide proof they have been fully vaccinated, it shall be assumed that they are not fully vaccinated for purposes of this policy and all the face covering requirements of this policy applicable to unvaccinated employees apply. b. Unvaccinated employees should keep at least six feet of physical distance between coworkers and the public at all times, unless not feasible. Elected Officials and Page 3 of 5 Adopted: January 24,2022 Appendix I Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic Department Directors or the Human Resources Manager may determine the locations where the recommended physical distancing is not feasible. c. Unvaccinated employees should meet in person only for as short a time as possible. d. If work duties require driving, unvaccinated employees who do not live together shall take separate vehicles when the passenger space does not allow for sufficient physical distancing. e. Employees should limit in-person meetings that include unvaccinated persons, and instead use phone conferences or video meetings when feasible. 8. Exception for Courts. The judges of the District and Superior Courts have authority to modify the requirements in this Section 5.E. as necessary to meet statutory or constitutional requirements for their courtrooms. 9. Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance. Pursuant to the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213) or the Washington State Law Against Discrimination (ch. 49.60 RCW), an unvaccinated employee may request an accommodation to the face covering requirements in this section. F. Frequent and Adequate Hand Washing: To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 employees must follow these workplace requirements: 1. Wash hands frequently and regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as needed and including: when arriving at work, coming and going from different worksites, taking breaks, using the restroom, before and after eating, drinking or using tobacco products, after sneezing and/or coughing, and after touching surfaces or handling objects touched by others or suspected of being contaminated. 2. Use hand sanitizer(between handwashing) after touching surfaces or handling objects touched by others or suspected of being contaminated. 3. Do not touch mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands. H. Education: To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 employees are provided the following information about these workplace requirements: 1. Education and information about COVID-19 is provided to employees through adopted policies, established guidelines and protocols, signs, posters, informational bulletins and meetings. 2. Resources for current information and additional guidance include: a. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC): www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. b. Washington State Department of Health: www.doh,wa.gov/coronavirus. Page 4 of 5 Adopted:January 24,2022 Appendix I Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic c. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: wwwlni.wa.gov. d. Jefferson County Public Health: www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1429/COVID-19 or by telephone at(360)385-9400. 6. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO ISSUE INTERPRETATIONS AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO HEALTH AND WORKPLACE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: During the temporary period of the public health emergency, the County Administrator is hereby delegated authority to issue interpretations as needed of how these Policies and the leave policies of the Jefferson County Personnel Administration Manual shall be administered by the County, including Elected Officials and Department Directors, during the temporary period of the public health emergency to ensure efficient use of resources and compliance with federal and state law. In addition, and as necessary, the County Administrator may adjust in writing the Health and Workplace Safety Requirement (#5) outlined in this Policy to be consistent with Federal or State law, and report those changes to the Board of Commissioners. 7. TEMPORARY PAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE ENHANCEMENT: Jefferson County, in order to promote public health during this pandemic, deems it in its interests to encourage employees to become vaccinated. Effective January 1, 2022, using the form developed by the Human Resources Manager and in order to prevent workplace transmission of COVID-19, Department Directors and the Human Resources Manager may approve up to 40 hours of paid administrative leave for employees who are sick, quarantining, or isolating per Jefferson County Department of Public Health directions, or if their dependent is sick, quarantining or isolating. Paid administrative leave shall only be used when remote work is not possible. Paid Administrative Leave (pay code 223, reason code COVAX) shall be used to track this paid administrative leave. Using the form developed by the Human Resources Manager, Department Directors also may grant up to 8 hours total of paid administrative leave for employees to receive a vaccination or booster dose, and to recover from effects of the vaccine. 8. MORE STRINGENT FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL REQUIREMENTS APPLY. If federal, state, or local health officer requirements are more stringent than the above policies, the more stringent federal, state, or local health officer requirements shall apply. Page 5 of 5 Adopted: January 24,2022 Appendix I Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CONSENT AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Mark McCauley, Interim County Administrator DATE: January 24, 2022 SUBJECT: Potential Adoption by the Board of County Commissioners of a Resolution, RE: In the Matter of Adopting a Ninth County Policy Based on Emergency Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic STATEMENT OF ISSUE: As a temporary measure to protect public health and County employees under the declared State of Emergency for COVID-19,the proposed resolution adopts a ninth temporary County policy based on emergency response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. ANALYSIS: This temporary policy reflects changes necessary due to the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. This is reflected in our January 18, 2022 case rate of 1,460 per 100,000, which is the highest rate in Jefferson County since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new temporary policy calls on department heads/elected officials to notify staff members who may have been exposed to the virus and to work with the Human Resources Manager to develop a plan for limiting exposure to other county employees or members of the public. Among other things it also adds/clarifies definitions of certain terms such as "fully vaccinated", "unvaccinated" and "face coverings." Finally, it discusses two potential administrative leave enhancement alternatives: • Alternative 1. Two hours each for those wishing to be vaccinated/boosted (six hours maximum) and those who become ill as a result of a positive COVID-19 test and/or to quarantine as the result of a workplace exposure for a maximum of 10 working days. • Alternative 2. Forty hours for those who are sick or who are quarantining and up to eight hours for vaccinations/boosters and to recover the effects of the vaccine or booster. This ninth temporary policy was staffed with the Policy Management Group, the COVID-19 Coordination Group and with Department Directors and Elected Officials. FISCAL IMPACT: This resolution has no fiscal impact. RECOMMENDATION: Discuss the proposed ninth temporary policy, make any changes considered appropriate and approve the final resolution adopting a Ninth Temporary County policy based on Emergency Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. REVIEW BY: Mark McCaul Interim County A ini trator nate COUNTY OF JEFFERSON State of Washington In the Matter of Adopting a Ninth } Temporary County Policy Based on } RESOLUTION NO. Emergency Response to the COVID-19 } Pandemic } WHEREAS, on February 29, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee declared a State of Emergency in all Counties in Washington State to due to the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 virus; and WHEREAS,on March 10,2020,the Jefferson County Health Officer issued a Public Health Order to control and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus; and WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 to be a pandemic; and WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, the Jefferson County Board oaf Commissioners approved a Declaration of Emergency due to the COVID-19 Pandemic; and WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee signed Proclamation 20-25 declaring that a State of Emergency continues to exist in all Counties in Washington State due to COVID-19; and WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved a Resolution Temporarily Limiting Access to County Buildings and Offices through April 24, 2020,due to the COVID-19 Pandemic; and WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020,`the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved a Resolution Adopting a Temporary Policy for a Limited Period of Time to Grant "Emergency Paid Administrative Leave"; Authorize Telecommuting; and Authorize Sick Leave Advancement for employees due to the COVID-19 Pandemic through April 24, 2020; and WHEREAS, on April 13, 2020, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved a Resolution Extending the Order Temporarily Limiting Access to County Buildings and Offices due to the COVID-19 Pandemic through May 4, 2020 or for as long as the Governor's Stay Home—Stay Healthy Order is in effect; and WHEREAS,on June 24,2020,the Secretary of Health issued Order 20-03,effective June 26, 2020, requiring all individuals in Washington State to wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth when in any indoor or outdoor public setting, except under certain circumstances, which provides a minimum level of protection for Washingtonians when they are not at work where the Department of Labor& Industries' face covering requirements apply; and Page 1 of 4 WHEREAS, on July 24, 2020, the Secretary of Health issued Order 20-03.1, effective July 25, 2020, which expands the Secretary's prior face covering mandate to require all people in Washington State to wear a face covering when they are outside of their house, mobile home, apartment, condominium, hotel or motel room, bedroom in a congregate living setting, or other dwelling unit; and WHEREAS, as of March 1, 2021, COVID-19 vaccines became available for the general public and employees according to each individual's Washington State mandated priority order and Jefferson County, in order to promote public health during this pandemic,deems it in its interests to encourage employees to become vaccinated; and WHEREAS, Proclamation 20-25 has been amended several times, with the most recent amendment occurring on September 13, 2021 in Proclamation 20-25-17; and, WHEREAS,on June 11,2021 Governor Inslee announced that industries may return to usual operations on June 30, 2021, except the May 21, 2021 masking guidance from the Washington Department of Labor& Industries in Publication F414-179-000;[05-2021] continues to apply; and WHEREAS, rates of COVID-19 transmission and hospitalization have been on the rise throughout the summer of 2021 due to the,highly contagious Delta variant, largely in the unvaccinated population; and WHEREAS, fully vaccinated persons obtain a high level of protection from the vaccine both in terms of getting sick and, even if there is a breakthrough infection, for fully vaccinated persons from getting a severe version of the disease; and WHEREAS,the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated on July 27,2021 that to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if people are in an area of substantial or high transmission; and WHEREAS, concern and uncertainty exist about the possibility of increased transmission of current and future COVID-19 variants to children, the immunocompromised and vaccinated populations; and WHEREAS, on July 26, 2021, Health Officers from eight Puget Sound Counties, including Clallam and Jefferson, released the following recommendation: "The health officers of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson, San Juan, and Grays Harbor counties have joined together to pass on their best public health advice to protect you, your family, and our communities. We recommend all residents wear facial coverings when in indoor public settings where the vaccination status of those around you is unknown. This step will help reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public, including customers and workers, help stem the increase in COVID- 19 cases and hospitalizations in many parts of the state and decrease the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. " and Page 2 of 4 WHEREAS, on August 16, 2021, due to the rise of the highly infectious Delta variant and growth in case rates, a masking order was enacted by the Health Officer for Jefferson and Clallam Counties requiring a face covering in indoor public spaces, regardless of a person's vaccination status; and, WHEREAS, on September 2, 2021, proof of vaccination was required in Clallam and Jefferson Counties by the Health Officer in order to reduce transmission in our communities, allowing our hospitals to keep functioning and our schools to open safely; and WHEREAS, as of December 20, 2021, the COVID-19 variant, Omicron, was detected in the Unites states and is rapidly increasing the proportion of COVID-19 cases it is causing; and WHEREAS, the Omicron variant has demonstrated an increased ability to evade immunity achieved through vaccination and through prior infection, when compared to prior variants. This has led to an increased rate of breakthrough infections in our community. However, the disproportionate majority of the new COVID-19 cases diagnosed in Jefferson continue to be among the unvaccinated,who remain 2-4 times more likely to contract COVID-19 than those who are fully vaccinated; and WHEREAS, Omicron is a highly contagious variant that is easily spread to others and while current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur; and WHEREAS, Jefferson County Public Health reports that as of January 18, 2022, community transmission in Jefferson County is high,with a case rate of 1,460 per 100,000,which is the highest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; and WHEREAS,vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19,slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging and masks offer protection against all variants; and WHEREAS, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic there have been waves of increased risk of transmission, requiring the ability to implement stricter mitigations and safety protocols as recommended by public health officials; and WHEREAS, RCW 38.52.070(2) vests emergency powers in the Board to take extraordinary measures for the preservation of public health and to relieve loss, hardship, and suffering; and WHEREAS, the severity of the situation demands that the Board take measures to protect the public and County employees from further transmission of COVID-19 in Jefferson County; Page 3 of 4 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Jefferson County Commissioners that: 1. In-person, open public meetings are hereby suspended until such time as they are deemed safe by the local Health Officer, and will be held in virtual formats only with the public having access via internet platforms (such as Zoom or GoTo Meeting), via the telephone or streaming on the County's website; and 2. APPENDIX `I' — Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic as amended (attached) is adopted as set forth below to comply with the Health Officer recommendations of July 26,2021 in addition to the most recent workplace guidance from the Washington Department of Labor and Industries; and 3. Each policy in this resolution is adopted as a temporary measure to slow and help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, APPENDIX `I' — Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic as amended (attached) continues to be added to the Jefferson County Personnel Administration Manual and contains standards for public service and accountability and is necessary to maintain the efficiency of governmental operations. Employees who fail to follow the requirements of APPENDIX `I' are subject to disciplinary action and termination for just cause. 4. This Resolution shall repeal and replace Resolution 45-21 ofJefferson County and shall be effective immediately upon adoption. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of , 2022. SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Heidi Eisenhour, Chair ATTEST: Greg Brotherton, Member Kate Dean, Member Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Clerk of the Board Page 4 of 4 APPENDIX `I' — Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic 5. HEALTH AND SAFETY WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS: To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 employees must follow these workplace requirements: C. Sick Employees Must Stay Home: Please help keep co-workers safe. This includes temporary/seasonal employees. 1. If you are sick, please contact your supervisor immediately and stay at home. 2. Medical certification from your health care provider may be required. 3. If you need to stay home to care for a sick family member, please do so. During this time, more workers may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than is normal. 4. Employees may use individual leave accruals per policy (e.g,, sick leave, vacation, floating holidays, and comp time) and may be eligible for WA State Paid Family & Medical Leave. D. COVID-19-Sick Employees or Family Members: 1. Employees who have been sick with or without COVID-19 may be required to provide medical certification. Medical certification for FMLA requests will be required if the FMLA is for a COVID-19-sick employee or family member. 2. If an employee is sick, with or without COVID-19,the employee must: a. Notify their supervisor immediately. The supervisor and any other employee who knows must keep the notification confidential, except as provided in Section 2.d., below. This is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). b. Follow guidance from the Jefferson County Public Health Department regarding symptoms and testing and what to do if they are sick: https://www.co jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/12518/Testing-Flowchart c. Follow guidance from the CDC regarding symptoms and testing and what to do if they are sick: https//www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. d. Once informed, the supervisor and/or department director will immediately notify the Human Resources Manager. 3. When a supervisor or department head is notified of an employee who is sick, they must: a. Send the person home if they are at work. b. Follow guidance from the Jefferson County Public Health Department regarding symptoms and testing here: https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/12518/Testing-Flowchart. Page 1 of 6 Adopted: January X, 2022 Appendix I Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic c. Notify the Human Resources Manager if an employee tests positive with COVID- 19. d. Maintain confidentiality of an employee who is sick or exposed. e. Notify other staff who may have been exposed to COVID-19, without identifying any employee who may have been the source of the exposure. f. Contact Facilities to sanitize the workplace. g. Work with the Human Resources Manager to develop a plan for their department to limit additional exposure to other employees and the public. The Human Resources Manager will coordinate with the Department of Public Health before finalizing a plan. 4. Employees who have a family member at home with COVID-19 must: a. Notify their supervisor immediately. b. Follow guidance from the Jefferson County Public Health Department regarding symptoms and testing and what to do if they are sick: https://www.co.j efferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/V iew/1 25 1 8/Testing-Flowchart c. Follow guidance from the CDC regarding symptoms and testing and what to do if a family member is sick:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. d. Working remotely may be authorized if approved by the employee's department director. E. Required Face Coverings: To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 employees must follow these workplace requirements (updated on July 28, 2021): 1. Definitions. a. "Face covering"means a mask made of at least two layers of cloth,a surgical mask, a N95 mask, or a KN95 mask. b. "Fully vaccinated employee"means an employee who has received all the required doses of a vaccine for COVID 19(e.g.,two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine), two weeks have passed since the final dose, and has provided proof of vaccination in the form of an official vaccination card, a likeness of an official vaccination card, or by signing a document under penalty of perjury that they are fully vaccinated and providing it to the Human Resources Manager or designee. c. "Unvaccinated employee" means an employee who does not satisfy the requirements in the definition of fully vaccinated employee. 2. Face Coverings Required for All Employees at All Times, While Indoors. Page 2 of 6 Adopted:January X, 2022 Appendix I Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic a. All employees, including any unvaccinated (defined above) or fully vaccinated employee(defined above)must wear a face covering(defined above)over the nose and mouth at all times to prevent transmitting droplets while working or present indoors in any space owned or operated by Jefferson County, including but not limited to publicly-accessible or shared space,hallways, stairways,meeting rooms, breakrooms, restrooms, or individual offices. b. When wearing face coverings is required, employees may wear County-provided face coverings or coverings made or purchased by the employee. c. Employees shall keep cloth face coverings clean,consistent with washing standards set by the CDC. 3. Face Covering Not Required for Employees While Working Outdoors. Employees working outdoors will not be required to wear a face covering. 4. Avoid Touching Surfaces and Face While Using a Face Covering. Employees should avoid touching mouth, nose, eyes or nearby surfaces when putting on, using, and removing a face covering. 5. Limited Exceptions to Mask Wearing for Fully Vaccinated Employees. Fully vaccinated employees for COVID-19 are NOT required to wear a face covering in the following scenarios: a. When within their own, non-shared office. However, if other employees enter a vaccinated employee's own, non-shared office space, all of the employees must wear a mask. b. While eating, but maintaining a distance of 6-feet between other fully vaccinated employees. 6. Required Log of Fully Vaccinated Employees. The Human Resources Manager shall keep a log of all fully vaccinated employees. The Human Resource Manager shall make the log available to the Washington Department of Labor & Industries upon request. 7. Applicable Rules When Unvaccinated Employees or Other Persons Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated Are Present. a. If an employee chooses not to provide proof they have been fully vaccinated, it shall be assumed that they are not fully vaccinated for purposes of this policy and all the face covering requirements of this policy applicable to unvaccinated employees apply. Page 3 of 6 Adopted:January X, 2022 Appendix I Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic b. Unvaccinated employees should keep at least six feet of physical distance between coworkers and the public at all times, unless not feasible. Elected Officials and Department Directors or the Human Resources Manager may determine the locations where the recommended physical distancing is not feasible. c. Unvaccinated employees should meet in person only for as short a time as possible. d. If work duties require driving, unvaccinated employees who do not live together shall take separate vehicles when the passenger space does not allow for sufficient physical distancing. e. Employees should limit in-person meetings that include unvaccinated persons, and instead use phone conferences or video meetings when feasible. 8. Exception for Courts. The judges of the District and Superior Courts have authority to modify the requirements in this Section 5.E. as necessary to meet statutory or constitutional requirements for their courtrooms. 9. Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance. Pursuant to the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213) or the Washington State Law Against Discrimination (ch. 49.60 RCW), an unvaccinated employee may request an accommodation to the face covering requirements in this section. F. Frequent and Adequate Hand Washing: To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 employees must follow these workplace requirements: 1. Wash hands frequently and regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as needed and including: when arriving at work, coming and going from different worksites,taking breaks,using the restroom, before and after eating, drinking or using tobacco products, after sneezing and/or coughing, and after touching surfaces or handling objects touched by others or suspected of being contaminated. 2. Use hand sanitizer(between handwashing) after touching surfaces or handling objects touched by others or suspected of being contaminated. 3. Do not touch mouth,nose or eyes with unwashed hands. H. Education: To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 employees are provided the following information about these workplace requirements: 1. Education and information about COVID-19 is provided to employees through adopted policies, established guidelines and protocols, signs, posters, informational bulletins and meetings. 2. Resources for current information and additional guidance include: a. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC): www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. Page 4 of 6 Adopted:January X, 2022 Appendix I Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic b. Washington State Department of Health: www.doh.wa.gov/coronavirus. c. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: www.lni.wa.gov. d. Jefferson County Public Health: www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1429/COVID-19 or by telephone at(360)385-9400. 6. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO ISSUE INTERPRETATIONS AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO HEALTH AND WORKPLACE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: During the temporary period of the public health emergency, the County Administrator is hereby delegated authority to issue interpretations as needed of how these Policies and the leave policies of the Jefferson County Personnel Administration Manual shall be administered by the County, including Elected Officials and Department Directors, during the temporary period of the public health emergency to ensure efficient use of resources and compliance with federal and state law. In addition, and as necessary, the County Administrator may adjust in writing the Health and Workplace Safety Requirement (#5) outlined in this Policy to be consistent with Federal or State law, and report those changes to the Board of Commissioners. 7. TEMPORARY PAID ADMINISRATIVE LEAVE ENHANCEMENT: As of March 1, 2021, COVID-19 vaccines became available for the general public and Jefferson County employees according to each individual's Washington State mandated priority order. As of September 22, 2021, a single booster dose became available after completion of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series. Jefferson County, in order to promote public health during this pandemic, deems it in its interests to encourage employees to become vaccinated. . ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS CONSIDERED BY THE POLICY MANAGEMENT GROUP: [ALTERNATIVE 1] Therefore, each regular employee may temporarily use Paid Administrative Leave (pay code 223,reason code COVAX)when absent: a. In order to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This code may be used twice by each regular employee, for up to 2 hours each usage for a vaccination; b. In order to receive a COVID-19 vaccination booster; and, c. Due to illness as the result of a positive COVID-19 test and/or to quarantine as the result of a workplace exposure for a maximum of 10 working days. [ALTERNATIVE 2] In order to prevent workplace transmission of COVID-19, Department Directors and the Human Resources Manager may approve up to 40 hours of paid administrative leave for Page 5 of 6 Adopted:January X, 2022 Appendix I Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic employees who are sick or quarantining per Jefferson County Department of Public Health directions,or if their child is sick or quarantining. Paid administrative leave shall only be used when remote work is not possible. Paid Administrative Leave (pay code 223, reason code COVAX) shall be used to track this paid administrative leave. Additionally, Department Directors may grant up to 8 hours of paid administrative leave for employees to receive a vaccination or booster dose, and to recover from effects of the vaccine. 8. MORE STRINGENT FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL REQUIREMENTS APPLY. If federal, state, or local health officer requirements are more stringent than the above policies, the more stringent federal, state, or local health officer requirements shall apply. Page 6 of 6 Adopted: January X, 2022 Appendix I Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic