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HomeMy WebLinkAbout49 22 STATE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY OF JEFFERSON In the Matter of Adopting a Thirteenth Temporary County Policy Based on Emergency RESOLUTION NO. 49-22 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, as of December 20, 2021, the COVID-19 variant, Omicron, was detected in the United States and is now the dominant variant of COVID-19 in Jefferson County; and, WHEREAS, the Omicron variant and its subvariants have 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; and, WHEREAS, the Omicron variant and its subvariants are a highly contagious and easily spread to others; and, WHEREAS, 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 the Omicron variant, the risk of high levels of hospitalization for COVID-19 significantly diminished from prior variants; and, Page 1 of 4 WHEREAS,on September 8,2022, Governor Jay Inslee announced end to COVID- 19 emergency orders and state of emergency by October 31, 2022, including an end to Proclamation 20-25; and,; and, WHEREAS,the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services renewed on October 13, 2022 its COVID-19 emergency declaration; and, WHEREAS, levels of COVID-19 in Jefferson County continue to put it in the high risk category; and, WHEREAS, on October 7, 2022, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported that"COVID activity continued to rise in many European countries last week,up 14%compared to the previous week in people ages 65 and older,the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC);" and, WHEREAS, during the pandemic, increasing levels of COVID-19 in Europe often have been a harbinger of increased levels of COVID-19 in Jefferson County; and, WHEREAS, Jefferson County has one of the highest percentages of seniors in Washington State and in the United States; 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, the continued high levels of COVID-19 in Jefferson County, coupled with the increasing levels of COVID-19 in Europe demands that the Board continue to 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 in-person attendance at a hybrid open public meeting can be held with reasonable safety with capacity limitations; 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, 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 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, provided the hybrid meeting can be held with reasonable safety,as determined by the Board of County Commissioners in consultation with the Health Officer; and Page 2 of 4 2. Persons visiting County facilities are recommended to wear a face covering for the duration of the Emergency. Facilities shall post signs in each County facility that recommend visitors wear a face covering; and, 3. APPENDIX `I' — Temporary Personnel Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic as amended(attached) is adopted as set forth below; and, 4. 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; and, 5. This Resolution shall repeal and replace Resolution 41-22 of Jefferson County and shall be effective at 12:01 am. on November 1, 2022. (SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE) Page 3 of 4 APPROVED AND ADOPTED this �� day of aibbey , 2022. SEAL: u :t'.�: JEFFERSON COUNTY �" Jo BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ,\QA H Eise I our, Chair ATTEST: Greg :rotherton, Member 6frUr47 Kate ean, Member Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Clerk of the Board Approved as to form only: C Philip C. Hunsucker, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Page 4 of 4 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. Employees who have Covid-19 must isolate for at least 5 full days and may return to work as follows: On the next day after 5 full days of isolation they may return to work, but must mask for 5 days additional if symptoms have reduced. Based on risks identified by Department Heads, Departments may require a negative test on an antigen test or up to a 10-day isolation period before returning to work. c. 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 d. 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. e. Once informed, the supervisor and/or department director will immediately notify the Human Resources Manager. Page 1 of 5 3. When a supervisor or department director 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. 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. Provide written notice of potential COVID-19 exposure within one business day to all workers, and the employers of subcontracted workers, who were at the same work site as the person who tested positive, without identifying any employee who may have been the source of the exposure. 4. Departments may request that Facilities sanitize the workplace, in any county building for which Facilities is responsible. 5. Department directors and elected officials (collectively department directors) shall encourage employees who are close contacts of a person with COVID-19 to follow guidance from the Jefferson County Public Health Department regarding symptoms and testing, located on the department's web page at: https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/12518/Testing-Flowchart . Working remotely may be authorized if approved by the employee's department director. C.Recommendation for All Employees to Get Fully Vaccinated and Boosted. The County recommends that all employees get fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. D. Required Log of Fully Vaccinated Employees_ For workplaces where vaccination is required, the Human Resources Manager shall keep a log of all vaccinated employees, if required by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries. The Human Resource Manager shall make the log available to the Washington Department of Labor&Industries upon request. E. Required and Recommended Face Coverings: 1. Definitions. a. "Close contact" means contact indoors within six feet for at least fifteen minutes. b. "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. c. "Highly Protective Face Covering" means a KF94 mask, a KN95 mask, or an N95 mask. Page 2 of 5 2. When Face Coverings Are Required. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, employees must wear face coverings (as defined below): a. When required by applicable federal, state, or local health officer requirements, for particular workplace settings (e.g., health care providers, correctional facilities); b. When required by a workplace-specific written COVID-19 Prevention Program for a department adopted under Section 1.E.(4). c. When wearing a face covering is required: i. Employees shall wear the face covering over the nose and mouth at all times to prevent transmitting droplets while working or present indoors; ii. Employees may wear County-provided face coverings or face coverings made or purchased by the employee; iii. Employees should consider wearing a highly protective face covering; and, iv. Employees shall keep cloth face coverings clean, consistent with washing standards set by the CDC. 3. When Face Coverings Are Recommended While Working Indoors. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, employees are recommended to wear face coverings while indoors. 4. COVID-19 Prevention Program. Because risks vary from workplace to workplace, each department director will develop and approve a workplace-specific written COVID-19 Prevention Program that addresses COVID-19 notification, reporting and prevention measures in that workplace to provide a safe and healthy workplace and to reduce risk of transmission of COVID-19 to their workers. The COVID-19 Prevention Program shall take into consideration relevant factors such as the size and ventilation of space(s) in which employees operate, the number of employees that could be assigned to work in each space and the known vaccination rate of employees. The requirements of the COVID-19 Prevention Program for prevention measures shall not be less stringent than the requirements of this policy nor less stringent than the applicable federal, state or local health officer requirements,but may be more stringent and may include continued wearing of face coverings or respirators, physical distancing, physical barriers, maximized fresh-air and air-filtration on building and vehicle HVAC systems, improved filtration in areas with poor ventilation and other worker protections. Each department director shall continue to assess COVID-19 hazards in their workplace(s) and modify the written Program as warranted by operational needs, case rates, workplace infections or other considerations. Each department director shall consult with other department directors in departments that are co-located, to address concerns and risks in neighboring departments before adopting a COVID-19 Prevention Program. Page 3 of 5 5. Compliance with Face Covering Requirements at Other Locations. All employees operating in or on the property or retaining the onsite services of any person or business or other entity that has imposed face covering requirements on or required proof of vaccination from any worker, customer or other person must comply with the requirements of that person or business or other entity while in or on that property or while retaining the onsite services. 6. No Threats or Adverse Actions. Employees are prohibited from taking or threatening to take any adverse action against any person or business or other entity or tenant for imposing face covering requirements on or requiring proof of vaccination. 7. Face Covering Not Required for Employees While Working Outdoors,Unless required by a COVID-19 Prevention Program. Employees working outdoors will not be required to wear a face covering, unless required by a COVID-19 Prevention Program. 8. 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. 9. Exception for Courts. The judges of the District and Superior Courts have authority to modify the requirements in this Section 1.E. as necessary to meet statutory or constitutional requirements for their courtrooms. 10. 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 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 shall follow these workplace standards: Wash hands frequently and regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as needed and including: after using the restroom,before and after eating,drinking or using tobacco products, after sneezing and/or coughing. G. 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 (including departmental COVID-19 Prevention Program) 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 c. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: https://www.lni.wa.gov/agency/outreach/coronavirus/requirements-and-guidance- for-preventing-covid-19. d. Jefferson County Public Health: www.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 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 Requirements in Section 1 of 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: Jefferson County, in order to promote public health during this pandemic, deems it in its interests to encourage employees to become fully vaccinated and boosted. 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 total per employment for employees who are sick or isolating per Jefferson County Department of Public Health directions, or if their child is sick or isolating. For workers who cannot work remotely,up to an additional 40 hours temporary paid leave may be approved by Department Heads starting August 22, 2022. 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. Applicable federal, state, or local health officer requirements may require face coverings in health care settings, locations required by federal law, correctional facilities and all locations, though this list is not exclusive and is subject to modification by federal, state or local officials. Page 5 of 5 JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Kate Dean,Commissioner DATE: October 24,2022 SUBJECT: Updating the Temporary Covid Policy STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Board has discussed the past two weeks if and how to update the County's Covid policies in response to the Governor's recession of the state's emergency declaration. ANALYSIS: The Board made edits to the 12th policy and received input from departments at the Covid Coordination meeting. The draft policy with changes made during the October 17, 2022 Board's discussion is attached as Attachment A and the additional changes and comments from Staff received at the County Coordination Meeting on October 21, 2022 are in Attachment B. A document showing all the proposed changes combined is attached as Attachment C. FISCAL IMPACT: N/A RECOMMENDATION: Further consider the attached draft policy,take public comment, and adopt a final 13th Temporary County Policy Based on Emergency Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. RF BY: 74/2-/AZ cCauley,County Administrator Date ATTACHMENT A order and Jefferson County, in order to promote public health during this pandemic, deems it in its interests to encourage employees to become fully vaccinated and boosted; and, WHEREAS, Proclamation 20-25 has been amended several times, with the most recent amendment occurring on March 11, 2022 in Proclamation 20-25-19; 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 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 proportionnow the dominant variant of COVID-19 cases it is causingin Jefferson County; and, WHEREAS, the Omicron variant and its subvariants have 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; and, WHEREAS, the Omicron variant and its subvariants are a highly contagious and easily spread to others; and, WHEREAS, 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 the Omicron variant, the risk of high levels of hospitalization for COVID-19 significantly diminished from prior variants; and, WHEREAS, on September 8, 2022, Governor Jay Inslee announced end to COVID- 19 emergency orders and state of emergency by October 31, 2022, including an end to Proclamation 20-25; and,WHEREAS, on February 28, 2022, Governor Inslee announced, in concert with the Governors of Oregon and Califo would lift for most places on March 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.; and, WHEREAS, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services renewed on October 13, 2022 its COVID-19 emergency declaration; and, Page 2 of 4 ATTACHMENT A WHEREAS, the Health Officer for Jefferson County rescinded the public health order requiring masks in indoor, public places on March 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. while continuing to strongly recommend wearing masks in indoor settings until reaching a community transmission threshold of less than 100 cases per 100,000 in a two-week period; and, WHEREAS, vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19; and, WHEREAS, masking remains an important tool to protect people from spreading COVID-19, especially when vaccination is less effective in preventing the spread of the Omicron variant and its subvariants; and, WHEREAS, levels of COVID-19 in Jefferson County continue to put it in the high risk category; and, WHEREAS, on October 7, 2022, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and rise in many European countries last week, up 14% compared to the previous week in people ages 65 and older, the European Centre for Disease WHEREAS, during the pandemic, increasing levels of COVID-19 in Europe often have been a harbinger of increased levels of COVID-19 in Jefferson County; and, WHEREAS, Jefferson County has one of the highest percentages of seniors in Washington State and in the United States; 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, in recent weeks the level of COVID-19 infections have increased significantly, as preventive measures have been relaxed, but subvariants of the Omicron variant have spread; and, WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Requirements and Guidelines for Preventing COVID-19 effective April 21, 2022 (L&I e no longer required for most workers, however, the COVID-19 pandemic remains a public health emergency and a recognized workplace hazard. Employers must continue to ensure a Page 3 of 4 ATTACHMENT A WHEREAS, the L&I Requirements state that at workers known or suspected to have COVID-19 from working around others by following appropriate isolation or quarantine guidance as outlined by the Washington State Department of WHEREAS loyers must continue to assess COVID-19 hazards in their workplaces, because the level of hazards may change. This depends on the amount of disease in the community, how close workers are to others, whether the worker or others they interact with are vaccinated, and ventilation. When COVID-19 hazards change, employers may need to adjust WHEREAS, the severity of thecontinued high levels of COVID-19 in Jefferson County, coupled with the increasing levels of COVID-19 in Europe situation demands that the Board continue to 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 in-person attendance at a hybrid open public meeting only can be held with reasonable safety with capacity limitations; and, WHEREAS, on August 3, 2022, the Health Officer rescinded the requirement of no in-person open public meetings contained in the April 26, 2021 public health order. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Jefferson County Commissioners that: 1. As long as there is a declared state of emergency, 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 stream hybrid formats with in-person capacity limited to the same time a virtual format with the public having access via internet platforms (such as Zoom or GoTo Meeting), via the tele provided the hybrid meeting can be held with reasonable safety, as determined by the Board of County Commissioners in consultation with the Health Officer; and 2. Persons visiting County facilities are recommended to wear a face covering for the duration of the Emergency. Facilities shall post signs in each County facility that recommend visitors wear a face covering; and, 3. es to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic as amended (attached) is adopted as set forth below; and, 4. Each policy in this resolution is adopted as a temporary measure to slow and help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, APPEND Page 4 of 4 ATTACHMENT A 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 th to disciplinary action and termination for just cause; and,. 5. This Resolution shall repeal and replace Resolution 2441-22 of Jefferson County and shall be effective at 12:01 am. on August November 231, 2022. (SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE) Page 5 of 4 ATTACHMENT A 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 6 of 4 orary 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. Employees who have Covid-19 must isolate for at least 5 full days and may return to work as follows: On the next day after 5 full days of isolation they may return to work, but must mask for 5 days additional if symptoms have reduced. Based on risks identified by Department Heads, Departments may require a negative test on an antigen test or up to a 10-day isolation period before returning to work. c. 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 d. 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. e. Once informed, the supervisor and/or department director will immediately notify the Human Resources Manager. Page 1 of 6 3. When a supervisor or department director 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. 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. Provide written notice of potential COVID-19 exposure within one business day to all workers, and the employers of subcontracted workers, who were at the same work site as the person who tested positive, without identifying any employee who may have been the source of the exposure. f. Contact Facilities to sanitize the workplace, if it is a county building for which Facilities is responsible. 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. Department directors and elected officials (collectively department directors) shall encourage employees who are close contacts of a person with COVID-19 to follow guidance from the Jefferson County Public Health Department regarding symptoms https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/12518/Testing-Flowchart that are close contacts of a person with COVID-19 and to mask or work from home if their job allows for five days after the close contact. Working remotely may be 5. 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 https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/12518/Testing-Flowchart Working remotely may be authorized if director. C. Recommendation for All Employees to Get Fully Vaccinated and Boosted. The County recommends that all employees get fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. D. Required Log of Fully Vaccinated Employees. For workplaces where vaccination is required, 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. Page 2 of 6 E. Required and Recommended Face Coverings: 1. Definitions. a. six feet for at least fifteen minutes. a.b. de of at least two layers of cloth, a surgical mask, bandanas, face shields, gaiters with less than two layers of cloth, scarfs, or sweaters. b.c. a KF94 mask, a KN95 mask, or an N95 mask. 2. When Face Coverings Are Required. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, employees must wear face coverings (as defined below): a. When required by applicable federal, state, or local health officer requirements, for particular workplace settings (e.g., health care providers, correctional facilities); b. When required by a workplace-specific written COVID-19 Prevention Program for a department adopted under Section 1.E.(4). c. When wearing a face covering is required: i.Employees shall wear the face covering over the nose and mouth at all times to prevent transmitting droplets while working or present indoors; ii. Employees may wear County-provided face coverings or face coverings made or purchased by the employee; iii.Employees should consider wearing a highly protective face covering; and, iv. Employees shall keep cloth face coverings clean, consistent with washing standards set by the CDC. 3. When Face Coverings Are Recommended While Working Indoors. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, employees should wear face coverings while indoors. 4. COVID-19 Prevention Program. Because risks vary from workplace to workplace, each department director will develop and approve a workplace-specific written COVID-19 Prevention Program that addresses COVID-19 notification, reporting and prevention measures in that workplace to provide a safe and healthy workplace and to reduce risk of transmission of COVID-19 to their workers. The COVID-19 Prevention Program shall take into consideration relevant factors such as the size and ventilation of space(s) in which employees operate, the number of employees that could be assigned to work in each space and the known vaccination rate of employees. The requirements of the COVID-19 Prevention Program for prevention measures shall not Page 3 of 6 be less stringent than the requirements of this policy nor less stringent than the applicable federal, state or local health officer requirements, but may be more stringent and may include continued wearing of face coverings or respirators, physical distancing, physical barriers, maximized fresh-air and air-filtration on building and vehicle HVAC systems, improved filtration in areas with poor ventilation and other worker protections. Each department director shall continue to assess COVID-19 hazards in their workplace(s) and modify the written Program as warranted by operational needs, case rates, workplace infections or other considerations. Each department director shall consult with other department directors in departments that are co-located, to address concerns and risks in neighboring departments before adopting a COVID-19 Prevention Program. 5. Compliance with Face Covering Requirements at Other Locations. All employees operating in or on the property or retaining the onsite services of any person or business or other entity that has imposed face covering requirements on or required proof of vaccination from any worker, customer or other person must comply with the requirements of that person or business or other entity while in or on that property or while retaining the onsite services. 6. No Threats or Adverse Actions. Employees are prohibited from taking or threatening to take any adverse action against any person or business or other entity or tenant for imposing face covering requirements on or requiring proof of vaccination. 7. Face Covering Not Required for Employees While Working Outdoors, Unless required by a COVID-19 Prevention Program. Employees working outdoors will not be required to wear a face covering, unless required by a COVID-19 Prevention Program. 8. 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. 9. Exception for Courts. The judges of the District and Superior Courts have authority to modify the requirements in this Section 1.E. as necessary to meet statutory or constitutional requirements for their courtrooms. 10. 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 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 shall follow these workplace requirementsstandards: 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 Page 4 of 6 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. G. 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 (including departmental COVID-19 Prevention Program) 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. c. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: https://www.lni.wa.gov/agency/outreach/coronavirus/requirements-and-guidance- for-preventing-covid-19. d. Jefferson County Public Health: www.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 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 Requirements in Section 1 of 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 ngton State mandated priority order. As of September 22, 2021, a single booster dose became available after completion of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series and a second booster is now recommended for those who are immunocompromised or over the age of 50. Jefferson County, in order to promote public health during this pandemic, deems it in its interests to encourage employees to become fully vaccinated and boosted. 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 Page 5 of 6 administrative leave total per employment for employees who are sick or quarantining isolating per Jefferson County Department of Public Health directions, or if their child is sick or quarantiningisolating. For workers who cannot work remotely, up to an additional 40 hours temporary paid leave may be approved by Department Heads starting August 22, 2022. 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. Applicable federal, state, or local health officer requirements may require face coverings in health care settings, locations required by federal law, correctional facilities and all locations, though this list is not exclusive and is subject to modification by federal, state or local officials. Page 6 of 6 ATTACHMENT B County COVID-19 Coordination Meeting on October 21, 2022 STATE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY OF JEFFERSON In the Matter of Adopting a Thirteenth RESOLUTION NO. _______ Temporary County Policy Based on 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, as of December 20, 2021, the COVID-19 variant, Omicron, was detected in the United States and is now the dominant variant of COVID-19 in Jefferson County; and, WHEREAS, the Omicron variant and its subvariants have 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; and, WHEREAS, the Omicron variant and its subvariants are a highly contagious and easily spread to others; and, WHEREAS, 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 the Omicron variant, the risk of high levels of hospitalization for COVID-19 significantly diminished from prior variants; and, Page 1 of 4 ATTACHMENT B County COVID-19 Coordination Meeting on October 21, 2022 WHEREAS, on September 8, 2022, Governor Jay Inslee announced end to COVID- 19 emergency orders and state of emergency by October 31, 2022, including an end to Proclamation 20-25; and,; and, WHEREAS, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services renewed on October 13, 2022 its COVID-19 emergency declaration; and, WHEREAS, levels of COVID-19 in Jefferson County continue to put it in the high risk category; and, WHEREAS, on October 7, 2022, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and rise in many European countries last week, up 14% compared to the previous week in people ages 65 and older, the European Centre for Disease WHEREAS, during the pandemic, increasing levels of COVID-19 in Europe often have been a harbinger of increased levels of COVID-19 in Jefferson County; and, WHEREAS, Jefferson County has one of the highest percentages of seniors in Washington State and in the United States; 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, the continued high levels of COVID-19 in Jefferson County, coupled with the increasing levels of COVID-19 in Europe demands that the Board continue to 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 in-person attendance at a hybrid open public meeting can be held with reasonable safety with capacity limitations; 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, open public meetings will be: (a) held in virtual formats only with the public having access via internet platforms (such as Zoom the same time a virtual format with the public having access via internet platforms (such Page 2 of 4 ATTACHMENT B County COVID-19 Coordination Meeting on October 21, 2022 provided the hybrid meeting can be held with reasonable safety, as determined by the Board of County Commissioners in consultation with the Health Officer; and 2. Persons visiting County facilities are recommended to wear a face covering for the duration of the Emergency. Facilities shall post signs in each County facility that recommend visitors wear a face covering; and, 3. amended (attached) is adopted as set forth below; and, 4. Each policy in this resolution is adopted as a temporary measure to slow and help prevent 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 to disciplinary action and termination for just cause; and, 5. This Resolution shall repeal and replace Resolution 41-22 of Jefferson County and shall be effective at 12:01 am. on November 1, 2022. (SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE) Page 3 of 4 ATTACHMENT B County COVID-19 Coordination Meeting on October 21, 2022 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 ary 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. Employees who have Covid-19 must isolate for at least 5 full days and may return to work as follows: On the next day after 5 full days of isolation they may return to work, but must mask for 5 days additional if symptoms have reduced. Based on risks identified by Department Heads, Departments may require a negative test on an antigen test or up to a 10-day isolation period before returning to work. c. 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 d. 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. e. Once informed, the supervisor and/or department director will immediately notify the Human Resources Manager. Page 1 of 6 3. When a supervisor or department director 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. 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. Provide written notice of potential COVID-19 exposure within one business day to all workers, and the employers of subcontracted workers, who were at the same work site as the person who tested positive, without identifying any employee who may have been the source of the exposure. f. ContactDepartments may request that Facilities to sanitize the workplace, if it is ain any county building for which Facilities is responsible. 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 Commented \[pch1\]: Ask Sarah Melancon: Are we still doing finalizing a plan. this? 4. Department directors and elected officials (collectively department directors) shall encourage employees who are close contacts of a person with COVID-19 to follow guidance from the Jefferson County Public Health Department regarding symptoms https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/12518/Testing-Flowchart and to mask for five days after the close contact.. Working remotely may be authorized if C. Recommendation for All Employees to Get Fully Vaccinated and Boosted. The County recommends that all employees get fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. D. Required Log of Fully Vaccinated Employees. For workplaces where vaccination is required, the Human Resources Manager shall keep a log of all fully vaccinated Commented \[pch2\]: employees., if required by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries. The Human Resource Manager shall make the log available to the Washington Department of Labor & p Industries upon request. Page 2 of 6 E. Required and Recommended Face Coverings: 1. Definitions. a. b. bandanas, face shields, gaiters with less than two layers of cloth, scarfs, or sweaters. c. mask. 2. When Face Coverings Are Required. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, employees must wear face coverings (as defined below): a. When required by applicable federal, state, or local health officer requirements, for particular workplace settings (e.g., health care providers, correctional facilities); b. When required by a workplace-specific written COVID-19 Prevention Program for a department adopted under Section 1.E.(4). c. When wearing a face covering is required: i. Employees shall wear the face covering over the nose and mouth at all times to prevent transmitting droplets while working or present indoors; ii. Employees may wear County-provided face coverings or face coverings made or purchased by the employee; iii. Employees should consider wearing a highly protective face covering; and, iv. Employees shall keep cloth face coverings clean, consistent with washing standards set by the CDC. 3. When Face Coverings Are Recommended While Working Indoors. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, employees shouldare recommended to wear face coverings while indoors. 4. COVID-19 Prevention Program. Because risks vary from workplace to workplace, each department director will develop and approve a workplace-specific written COVID-19 Prevention Program that addresses COVID-19 notification, reporting and prevention measures in that workplace to provide a safe and healthy workplace and to reduce risk of transmission of COVID-19 to their workers. The COVID-19 Prevention Program shall take into consideration relevant factors such as the size and ventilation of space(s) in which employees operate, the number of employees that could be assigned to work in each space and the known vaccination rate of employees. The Page 3 of 6 requirements of the COVID-19 Prevention Program for prevention measures shall not be less stringent than the requirements of this policy nor less stringent than the applicable federal, state or local health officer requirements, but may be more stringent and may include continued wearing of face coverings or respirators, physical distancing, physical barriers, maximized fresh-air and air-filtration on building and vehicle HVAC systems, improved filtration in areas with poor ventilation and other worker protections. Each department director shall continue to assess COVID-19 hazards in their workplace(s) and modify the written Program as warranted by operational needs, case rates, workplace infections or other considerations. Each department director shall consult with other department directors in departments that are co-located, to address concerns and risks in neighboring departments before adopting a COVID-19 Prevention Program. 5. Compliance with Face Covering Requirements at Other Locations. All employees operating in or on the property or retaining the onsite services of any person or business or other entity that has imposed face covering requirements on or required proof of vaccination from any worker, customer or other person must comply with the requirements of that person or business or other entity while in or on that property or while retaining the onsite services. 6. No Threats or Adverse Actions. Employees are prohibited from taking or threatening to take any adverse action against any person or business or other entity or tenant for imposing face covering requirements on or requiring proof of vaccination. 7. Face Covering Not Required for Employees While Working Outdoors, Unless required by a COVID-19 Prevention Program. Employees working outdoors will not be required to wear a face covering, unless required by a COVID-19 Prevention Program. 8. 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. 9. Exception for Courts. The judges of the District and Superior Courts have authority to modify the requirements in this Section 1.E. as necessary to meet statutory or constitutional requirements for their courtrooms. 10. 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 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 shall follow these workplace standards: 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,after using the restroom, before and after eating, drinking or Page 4 of 6 using tobacco products, after sneezing and/or coughing, and after touching surfaces or handling objects touched by others or suspected of being contaminated.,. 1. Use hand sanitizer (between handwashing) after touching surfaces or handling objects touched by others or suspected of being contaminated. Do not touch mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands. G. 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 (including departmental COVID-19 Prevention Program) 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. c. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: https://www.lni.wa.gov/agency/outreach/coronavirus/requirements-and-guidance- for-preventing-covid-19. d. Jefferson County Public Health: www.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 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 Requirements in Section 1 of 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: Jefferson County, in order to promote public health during this pandemic, deems it in its interests to encourage employees to become fully vaccinated and boosted. 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 total per employment for employees who are sick or isolating per Jefferson County Department of Public Health directions, or if their child is sick or isolating. For workers who cannot work remotely, up to an additional 40 hours Page 5 of 6 temporary paid leave may be approved by Department Heads starting August 22, 2022. 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. Applicable federal, state, or local health officer requirements may require face coverings in health care settings, locations required by federal law, correctional facilities and all locations, though this list is not exclusive and is subject to modification by federal, state or local officials. Page 6 of 6 ATTACHMENT C STATE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY OF JEFFERSON In the Matter of Adopting a Twelfth Thirteenth RESOLUTION NO. _______ Temporary County Policy Based on 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 WHEREAS, on July 24, 2020, the Secretary of Health issued Order 20-03.1, 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 Page 1 of 4 ATTACHMENT C order and Jefferson County, in order to promote public health during this pandemic, deems it in its interests to encourage employees to become fully vaccinated and boosted; and, WHEREAS, Proclamation 20-25 has been amended several times, with the most recent amendment occurring on March 11, 2022 in Proclamation 20-25-19; 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 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 proportionnow the dominant variant of COVID-19 cases it is causingin Jefferson County; and, WHEREAS, the Omicron variant and its subvariants have 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; and, WHEREAS, the Omicron variant and its subvariants are a highly contagious and easily spread to others; and, WHEREAS, 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 the Omicron variant, the risk of high levels of hospitalization for COVID-19 significantly diminished from prior variants; and, WHEREAS, on September 8, 2022, Governor Jay Inslee announced end to COVID- 19 emergency orders and state of emergency by October 31, 2022, including an end to Proclamation 20-25; and,WHEREAS, on February 28, 2022, Governor Inslee announced, in would lift for most places on March 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.; and, WHEREAS, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services renewed on October 13, 2022 its COVID-19 emergency declaration; and, Page 2 of 4 ATTACHMENT C WHEREAS, the Health Officer for Jefferson County rescinded the public health order requiring masks in indoor, public places on March 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. while continuing to strongly recommend wearing masks in indoor settings until reaching a community transmission threshold of less than 100 cases per 100,000 in a two-week period; and, WHEREAS, vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19; and, WHEREAS, masking remains an important tool to protect people from spreading COVID-19, especially when vaccination is less effective in preventing the spread of the Omicron variant and its subvariants; and, WHEREAS, levels of COVID-19 in Jefferson County continue to put it in the high risk category; and, WHEREAS, on October 7, 2022, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and 14% compared to the previous week in people ages 65 and older, the European Centre for Disease WHEREAS, during the pandemic, increasing levels of COVID-19 in Europe often have been a harbinger of increased levels of COVID-19 in Jefferson County; and, WHEREAS, Jefferson County has one of the highest percentages of seniors in Washington State and in the United States; 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, in recent weeks the level of COVID-19 infections have increased significantly, as preventive measures have been relaxed, but subvariants of the Omicron variant have spread; and, WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Requirements and Guidelines for Preventing COVID-19 effective April 21, 2022 (L&I pandemic remains a public health emergency and a recognized workplace hazard. Employers must Page 3 of 4 ATTACHMENT C WHEREAS workers known or suspected to have COVID-19 from working around others by following appropriate isolation or quarantine guidance as outlined by the Washington State Department of WHEREAS COVID-19 hazards in their workplaces, because the level of hazards may change. This depends on the amount of disease in the community, how close workers are to others, whether the worker or others they interact with are vaccinated, and ventilation. When COVID-19 hazards change, WHEREAS, the severity of thecontinued high levels of COVID-19 in Jefferson County, coupled with the increasing levels of COVID-19 in Europe situation demands that the Board continue to 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 in-person attendance at a hybrid open public meeting only can be held with reasonable safety with capacity limitations; and, WHEREAS, on August 3, 2022, the Health Officer rescinded the requirement of no in-person open public meetings contained in the April 26, 2021 public health order. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Jefferson County Commissioners that: 1. As long as there is a declared state of emergency, open public meetings will be: (a) held in virtual formats only with the public having access via internet platforms (such as Zoom the same time a virtual format with the public having access via internet platforms (such provided the hybrid meeting can be held with reasonable safety, as determined by the Board of County Commissioners in consultation with the Health Officer; and 2. Persons visiting County facilities are recommended to wear a face covering for the duration of the Emergency. Facilities shall post signs in each County facility that recommend visitors wear a face covering; and, 3. amended (attached) is adopted as set forth below; and, Page 4 of 4 ATTACHMENT C 4. Each policy in this resolution is adopted as a temporary measure to slow and help prevent 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 to disciplinary action and termination for just cause; and,. 5. This Resolution shall repeal and replace Resolution 2441-22 of Jefferson County and shall be effective at 12:01 am. on August November 231, 2022. (SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE) Page 5 of 4 ATTACHMENT C 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 6 of 4 ary 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. Employees who have Covid-19 must isolate for at least 5 full days and may return to work as follows: On the next day after 5 full days of isolation they may return to work, but must mask for 5 days additional if symptoms have reduced. Based on risks identified by Department Heads, Departments may require a negative test on an antigen test or up to a 10-day isolation period before returning to work. c. 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 d. 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. e. Once informed, the supervisor and/or department director will immediately notify the Human Resources Manager. Page 1 of 6 3. When a supervisor or department director 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. 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. Provide written notice of potential COVID-19 exposure within one business day to all workers, and the employers of subcontracted workers, who were at the same work site as the person who tested positive, without identifying any employee who may have been the source of the exposure. f. Departments may request that Contact Facilities to sanitize the workplace, if it is ain any county building for which Facilities is responsible. 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 Commented \[pch1\]: Ask Sarah Melancon: Are we still doing finalizing a plan. this? 4. Department directors and elected officials (collectively department directors) shall encourage employees who are close contacts of a person with COVID-19 to follow guidance from the Jefferson County Public Health Department regarding symptoms https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/12518/Testing-Flowchartthat are close contacts of a person with COVID-19 to mask or work from home if their job allows for five days after the close contact. Working remotely may be authorized 5. 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 https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/12518/Testing-Flowchart director. C. Recommendation for All Employees to Get Fully Vaccinated and Boosted. The County recommends that all employees get fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. D. Required Log of Fully Vaccinated Employees. For workplaces where vaccination is Commented \[pch2\]: required, the Human Resources Manager shall keep a log of all fully vaccinated employees, if required by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries. The Human Resource p Page 2 of 6 Manager shall make the log available to the Washington Department of Labor & Industries upon request. E. Required and Recommended Face Coverings: 1. Definitions. a. a.b. bandanas, face shields, gaiters with less than two layers of cloth, scarfs, or sweaters. b.c. mask. 2. When Face Coverings Are Required. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, employees must wear face coverings (as defined below): a. When required by applicable federal, state, or local health officer requirements, for particular workplace settings (e.g., health care providers, correctional facilities); b. When required by a workplace-specific written COVID-19 Prevention Program for a department adopted under Section 1.E.(4). c. When wearing a face covering is required: i. Employees shall wear the face covering over the nose and mouth at all times to prevent transmitting droplets while working or present indoors; ii. Employees may wear County-provided face coverings or face coverings made or purchased by the employee; iii. Employees should consider wearing a highly protective face covering; and, iv. Employees shall keep cloth face coverings clean, consistent with washing standards set by the CDC. 3. When Face Coverings Are Recommended While Working Indoors. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, employees should are recommended to wear face coverings while indoors. 4. COVID-19 Prevention Program. Because risks vary from workplace to workplace, each department director will develop and approve a workplace-specific written COVID-19 Prevention Program that addresses COVID-19 notification, reporting and prevention measures in that workplace to provide a safe and healthy workplace and to reduce risk of transmission of COVID-19 to their workers. The COVID-19 Prevention Page 3 of 6 Program shall take into consideration relevant factors such as the size and ventilation of space(s) in which employees operate, the number of employees that could be assigned to work in each space and the known vaccination rate of employees. The requirements of the COVID-19 Prevention Program for prevention measures shall not be less stringent than the requirements of this policy nor less stringent than the applicable federal, state or local health officer requirements, but may be more stringent and may include continued wearing of face coverings or respirators, physical distancing, physical barriers, maximized fresh-air and air-filtration on building and vehicle HVAC systems, improved filtration in areas with poor ventilation and other worker protections. Each department director shall continue to assess COVID-19 hazards in their workplace(s) and modify the written Program as warranted by operational needs, case rates, workplace infections or other considerations. Each department director shall consult with other department directors in departments that are co-located, to address concerns and risks in neighboring departments before adopting a COVID-19 Prevention Program. 5. Compliance with Face Covering Requirements at Other Locations. All employees operating in or on the property or retaining the onsite services of any person or business or other entity that has imposed face covering requirements on or required proof of vaccination from any worker, customer or other person must comply with the requirements of that person or business or other entity while in or on that property or while retaining the onsite services. 6. No Threats or Adverse Actions. Employees are prohibited from taking or threatening to take any adverse action against any person or business or other entity or tenant for imposing face covering requirements on or requiring proof of vaccination. 7. Face Covering Not Required for Employees While Working Outdoors, Unless required by a COVID-19 Prevention Program. Employees working outdoors will not be required to wear a face covering, unless required by a COVID-19 Prevention Program. 8. 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. 9. Exception for Courts. The judges of the District and Superior Courts have authority to modify the requirements in this Section 1.E. as necessary to meet statutory or constitutional requirements for their courtrooms. 10. 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 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 shall follow these workplace requirementsstandards: Page 4 of 6 Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.75", No bullets or numbering 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, after 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. G. 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 (including departmental COVID-19 Prevention Program) 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. c. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: https://www.lni.wa.gov/agency/outreach/coronavirus/requirements-and-guidance- for-preventing-covid-19. d. Jefferson County Public Health: www.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 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 Requirements in Section 1 of 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 September 22, 2021, a single booster dose became available after completion of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series and a second booster is now recommended for those who are immunocompromised or over the age of 50. Jefferson County, in order to promote public health during this pandemic, deems it in its interests to encourage employees to become fully Page 5 of 6 vaccinated and boosted. 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 total per employment for employees who are sick or quarantining isolating per Jefferson County Department of Public Health directions, or if their child is sick or quarantiningisolating. For workers who cannot work remotely, up to an additional 40 hours temporary paid leave may be approved by Department Heads starting August 22, 2022. 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. Applicable federal, state, or local health officer requirements may require face coverings in health care settings, locations required by federal law, correctional facilities and all locations, though this list is not exclusive and is subject to modification by federal, state or local officials. Page 6 of 6