HomeMy WebLinkAbout022822cabs01 JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Mark McCauley, Interim County Administrator
Philip Hunsucker, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Sarah Melancon, HR Manager
DATE: February 28,2022
SUBJECT: Review and Discuss a Tenth Temporary Policy Based on Emergency
Response the COVID-19 Pandemic
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The risk of high levels of hospitalization for COVID-19 has significantly diminished due to the level of
vaccination achieved in the population and the level of infection of unvaccinated persons to COVID-19. On
February 9, 2022, Governor Inslee announced that Washington's statewide, indoor mask mandate will lift
for most places on March 21, 2022. This includes most businesses, childcare facilities, government facilities,
and schools; however, the mask mandate would remain in effect in health care facilities, like hospitals and
doctor's offices, and at long-term care facilities,prisons and jails,public transit, taxis, ride-hail vehicles and
school buses. In response, Jefferson County is proposing to adopt a Tenth Temporary County Policy based
on Emergency Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
ANALYSIS:
This Tenth Temporary Policy:
• Rescinds the requirement to wear masks while in public spaces
• Continues to require masking in health care facilities and the jail
• Recommends the wearing of masks while indoors
• Continues the requirement for virtual meetings
• Provides the ability for meetings to be held in hybrid formats with in-person capacity limited to 50
percent of the venue's capacity
• Encourages employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19
• Continues the Temporary Administrative Leave Enhancement
RECOMMENDATION:
Review and discuss the Tenth Temporary County Policy and make any necessary revisions.
REVIE +D BY: 7
•
Mark McCaul Interim County Adm ' ator ate
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON
State of Washington
In the Matter of Adopting a NiTenth }
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 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,en-Mar-61=1-4-3,-2020,-the-Jeffersen-Coufity-Beard-of---Commissioners
WHEREAc npril 13 2n2n the Joff « .. County Board f Commissioners
�..
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.I
effective July 25,2020,which expands the Secretary's prior face covering mandate to require all
Page 1 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,
}'
to apply;and
WHEREAS,rates of COVID-19 transmission and hospitalization have been on the
rise throughout from the summer of 2021 thr << • mid-January 2022 due to the highly contagious
Delta variant and Omicron variaent,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, concern and uncertainty exist about the possibility of increased
ised"and
WHEREAS,on July 26,2021, Health Officers from eight Puget Sound Counties,
-eounties-have
joined-together-te
WHEREAS, on August 16, 2021, due to the rise of the highly infectious Delta
Page 2of5
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 F �' tf r3 s
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 *A,/ �� q,
1t numbers;and, > 4
WHEREAS,due to the level of vaccination achieved in the population and the level
of infection of unvaccinated persons to COVID-19 as a result of Omicron,the risk of high levels
of hospitalization tefor COVID-19 has significantly diminished;and,
WHEREAS, on February 9, 2022 Governor Inslee announced that Washington's
statewide indoor mask mandate will lift for most places on March 21, 2022, including most
businesses,child care facilities,government facilities,and schools,but not in health care facilities,
like hospitals and doctor's offices,and at long-term care facilities,prisons and jails,public transit,
taxis,ride-hail vehicles and school buses;and,
WHEREAS,vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from
severe illness 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,-
Page 3 of 5
G kj* /
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, r /
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;and,
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners has determined that generally
applicable conditions on attendance at open public meetings with only remote meetings or
meetings with limited in-person attendance are reasonably necessary to protect public health
safety and against interruption of open public meetings;and,t
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Jefferson County
Commissioners that:
1. ' as there is a declared state of emergency, In person,in order to open public •
meetings the local Health
t; and will be: (a) 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 or(b)held in hybrid formats with in-person capacity limited to 50 percent
of the venue's capacity as determined by the County marshal and at the same time a virtual
format with the public having access via internet platforms (such as Zoom or GoTo
Meeting),via the telephone or streaming on the County's website;and2
2. APPENDIX`I'—Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic as
amended (attached) is adopted as set forth below
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 4504 21 22 of Jefferson County and
shall be effective at 12:01 a,m. on imn.edia ly-trpowadoptionMarch 231,2022 or when
'See ESB 1329,at3.
2 This assumes ESB 1329 or a bill in substantially the same form passes the Legislature. ("Agencies may impose
generally applicable conditions on meeting attendance,including at remote meetings or meetings with limited in-
person attendance,that the governing body determines are reasonably necessary to protect public health or safety,or
against interruption of the meeting. There must be an opportunity for public comment at or before every regular
meeting in which a public agency governing body takes final action,except in emergency situations.")
Page 4 of 5
the statewide mask mandate is lifted as announced by Governor Inslee on February 9,2022
whichever is sooner.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of ,2022. r, F r
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Heidi Eisenhour,Chair
ATTEST:
Greg Brotherton,Member
Kate Dean,Member
Carolyn Gallaway,CMC
Clerk of the Board
Paee 5 of 5
APPENDIX `I' —Temporary Personnel Policies
to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
51. HEALTH AND SAFETY WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS: To help prevent the
spread of COVID-19 employees must follow these workplace requirements:
CA. 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.
1113. 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.j efferso n ntCenter/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 1of36 ,
Adopted January 24March ,2022 Appendix I 1LII
Temporary Personnel Policies
to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
inr ,s r�/ " " 5 ,u
c. Notify the Human Resources Manager if an employee tests positive with COVID j t y
19.
d. Maintain confidentiality of an employee who is sick or exposed. x% „ h / w P yx
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/12518/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.htm I.
d. Working remotely may be authorized if approved by the employee's department
director.
KC. Required and Recommended Face Coverings: To help prevent the spread of
COVID-19 employees required by applicable federal, state, or local health officx
�._.._,...� to wear face coverings. Department heads and elected official,,
will advise all employees in their departments whether applicable federal, state, or local
health officer requirements apply to employees in their departments. Employees not
required by applicable federal, state. or local health officer requirements orders to wear
face coverings are
recommended to wear face coverings:
1. Defmitions.
a. "Face covering"means a mask made of at least two layers of cloth,a surgical mask,
a K I tI I »- I• KN95 mask,or an KN95 mask. "Face covering"does not include
bandanas,face shields,gaitors 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.
Page 2 of 56
Adopted: :it+ary 24March ,2022 Appendix I
Temporary Personnel Policies
to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
b c."Highly Protective Face Covering"means a KF94 mask,a KN95 mask,or an N9;
mask.
Ed."Unvaccinated employee" means an employee who does not satisfy the
requirements in the definition of fully vaccinated employee.
2. Face Coverings Required or Recommended for All Employees at All Times, While
Indoors.
a. All employees, including any unvaccinated (defined above) or fully vaccinate,
employee(defined above)who are employees required by applicable federal,state
or local health officer requirements are required to wear face coverings over th,
nose and mouth at all times to prevent transmitting droplets while working o
present indoors in any space owned or operated by Jefferson County,including be
not limited to publicly-accessible or shared space, hallways, stairways, meetin
rooms,breakrooms.restrooms.or individual offices.
a:b.All employees, including any unvaccinated (defined above) or fully vaccinated
employee(defined above)tin 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:c.When wearing face coverings is required by applicable federal,state,or local healt•
officer req tits employees may wear County-provided face coverings or
coverings made or purchased by the employee.
e-d.Employees shall keep cloth face coverings clean,consistent with washing standards
set by the CDC.
3. Recommendation for All Employees to Get Fully Vaccinated and Boosted. The Count
recommends that all employees get fully vaccinated and boosted.
4. Recommendation for All Employees to Wear Protective Face Coverings. The Count
recommends that all employees wear highly protective quality face coverings (n
defined above). Highly protective face coverings have been provided to the Count•
distribute to the public for free and County employees are recommended to obt,: a
free highly protective face coverings for their personal use.
5. Recommendation for All Employees to Ventilate Workspaces. The Count'
recommends that all employees ventilate workspaces as much as possible.
3:6.Face Covering Not Required for Employees While Working Outdoors. Employees
working outdoors will not be required to wear a face covering.
Page 3 of 56
Adopted: -,u+arv-24March ,2022 Appendix I
Temporary Personnel Policies
to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
4.7.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. Full
tbllowing-s os:
wear a mask..
13 l - Formatted:Indent:Left: 1", No bullets or numbering
vaccinated-employees.
6.8 Required Log of Fully Vaccinated Employees. For as long as required by the Si, Formatted:Numbered+Level:1+Numbering Style:1,2,
ashington Industries, Tthe Human Resources 3,d.+Start at:1+Alignment:Left+Aligned at: 0.75"+
_. , indent at: 1„
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.
re-N. Formatted:Indent:Left: 0.75", No bullets or numbering
Yees-aPPIy
Department Directors or the Human Resources Manager may determine the
physic la dist a ing.
e y - -meetings that include -unvaccinated- Formatted:Indent:Left: 1", No bullets or numbering
con erenee&-HF
8.9.Exception for Courts. The judges of the District and Superior Courts have authority Formatted:Numbered+Level:1+Numbering Style:1,2,
to modify the requirements in this Section 31.EC.as necessarystatutory or to meet 3,d_.+Start at:1+Alignment:Left+Aligned at: 0.75"+
Indent at: 1"
constitutional requirements for their courtrooms.
Page4of56
Adopted: +uruary-24March. ,2022 Appendix I
Temporary Personnel Policies
to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON
State of Washington
In the Matter of Adopting a Tenth }
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 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 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 20-0 7.1,
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
Page 1 of 4
Adopted: March ,2022 Appendix I
Temporary Personnel Policies
to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
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 20-25-1 7; and,
WHEREAS, rates of COVID-19 transmission and hospitalization have been on the
rise from the summer of 2021 through mid-January 2022 due to the highly contagious Delta variant
and Omicron 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, 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 have been
occurring in significant numbers; and,
WHEREAS, due to the level of vaccination achieved in the population and the level
of infection of unvaccinated persons to COVID-19 as a result of Omicron, the risk of high levels
of hospitalization for COVID-19 has significantly diminished; and,
WHEREAS, on February 9, 2022 Governor Inslee announced that Washington's
statewide indoor mask mandate will lift for most places on March 21, 2022, including most
businesses, child care facilities,government facilities, and schools,but not in health care facilities,
like hospitals and doctor's offices, and at long-term care facilities,prisons and jails,public transit,
taxis, ride-hail vehicles and school buses; and,
WHEREAS, vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from
severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of
new variants emerging and masks offer protection against all variants; and,
Page 2 of 4
Adopted: March ,2022 Appendix I
Temporary Personnel Policies
to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
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; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners has determined that generally
applicable conditions on attendance at open public meetings with only remote meetings or
n-
meeting s with limited in-person attendance are reasonably necessary to protect public health,
p
meetings;
safety and against interruption of open public and,'
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Jefferson County
Commissioners that:
1. As long as there is a declared state of emergency, in order to open public meetings will be:
(a) 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 or(b)
held in hybrid formats with in-person capacity limited to 50 percent of the venue's capacity
as determined by the County marshal and at the same time a virtual format 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; 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.
'See I;SI3 132,),at 3.
2 This assumes I.513 1 329 or a bill in substantially the same form passes the Legislature. ("Agencies may impose
generally applicable conditions on meeting attendance, including at remote meetings or meetings with limited in-
person attendance,that the governing body determines are reasonably necessary to protect public health or safety,or
against interruption of the meeting. There must be an opportunity for public comment at or before every regular
meeting in which a public agency governing body takes final action,except in emergency situations.")
Page 3 of 4
Adopted: March ,2022 Appendix I
Temporary Personnel Policies
to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
4. This Resolution shall repeal and replace Resolution 04-22 of Jefferson County and shall be
effective at 12:01 am. on March 21, 2022 or when the statewide mask mandate is lifted as
announced by Governor Inslee on February 9, 2022, whichever is sooner.
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
Adopted: March ,2022 Appendix I
Temporary Personnel Policies
to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
APPENDIX `I' — Temporary Personnel Policies
to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
1. HEALTH AND SAFETY WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS: To help prevent the
spread of COVID-19 employees must follow these workplace requirements:
A. 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.
B. 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/12518/1 esting-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.
Page 1 of 5
Adopted: March ,2022 Appendix I
Temporary Personnel Policies
to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
b. Follow guidance from the Jefferson County Public Health Department regarding
symptoms and testing here:
haps://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/12518/Testing-Flowchart.
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:
httpti://www_.cojcfferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/12518/Nesting-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/20I 9-nCoV/index.html.
d. Working remotely may be authorized if approved by the employee's department
director.
C. Required and Recommended Face Coverings: To help prevent the spread of COVID-
19 employees required by applicable federal, state, or local health officer requirements are
required to wear face coverings. Department heads and elected officials will advise all
employees in their departments whether applicable federal, state, or local health officer
requirements apply to employees in their departments. Employees not required by
applicable federal, state, or local health officer requirements orders to wear face coverings
are recommended to wear face coverings:
1. Definitions.
a. "Face covering"means a mask made of at least two layers of cloth,a surgical mask,
a KF94 mask, a KN95 mask, or an N95 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
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Temporary Personnel Policies
to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
document under penalty of perjury that they are fully vaccinated and providing it
to the Human Resources Manager or designee.
c. "Highly Protective Face Covering"means a KF94 mask, a KN95 mask, or an N95
mask.
d. "Unvaccinated employee" means an employee who does not satisfy the
requirements in the definition of fully vaccinated employee.
2. Face Coverings Required or Recommended for All Employees at All Times, While
Indoors.
a. All employees, including any unvaccinated (defined above) or fully vaccinated
employee(defined above)who are employees required by applicable federal, state,
or local health officer requirements are required to wear face coverings 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. All employees, including any unvaccinated (defined above) or fully vaccinated
employee (defined above) are recommended to 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.
c. When wearing face coverings is required by applicable federal, state,or local health
officer requirements, employees may wear County-provided face coverings or
coverings made or purchased by the employee.
d. Employees shall keep cloth face coverings clean,consistent with washing standards
set by the CDC.
3. Recommendation for All Employees to Get Fully Vaccinated and Boosted. The County
recommends that all employees get fully vaccinated and boosted.
4. Recommendation for All Employees to Wear Protective Face Coverings. The County
recommends that all employees wear highly protective quality face coverings (as
defined above). Highly protective face coverings have been provided to the County to
distribute to the public for free and County employees are recommended to obtain free
highly protective face coverings for their personal use.
5. Recommendation for All Employees to Ventilate Workspaces. The County
recommends that all employees ventilate workspaces as much as possible.
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Temporary Personnel Policies
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c. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: www.lni.wa.gov.
d. Jefferson County Public Health: wwv .co.jefferson.wa.us/1429/COVID-19 or by
telephone at(360)385-9400.
2. 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.
3. TEMPORARY PAID ADMINISTRATIVE 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. 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 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. 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.
4. 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.
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Adopted: March ,2022 Appendix I
Temporary Personnel Policies
to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic