Recent updates to HR-700, the temporary UM System policies developed in response to COVID-19,  provide further guidance for faculty and staff as they begin to return to on-campus work.

The new guidance, which took effect Wednesday, May 13, allows employees to return to on-site work when directed to do so by their supervisors. At Missouri S&T, supervisors have developed return-to-work scenarios in consultation with the six-phase repopulation plan announced May 7. The repopulation plan outlines how the university is preparing for full on-site operations by the fall 2020 term.

The updated guidance in HR-700 directs employees working on campus to continue to comply with applicable federal, state or local public health orders related to COVID-19 and to continue to observe precautionary measures. Employees should:

• Maintain social distancing. Maintain six-foot social distancing from other individuals unless performing job duties that require contact with other individuals closer than six feet
• Cover face when appropriate. Wear a cloth mask or other face covering that covers their mouth and nose if they are unable to maintain six-foot social distancing or if otherwise required by federal, state or local public health orders
• Limit interaction. Limit in-person meetings and group gatherings to a size that complies with federal, state or local public health orders and allows for six-foot social distancing
• Maintain healthy habits such as frequent hand-washing and cleaning of surfaces.
• Measure their own temperature before work each day and, if their temperature is over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, notify their supervisor and do not report to work
• Know the symptoms and notify their supervisor and stay home if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, and new loss of taste or smell. Employees should also notify their supervisor if they have been in close contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19.

At-risk employees

Employees with underlying health conditions that may put them at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should notify their supervisors and their university’s human resources office to request reasonable accommodation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, employees at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:

• People 65 years and older
• People with serious underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, compromised immune systems, severe obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or liver disease.

As Missouri S&T moves forward with plans to resume full in-person operations in Fall 2020, campus leaders will continue to consult with local, federal and state health officials and agencies and will continue to develop contingency plans to adapt to any potential changes in the COVID-19 situation for our area.

Read the updated UM System policy.