Matt Hesketh

The Arizona Department of Health Services (the Department) has issued guidance for businesses and employers to help prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The Department also issued a fact sheet with information for businesses about COVID-19.

Among other things, the Department recommends:

• Employees awaiting COVID-19 test results should remain in home isolation
• Employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 should remain in home isolation for seven days from specimen collection or until 72 hours after the fever is gone and symptoms of the acute infection resolve, whichever is longer
• If employees have not been tested but have COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), they should remain in home isolation until 72 hours after the fever is gone and all symptoms of the acute infection resolve
• If employees have tested negative but have COVID-19 symptoms, they should remain in home isolation until 72 hours after the fever is gone and all symptoms of the acute infection resolve
• If employees have symptoms that are not associated with COVID-19, they should remain in home isolation until 24 hours after all symptoms are gone
• Employees who show up to work sick or become sick at work should be sent home immediately
• A healthcare provider’s note should not be required for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness because medical facilities are extremely busy and may not be able to provide such documentation right away
• Educate employees about everyday prevention (such as staying home when sick and washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds)
• Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs) with a bleach and water solution
• If you require employees to travel, check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices regularly for the latest guidance and recommendations on country-specific travel
• Develop an emergency communication and response plan
• Review telework capacity and policies to prepare for the increased absence
• Assess essential functions and positions of business operations and prepare to change or suspend operations
• Share plans with employees, suppliers, vendors, and customers

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