OPM has sent a memo encouraging agencies to use personnel flexibilities available for situations in which employees or family members are stricken with or even exposed to flu and other communicable diseases. The memo expands on prior guidance on issues such as use of sick leave for personal or family care purposes and situations in which excused absence may be appropriate, including special considerations for diseases that the government considers to warrant quarantine—one of which is Ebola. For example, unlike flue, for such diseases agencies do not need permission from OPM or CDC to grant sick leave for someone who has been exposed but is not showing symptoms. “Agencies should remind employees to use good health habits like hand washing at all times and encourage sick employees to seek medical treatment and use sick leave or other appropriate workplace flexibilities. Where necessary, agencies should consider implementing social distancing, including the use of ad hoc telework arrangements,” it said. The memo has links to attachments including a question and answer sheet and the official list of quarantinable diseases.
The memo is here:
http://www.chcoc.gov/transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=6548
