As we continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) across our community, it is important to know what to do if it becomes necessary for you to be tested for COVID-19 or if you are experiencing symptoms. Whether you test positive or negative, any employee (faculty and staff) with symptoms should take certain actions to protect themselves and the health of others. This includes employees who are teleworking or performing remote work.
If you test positive or are presumed positive for COVID-19:
- If you test positive for COVID-19 or have a presumed positive diagnosis, you must report your diagnosis to the HealthPoint Occupational Health Program (OHP) and to your direct supervisor. OHP values your privacy and is following privacy guidelines that allow the university to keep our workplace and your coworkers safe while still protecting individual privacy as much as possible.
- OHP will continue to monitor you daily using an online reporting tool and will provide you with guidance on your available leave options, including leave that may be available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
- OHP will also identify any UT community members who may have come into close contact with you and will reach out to them directly with guidance on how to self-quarantine, self-isolate or self-monitor, as applicable.
Employees who test negative for COVID-19 and have symptoms:
- Even if you test negative for COVID-19, you must report that you were tested to the HealthPoint Occupational Health Program.
- You should not return to on-campus work until 72 hours have passed without symptoms and at least 10 days have passed since the onset of symptoms.
- You should practice self-isolation during this time. Self-isolation means that people with symptoms of COVID-19, with or without a positive test, separate from others, stay home and away from others who share a residence to prevent the spread of the virus.
Employees who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 but have not been tested:
Any employee impacted by COVID-19:
- UT Select insurance now covers the cost of medically necessary COVID-19 testing and treatment with in-network providers at 100% with no out-of-pocket costs. For more information, please visit the UT System Office of Employee Benefits COVID-19 webpage.
- New federal leave provisions are now available to employees impacted by COVID-19.
- For more information, please visit the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Paid Leave webpage.
- You can also contact your local Human Resources representative for help with understanding federal leave provisions.
Thank you for everything that you are doing in support of our university and our mission. By reporting your positive or negative test to OHP, you will be taking steps to protect your fellow coworkers, colleagues, and the university community from the spread of coronavirus.
Sincerely,
HealthPoint Occupational Health ProgramHuman Resources |The University of Texas at AustinOHP Website| 512-471-4642 | healthpoint.ohp@austin.utexas.edu