March 15, 2020, 3:23 p.m.
Good Afternoon,
As you are aware, the number of individuals in the State of Michigan who are presumed to have the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is growing. We continue to closely monitor recommendations made by county, state and national health officials, including recommendations that discourage travel and attending public events.
As this situation is ever-changing, we continue to adapt and react in the most appropriate way based on the information available to us at the time. We will do our best to contact you via email with updated information. We will also keep this webpage under Employee Central updated with the latest information for employees: www.wcroads.org/employee-coronavirus-covid-19-updates/
Effective Monday, March 16, 2020 at 7 a.m.:
Lobby
The lobby will be closed to the public. Appointments can be made for special circumstances Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. by calling (734) 761-1500.
Permitting
Permit applications can be submitted at www.wcroads.org and plans can be sent to [email protected]. Permits can now be issued via email instead of requiring in-person pick-up. If other arrangements need to be made, please call (734) 327-6642.
The public is reminded that they can continue to conduct business with WCRC by:
- Visiting www.wcroads.org
- Submitting a road request through the WCRC Fix It App
- Calling (734) 761-1500, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Following @WashtenawRoads on Facebook and Twitter
As of right now, the board meeting and working session scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 will be held. The lobby doors will be unlocked during these meeting times to allow for public attendance at these meetings. Chat with the Road Commission will be suspended until further notice.
If you believe you have been exposed to Coronavirus (COVID-19) …
Individuals with concerns or symptoms should call their health care provider first with questions. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough or difficulty breathing. Remember that these symptoms may also be caused by other viruses, such as the flu. Additionally, an individual without symptoms is very unlikely to test positive, even with possible exposure.
If you are sick, you should stay home. Contact your direct supervisor and the HR manager by phone or email to discuss your leave options.
If you would like to request a change in the way you work…
Annual Leave: If you have time left in your annual leave account, you can take annual leave by contacting your supervisor.
Unpaid Leave: Requests for unpaid leave must be made in writing to your direct supervisor, director and HR manager. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Telework: Requests to work remotely must be made in writing to your direct supervisor, director and HR manager. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis based on nature of your job and other circumstances (access to technology etc.).
Meetings
Per guidance from the Washtenaw County Health Department, employees are asked to limit the number of in-person meetings held with internal and external people over the next few weeks.
Please look at your schedules from now until April 5 and ask the following questions:
- Is the meeting essential? If not, reschedule or cancel
- If the meeting is essential, determine another way to meet. Can you organize a Teams meeting or conference call? Can you conduct the business via email?
If you have any questions about a meeting, please discuss with your supervisor. If you need assistance setting up a Teams meeting or conference call, submit a ticket through the IT HelpDesk.
Non-Essential, Work-Related Travel
Per recommendations from the Washtenaw County Department of Health, we are also instructing employees to limit non-essential, work-related travel.
If you have a conference or large event coming up, please talk with your supervisor. Many of these events have already been cancelled or are expected to be cancelled.
Food Delivery
Since the lobby will be closed, food delivery drivers will not be granted access. If you do order delivery, please arrange to personally meet your delivery driver outside the building.
Childcare
Per current WCRC policy, children or grandchildren of employees are not allowed to come to work with their parent or grandparent. This policy remains in effect. If you have concerns about childcare coverage, contact your direct supervisor by phone or email to discuss your leave options.
Next Steps
I will be meeting with the senior management team on Monday to determine future operational patterns and work expectations. We will notify you as soon as additional decisions are made.
I’d like to thank all of you for exercising patience with us as we navigate this unprecedented situation. Information is ever-changing and it takes time to digest recommendations and then evaluate the best, most equitable way to implement directives throughout the organization. We are making our decisions after consulting with peer agencies, careful consideration and out of an abundance of caution for your safety.
Thank you again,
Sheryl
