Good Afternoon,
This week is our last 5-day work week for a while. For those working 10-hour shifts, our first one is Thursday, April 22 from 6 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and our first Friday off will be Friday, April 23. Another great sign that summer is coming!
On the COVID-side of things, Michigan’s cases continue to rise but so do the vaccination rates. As of yesterday, more than 5.6 million doses have been administered in Michigan.
I had a few COVID questions come up this week that I wanted to share:
Is the vaccine going to be required for WCRC employees? At this time, a COVID-19 vaccine is not required for employees, but I strongly encourage everyone to get the vaccine. I truly believe this is the only way out of the pandemic.
As far as future vaccine requirements, that remains to be seen. Just like everything with this pandemic, it is impossible for me to know what federal, state or county workplace requirements will come along as the vaccination program continues. I know we have people with strong opinions across the spectrum regarding the vaccine and I can promise that any WCRC policy changes made in this area will only be done after much deliberation.
Can I stop wearing a mask at work if I am fully vaccinated? The state and county’s mask mandates remain in effect and therefore our masking protocol remains in effect for all employees, whether they have received the vaccine or not.
Do I need to quarantine if I had close contact with a COVID-positive person, but I am fully vaccinated? As of right now, once someone has been fully vaccinated and they are not showing any symptoms, they do not need to quarantine or miss work if exposed.
For someone who has not been fully vaccinated and is exposed, the state’s quarantine requirements are now 14 days. If an employee is required to quarantine, they need to use annual leave or take unpaid leave at this time.
Please continue to contact Nicole if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive or is exhibiting symptoms, even if you have been vaccinated.
When will employees working remotely be allowed back in the office? This week, MIOSHA extended its COVID-related workplace rules, including remote work requirements until October 14.
We will continue to operate as we have been, in compliance with MIOSHA’s rules. Employees can continue to come into the office when needed for specific tasks. As we get into another construction season, I know more people will need to come into the office. I expect everyone to follow social distancing and masking protocols when they are working. If you have questions about your in-office schedule, please contact your supervisor or director.
Do we still need to answer the screening questions every morning? Per MIOSHA’s COVID workplace rules that were just extended this week, daily screenings are still required for anyone reporting to work in person.
If you have any other questions, please reach out to your supervisor, director, Nicole or me.
I know we are all ready to move on from the pandemic, but we can’t, at least not yet. Please continue all the good practices we have in place – social distancing, wearing your mask and washing your hands regularly. The warmer weather will also help as we move many of our activities outdoors. Most of all, please remember that we are doing all of these things to protect ourselves, our families and our coworkers.
I hope you have a nice weekend,
Sheryl
