covid-19 frequently asked questions (faqs)
TRANSCRIPT
NICHOLE BRANDON Director
Developed by Citywide Occupational Safety and Health Program Reviewed by Columbus Public Health 1/6/2022
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COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for City of Columbus Employees
(To accompany the City of Columbus COVID-19 Employee Safe Work Practices Guidance)
These FAQs have been developed by the Citywide Occupational Safety and Health Program (COSHP).
They are designed to answer questions about the City of Columbus Safe Work Practices Guidance and
are in addition to FAQs in the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Workplace Policy PO24-1 and Q&As
distributed from the Department of Human Resources.
This document is a best management practice designed to supplement, NOT REPLACE, any Department/Division policies, procedures, or guidance.
1) What is coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?
a. COVID-19, or coronavirus disease 2019, is a respiratory disease caused by one of the seven coronaviruses known to infect humans. It was first identified in humans in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. The virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2.
2) What can I do to protect myself and others from COVID-19?
a. The following actions help prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as other coronaviruses and influenza:
Get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Wear a face covering or mask.
Stay home when you can.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoid shaking hands.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm or inner elbow.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (see below for guidance if you don’t have a sink or hand sanitizer available).
Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
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3) Who is at higher risk for becoming seriously ill from COVID-19?
a. Though no one is invulnerable, older adults are at increased risk for severe illness or death from COVID-19. Underlying conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and individuals with compromised immune systems increase risk even further in those who are older. In addition, anyone with an underlying medical condition, regardless of their age, faces increased risk of serious illness.
4) When is someone defined as Quarantined or in Isolation?
a. Isolation is reserved for those who have tested positive or been clinically diagnosed with COVID-19. It keeps infected people away from healthy people to prevent the sickness from spreading. Isolation time frame is determined by Columbus Public Health (CPH), your local health department, or sometimes your health care provider.
b. Quarantine in general means the separation of a person or group of people reasonably believed to have been exposed to a communicable disease, but not yet symptomatic, from others who have not been so exposed, to prevent the possible spread of the communicable disease.
c. COVID-19 symptoms could include: Fever >100.4°F, new or worsening dry cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, new or worsening congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
This list does not include all possible symptoms. We will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
5) When do symptoms appear?
a. Symptoms generally appear 2-14 days after exposure. You are most contagious when exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
6) How does COVID-19 spread?
a. COVID-19 is believed to spread mainly from person to person between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) from one another and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
7) Should I get tested for COVID-19? (updated V21)
a. Currently, the CDC recommends COVID-19 testing for those who fall into the following categories:
People who have symptoms of COVID-19
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People who have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should be tested to check for infection (updated V22):
On day 5 following an exposure.
Unvaccinated people who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot physically distance as needed to avoid exposure, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded or poorly-ventilated indoor settings
People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, local or state health department.
b. Not everyone needs to be tested and not everyone needs to quarantine following a COVID-19 test. If you do get tested, please follow the quarantine guidelines listed in the City of Columbus COVID-19 Safe Work Practices Guidance, Department/Division Health Screenings Section. Unvaccinated employees who are considered Critical Infrastructure Employees may have modified quarantine time frames, in accordance with the Department of Human Resources Procedures and Columbus Public Health.
c. Please note, a COVID-19 test is an indication of the virus in your body ONLY at the time of the test. The incubation period of COVID-19 is 2-14 days; if you are tested too soon following exposure you could have a negative test but actually be carrying the disease.
d. Columbus Public Health does not recommend serial testing.
8) What is a close contact?
a. Any employee who was within 6 feet of a laboratory-confirmed or clinically diagnosed case for at least 15 minutes of a 24 hour period of when the COVID+ person was symptomatic, asymptomatic, within 2 days prior to person being symptomatic, or within 2 days prior to the COVID+ person being tested. The 15 minutes of exposure within 6 feet is cumulative. These employees would be determined by their Department/Division HR working with CPH.
b. Someone who provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19.
c. Someone who had direct physical contact with the COVID+ person (touched, hugged, or kissed them) while the person was symptomatic or within 2 days or the person becoming symptomatic or (if not symptomatic) within 2 days of the COVID+ person being tested
d. Someone who shared eating or drinking utensils with a COVID+ person while the person was symptomatic or within 2 days or the person becoming symptomatic or (if not symptomatic) within 2 days of the COVID+ person being tested.
e. A COVID+ person sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you while the person was symptomatic or within 2 days or the person becoming symptomatic or (if not symptomatic) within 2 days of the COVID+ person being tested.
9) What is a non-close contact?
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a. Employees who work with or in the same area of the laboratory-confirmed or clinically diagnosed case employee, but are not considered close contacts.
b. Examples would be: employees who were on the same shift as the confirmed case (while symptomatic) but not within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes, or employees who work in the same area as the laboratory-confirmed or clinically diagnosed case employee, but not at the same time.
c. The non-close contact employees are ultimately determined by their Department/Division HR and should perform the daily monitoring (which everyone should be doing regardless) and be very vigilant to leave work or stay home from work if they begin experiencing symptoms. They should also call their healthcare provider and HR should be notified. They are not tracked by CPH in any way.
10) What if I was exposed to a close contact (i.e., I work with someone who is a close contact)?
a. There are currently no additional guidelines for anyone who was a close contact of someone else who has been determined to be a close contact. “Contacts of contacts” are not considered to be exposed by CDC. All employees reporting for work should continue to self-monitor daily prior to coming to work.
11) What if I’ve had a lingering cough? Should I be concerned I have COVID-19?
a. You should reach out to your primary care provider if you are concerned you have symptoms of COVID-19. Do not report to work if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance about what to do next. Please note – if you have recovered from COVID-19 you may have a persistent cough. Please follow the pre-screening health check instructions in the City of Columbus COVID-19 Safe Work Practices Guidance (most recent version) prior to reporting to work.
b. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can call the CPH COVID-19 hotline at 614-645-1519.
12) Is there any guidance on “deep cleaning”? Who will perform this cleaning, how it is to be performed, any other protective measures besides basic personal protective equipment (PPE), and what cleaning agents are to be used? Updated V16
a. The CDC has updated their cleaning and disinfecting guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidance for cleaning (including recommended PPE) following a positive COVID-19 case can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html.
b. Please refer to the City of Columbus COVID-19 Safe Work Practices Guidance for cleaning and disinfecting guidance following a positive case. Additionally, continue to communicate with Facilities or your building manager to report any instances of ill employees at work.
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13) What if I work in the field and cannot find any hand sanitizer to perform hand hygiene in the field?
a. Hand sanitizer is now in good supply and should be readily available to employees. If you need hand sanitizer please contact your Department/Division safety professional.
b. Ensure you are using good hygiene practices in the field to prevent exposures:
Do not shake anyone’s hand.
Do not touch anything you do not need to touch.
Use gloves and remove/dispose of them properly.
Be careful not to touch your face, mouth, or eyes.
14) We are running out of cleaning/disinfecting solutions to clean work surfaces and are having trouble purchasing more due to depleted stocks – how should we clean when premade EPA-registered disinfectants are no longer available?
a. Although premade EPA-registered disinfectants are now in good supply, diluted household bleach solutions can still be used if appropriate for the surface. However, premade EPA-registered disinfectants are desired. If you do make diluted household bleach solution, follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted. Diluted bleach solution should be used within 24 hours to provide the best disinfection.
b. Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water - or -
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
c. Many products recommend:
Keeping the surface wet for several minutes to ensure germs are killed.
Precautions such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during mixing
and use. PPE should include disposable gloves and eye protection including while
mixing for splash protection.
d. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-
disinfection.html.
15) How should I clean my work truck/vehicle? (Updated V16)
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a. You should clean your work truck/vehicle both before and after use, particularly if it is a shared vehicle. Keep in mind, the areas of the vehicle that you should focus on when cleaning are the areas you will be touching with your hands. Don’t forget to include key fobs and key boxes when performing disinfection related to vehicle use. These items are constantly touched and should be cleaned between uses as best you can. Clean the following areas at the beginning of and end of your shift:
Cab/driver’s areas and all components. Ensure steering wheel, gear shifter, radio, armrest, power window buttons, seatbelt buckles, door handles and other areas regularly touched are sprayed.
Exterior door handles
Vehicle mounted tool box handles and doors
Tools used during the shift (hand tools, power tools, ladders, carts etc.)
b. Disinfection is not required unless an ill employee was utilizing the vehicle less than 24 hours prior. If disinfectant is needed, ensure the disinfectant is suited for the material on which it is being used.
Utilize disposable, nitrile gloves and safety glasses or goggles during disinfection.
Clean commonly used areas where dirt or mud is present with a wet towel prior to disinfection. This is an important step to ensure efficacy of the disinfectant.
Spray disinfectant on all areas used during the shift. (Note: Ensure that the area where disinfection will occur has proper ventilation.) This includes all areas listed in step (a) above.
Allow disinfectant spray to self-dry or ensure 10 minute contact time prior to drying the surface.
If drying the area, use a clean towel and a new pair of nitrile gloves.
Dispose of nitrile gloves in a trash receptacle after use.
c. Conduct proper hand washing as soon as feasible after cleaning and/or disinfecting a vehicle.
16) How long should I stay home if I did not report to work or was sent home based on answering yes to questions during the health screening process outlined in the City of Columbus COVID-19 Safe Work Practices Guidance? This includes pre-shift self-screening or screening performed at work (Updated with version 22).
a. Employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 should follow the return to work instructions listed in the City of Columbus COVID-19 Safe Work Practices Guidance and also listed in FAQ#45.
b. Symptomatic employees who do not report to work or are sent home based on answering yes to any of the COVID-19 symptoms screening questions, must obtain and take a COVID-19 test or contact a health care provider for guidance that day. Exception: employees who had AND fully recovered from COVID-19 illness within the previous 3 months do NOT need to be tested for COVID-19. These employees may return to work once they are fever free for 24 hours and symptoms of illness have improved.
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c. If you, or those in your immediate household, receive a negative clinical or laboratory confirmed diagnosis, you may return to work once you are fever free for 24 hours and symptoms of illness have improved. Employees may notify their supervisor verbally and return to work. Please see FAQ 43 for questions regarding at-home COVID-19 tests.
d. For employees who failed the pre-screen due to being a close contact of a COVID+ case:
If you receive a clinical diagnosis or a laboratory confirmed diagnosis for COVID-19, do not report to work and contact your department/division Human Resources office to determine your return to work procedures. Return to work guidelines following a COVID-19 infection can be found in FAQ 45.
If you are NOT fully vaccinated and are a close contact of a COVID+ case or someone being tested for COVID-19 due to symptoms or at the advice of a health department or healthcare provider, do not report to work and contact your department/division Human Resources office to determine your return to work procedures. Return to work guidelines following a COVID-19 infection can be found in FAQ 45.
If you ARE fully vaccinated, you may report to work as long as you are not showing symptoms of COVID-19 AND you must wear a mask indoors for 10 days following exposure or until test result is negative (fully vaccinated people should get tested 5 days after their exposure).
Return to work guidelines following a COVID-19 infection can be found in FAQ 45. NOTE:
Laboratory confirmed diagnosis – a COVID-19 diagnosis based on FDA authorized testing.
Clinical diagnosis – a presumed diagnosis of COVID-19 performed by a licensed health care professional. This diagnosis can be performed by assessing patient symptoms and is used in the absence of testing availability.
e. If you have recently received the COVID-19 vaccine and you are experiencing symptoms consistent with the vaccine you may return to work once your symptoms subside without a COVID test or negative clinical diagnosis under the below conditions:
Your symptoms are consistent with COVID-19 vaccine side effects, AND
Your symptoms started within 24 hours of receiving the vaccine, AND
Your symptoms resolve within 48-72 hours, THEN
It is reasonable to return to work without a COVID negative test or negative clinical diagnosis for COVID once you are no longer experiencing symptoms.
If you are returning to work following vaccine-related side effects, and you are returning to work without a COVID test, you may be asked to show your COVID-19 vaccination card to your Human Resources representative prior to returning to work.
Note: Side effects are usually more common after the second dose but can include injection
site soreness, fever, joint pain, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. These side effects
typically lasts 2-3 days. If side effects last longer than 3 days, call your healthcare provider
or 614-645-1519 to get a free COVID-19 test.
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17) What if my job involves handling mail? Should I take any extra precautions? (updated V16)
a. COVID-19 is mainly spread person-to-person via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. However, it may be possible that a person can be infected when touching a surface with the virus and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. To minimize the risk employees can use the following steps:
Wear disposable nitrile or vinyl gloves when handling mail
Never re-wear a pair of gloves you have previously taken off
Always wash hands with soap and water immediately after removing gloves
Surfaces that have contact with mail should be cleaned at least daily
Avoid touching your face
Follow any additional guidance or procedures provided by your department
18) Do I need to wear a face covering to work? Updated V19
a. Except when an exception applies, masks are required if you are working in an office around others and if you are in a communal space with others and should be donned prior to entering your work building or work space. A face covering can be a cloth face covering or a surgical mask that meets CDC guidelines and its purpose is to reduce exhaled droplets in crowded settings when controls like physical distancing cannot be maintained. To reflect current CDC guidance, face shields are no longer permitted to be used in lieu of a face covering unless the employee has a written exception documented on a face covering exception form.
b. Face coverings/masks play an important role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Although vaccines are highly effective against severe illness and death from COVID-19, the delta variant causes more infections and spreads much more easily than previous variants of the virus. Additionally, recent studies have shown that vaccinated individuals who have breakthrough infections, though largely mild in nature, can still transmit the virus.
c. Please refer to the City of Columbus COVID-19 Safe Work Practices Guidance for more information regarding face coverings.
d. If you work in a healthcare setting – please follow the face covering and PPE requirements of your appointing authority; which may be different or more stringent in some circumstances
19) I wear a disposable N95 respirator or face mask as a part of my job (based on direction from my Department/Division safety professional). Is it safe to re-use these disposable personal protective equipment items?
a. If employees wear disposable N95 respirators or surgical masks as recommended or required by their Department/Division safety professional, the CDC has guidance for re-use of these PPE items during supply shortages. Although the guidance is written for health care providers, Citywide Occupational Safety and Health believes the guidance can be used for other City employees as necessary.
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b. Please refer to the City of Columbus Safe Work Practices Guidance (Most recent version) for further guidance on how to safely re-use N95 respirators or face masks.
20) Do I need to wear a face covering if I work in a cubicle? Updated V20
a. Per updated guidance from Columbus Public Health, face coverings can be removed in a cubicle when all of the below are met. In the below circumstances, the cubicle can be considered an “enclosed working space”.
Employees are seated and are 6’ or more from each other, and
There are barriers between the cubicles that are at least 5’ high from the floor, and
Employees are not facing each other or the open side of the cubicle, and
Employees must don a face covering when they stand up to leave their cubicle or if they have a visitor within 6’ of them while they are in their cubicle.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a vaccinated, close contact of a COVID+ person, you do NOT have a cubicle mask exemption during the 14 days following your exposure (or until you test negative 3-5 days after exposure). Other face covering exemptions – such as exemptions for heat stress, occupational safety purposes, or public safety employees performing public safety tasks (please see Guidance for full list of exemptions – do continue to apply
21) When a face covering is required, can employees choose to wear plastic face shields, instead
of face coverings, even without a medical exception? (question updated in Version 19)
a. Per updated CDC guidance, a face shield is no longer permitted to be used in lieu of a face
covering unless the employee has a medical exception documented on a face covering
exception form.
22) What if I think I am or I am told I am a close contact to a COVID+ case outside of work but do
not get contacted by my health department?
a. Unfortunately, when local cases are surging, many local health departments are
overwhelmed and there may be a lag in contact tracing. In the absence of official
quarantine orders, please see b-d below for guidance.
b. If you are unvaccinated, completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine more
than 6 months ago and are not boosted or received one dose of the J&J vaccine more
than 2 months ago and are not boosted and are a close contact of a person with COVID-
19, please quarantine immediately. Self-quarantine may end when 5 days have passed
since your last contact with the person with COVID-19 as long as you have not had
any symptoms.
Test 5 days after last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop.
c. If you are boosted, completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine less than 6
months ago or received one dose of the J&J vaccine less than 2 months ago and are a
close contact to a positive COVID case, updated CDC guidance does not require
quarantine but instead recommends fully vaccinated and boosted people get tested 5 days
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after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms, and shall wear a mask around
others for 10 days following last exposure.
d. All close contacts should continue to monitor for symptoms for 10 days after close contact with
a person with COVID-19. If you develop symptoms, get a test, isolate and stay home.
23) What if I get a positive test result for COVID-19 but do not get contacted by my health
department?
a. Unfortunately, when local cases are surging, many local health departments are
overwhelmed and there may be a lag between when you receive a test result and when you
are contacted by your local health department.
b. Do not report to work, call your health care provider. Your health care provider will
provide guidance to you based on your test result. If you do not have a health care
provider, please call Columbus Public Health (645-1519) to be connected with one.
c. Call your human resources department. They may ask for verification of your health care
provider’s orders.
24) If I am a close contact to either 1) a COVID+ case OR 2) someone being tested for COVID-19
due to symptoms or direction by a healthcare provider or local health department, do I need to
quarantine and can I take a test to get out of quarantine early? (updated V22)
a. If you have been given quarantine orders by a local health department or your physician, those orders must be followed.
b. In the absence of official quarantine orders, the following guidance can be used:
NOTE: the below guidance is directed towards non-health care employees. Employees who are considered healthcare workers can find quarantine guidance here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/hcp/infection-control-after-vaccination.html.
Please see next page for table.
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IF… THEN Additional information
You are experiencing any symptoms consistent with COVID-19…
Isolate from others at home, be clinically evaluated for COVID-19, and tested for SARS-CoV-2 if indicated by a medical professional.
Notify your supervisor and HR representative of a positive COVID-19 test. If you are at work when you begin to experience symptoms – notify your supervisor and leave work. Refer to FAQ 45 for return to work guidance following a COVID-19 infection. Refer to FAQ 16 for return to work guidance following non-COVID illness.
With the Omicron variant becoming more prevalent, we are seeing more breakthrough infections of vaccinated individuals. This guidance applies to those experiencing symptoms, regardless of how mild symptoms are or vaccination status.
You completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted
– OR –
You received one dose of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted
- OR –
You are unvaccinated
Yes – you are subject to the quarantine requirements of an exposure to COVID-19.
Quarantine and stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
You must wear a mask for 10 days. Test on day 5, if possible.
You must also quarantine if you are continuing to be exposed to the person with COVID-19 (i.e., caring for them, living in same household and cannot isolate). Critical Infrastructure employees may have modified quarantine – please refer to the CIE flowchart.
If you develop symptoms – get a test, isolate, and stay home.
You ARE fully vaccinated* and you are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms…
No – you do not need to quarantine or be restricted from work following an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
Updated CDC guidance recommends fully vaccinated people get tested 5 days after their exposure, even they don’t have symptoms and shall wear a mask indoors in public for 10 days following last exposure
*Fully vaccinated, in this context means you meet any of the following:
Received the 2nd dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine <6 months ago
Received the J&J vaccine <2 months ago
Have received a booster shot
You must still monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 10 days following an exposure. If you become symptomatic, follow the guidelines listed above for experiencing symptoms.
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c. Call your human resources department with any questions. They may ask for verification of
your health care provider’s orders.
25) What is the difference between a viral COVID-19 test and a COVID-19 antibody test?
a. A viral test tells you if you have a current infection. b. An antibody test might tell you if you had a past infection. An antibody test might not show if
you have a current infection because it can take 1–3 weeks after infection for your body to make antibodies. Having antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 might provide protection from getting infected with the virus again. If it does, we do not know how much protection the antibodies might provide or how long this protection might last.
26) Can I wear a face covering or N95 respirator with an exhalation valve (i.e., a “vented” face covering or N95)? Updated V17 a. Face coverings or N95 respirators with exhalation valves or vents are NOT recommended
for situations where a face covering or N95 is required for COVID-19 protection, as they do not adequately prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others. If an N95 respirator with an exhalation valve must be worn because there are no alternatives, it should have an additional face covering or surgical mask over it covering the exhalation valve. Additional safety measures may need to be taken, including more frequent breaks, in instances where heat stress is a concern. Please note – for situations where an N95 is being worn for purposes other than COVID-19 precautions (i.e., dust, mold, etc) – a vented N95 is acceptable.
27) Does an employee who is a close contact of an employee being tested for COVID-19 (after
having developed symptoms, at the recommendation of a healthcare provider or LHD or in follow up to an exposure to a person with COVID-19) or that HAS tested positive for COVID-19 still need to quarantine even if N95 or half face respirators with N95 or P100 filters were worn when the employees were in close contact?
a. IF the close contact being tested is boosted, completed the primary series of Pfizer or
Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months, or received one dose of the J&J vaccine
within the last 2 months, please follow instructions in FAQ #32.
b. IF the close contact being tested is NOT fully vaccinated, completed the primary series
of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted, or received one
dose of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted, the close contact employee would
still need to quarantine (FAQ 24), regardless of wearing the N95 due to the inability to
determine if the mask was properly donned/doffed during the time of contact. Per the CDC;
“Because the general public has not received training on proper selection and use of
respiratory PPE, such as an N95, the determination of close contact should generally be
made irrespective of whether the contact was wearing respiratory PPE.”
c. CDC References: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/contact-tracing/contact-
tracing-plan/appendix.html#contact and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
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ncov/php/contact-tracing/contact-tracing-plan/investigating-covid-19-
case.html#anchor_15900
You may be asked to provide your COVID-19 vaccination card for verification of
vaccination dates
28) Does an employee who is a close contact (Person A) of someone who is being tested
(Person B) for COVID-19 (Person B being tested after having developed symptoms, at the
recommendation of a healthcare provider or local health department or in follow up to an
exposure to a person with COVID-19) need to be sent home until the employee being tested
(Person B) gets their (Person B) test results?
a. If the close contact (Person A) is boosted, completed the primary series of Pfizer or
Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months, or received one dose of the J&J vaccine
within the last 2 months, please follow instructions in FAQ #32 (updated Version 19)
b. If the close contact (Person A) is NOT fully vaccinated, completed the primary series of
Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted, or received one
dose of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted, they should be sent home until the
test (of Person B) is complete and continue quarantine if Person B’s test is positive and
return to work if Person B’s test is negative. Person A should wait to contact their health
care provider or local health department until Person B’s test results are complete. It is not
recommended that Person A contact their health care provider or local health department if
the test comes back negative.
c. If Person A or Person B is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or develops symptoms, they
should remain home and contact their primary care provider or obtain a COVID-19
test. Follow guidance listed in FAQ 16. If they are COVID positive then the primary care
provider can follow the appropriate treatment. If they are COVID negative then the primary
care provider can follow-up with other testing, treatments, and symptom management.
You may be asked to provide your COVID-19 vaccination card for verification of
vaccination dates
29) If I have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, where can I find information? a. There are multiple vaccines available under an emergency use authorization in the United
States to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). With the possibility of a limited supply, accurate vaccine information is critical.
b. You can find information from Columbus Public Health, Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts regarding COVID-19 vaccine FAQs and local information here:
https://youtu.be/hhJuYbH3rQY c. You can find more information about vaccine truths and myths here
Vaccine Fact Sheet (Department of Human Resources Intranet site)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/about-vaccines/vaccine-myths.html;
CDC Understanding How Covid Vaccines Work
https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-program
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html
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https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/safety
30) I have recovered from COVID-19 and am planning to return to work. Someone in my household currently has COVID-19, is being tested for COVID-19, or is showing symptoms of COVID-19. Can I return to work?
a. Anyone who has had close contact with someone with COVID-19 and who meets the following criteria does NOT need to stay home so long as they remain symptom free.
Has COVID-19 illness within the previous 3 months and
Has recovered and
Remains without COVID-19 symptoms (for example, fever cough, shortness of breath). Loss of taste and smell and lingering cough may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation/quarantine.
b. Please note – you do not need a negative test to return to work in this circumstance.
31) As an employee, will the COVID-19 vaccine be mandatory? a. While the vaccine may be required for healthcare settings, currently the City of Columbus is
not requiring that all employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
32) I have received the COVID-19 vaccine and was recently a close contact to someone with COVID-19 – do I need to quarantine? (Updated V21) FAQ 32 has been removed and combined with FAQ 24 to create a quarantine guidance chart.
33) The CDC issued new guidance on use of face coverings – is it a requirement to wear 2 masks now?
a. Double masking is NOT required when employees are performing a task where a face covering is required (Please see FAQ#18). Employees and safety professionals should review the City of Columbus COVID-19 Safe Work Practice Guidelines for updated face covering guidance from the CDC and implement any additional face covering fit and filtration measures that are practical.
b. If you have questions, please contact your Department/Division safety professionals or the Citywide Occupational Safety and Health Program.
34) The CDC issued guidance in March 2021 regarding fully vaccinated persons gathering with other fully vaccinated persons. Do I need to wear my face covering at work if I’ve been fully vaccinated? Updated V17
a. Please refer to FAQ 18 for face covering guidance.
35) When I am eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, how do I register to get vaccinated?
a. In Ohio, anyone aged 12 or older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. There are many easy
ways to register for your shot:
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1. Columbus Public Health: Visit Columbus Public Health website
https://www.columbus.gov/c19vax/ for information on how to get
vaccinated. Registration is not required.
2. Ohio Department of Health website: Find an open vaccine appointment near
you and check your eligibility through the new Ohio Department of Health
website gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
3. Additionally – you can register through your primary care provider or a variety of
local vaccine providers.
36) Can we remove other COVID-19 preventative measures such as barriers, distancing, or
cleaning procedures?
a. The guidance for social distancing and other COVID-19 preventative recommendations
remain unchanged at this time.
b. As much as possible, continue to utilize barriers, 6’ distancing, virtual meetings/trainings,
capacity recommendations on conference/training/break areas, one person to a vehicle,
cleaning procedures, etc. Please see the City of Columbus COVID-19 Safe Work Practices
Guidance for a list of all safe work recommendations.
c. This guidance will be revisited as the COVID-19 cases and vaccination rates in the
community continue to be assessed.
37) Is it ok to ride in a vehicle with another employee without face coverings?
a. Face coverings are required if there is more than one person riding together in a vehicle. It
is also recommended to open windows when weather permits, sit as far apart as possible,
and ensure the car ventilation is set to fresh air and not on recirculation mode. Riding
together in a vehicle is considered a communal space.
38) What should I do if I am requested to wear a face covering when going into someone’s home or
business to perform City services?
a. Except when an exemption applies, a face covering is required if you are working in an
office around others and if you are in a communal space with others.
39) How should I clean a shared amenity, such as a coffee pot, water dispenser, microwave, etc.?
a. These items should be cleaned similarly to pre-pandemic procedures which should include
Washing daily with hot soapy water and rinsing with hot water.
These items can be sanitized daily as well with a food-safe sanitizer (please read
manufacturer instructions to determine if sanitizer is food safe).
Cleaning wipes and hand sanitizer should be available near these items to provide
additional cleaning opportunities for high touch areas (i.e., coffee pot handle, water
dispenser valve, microwave handle).
Employees should continue to wash their hands regularly with warm water and soap.
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40) Do contractors or visitors need to wear face coverings while working in or visiting City facilities?
a. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, visitors are required to wear face coverings, unless an
exemption applies, in public buildings and indoor facilities.
41) What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html
a. Cleaning involves using products containing soap or detergent to reduce germs on surfaces by removing contaminants (i.e., dirt/soil) and may also weaken or damage some of the virus particles, which decreases risk of infection from surfaces.
When no people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 are known to have been in a space, cleaning once a day is usually enough to sufficiently remove virus that may be on surfaces and help maintain a healthy facility.
b. Disinfecting involves using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s List N approved disinfectants to kill any remaining germs/viruses on surfaces, which further reduces any risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting is usually only necessary if there has been a sick person or someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in your facility within the last 24 hours. In that case – you should clean AND disinfect the space.
42) What is a breakthrough infection of COVID-19?
a. The CDC defines a vaccine breakthrough infection as the detection of the COVID-19 virus
in a respiratory specimen collected from a person at least 14 days after receipt of all
recommended doses of an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine.
b. Vaccine breakthrough cases are expected. COVID-19 vaccines are effective and are a
critical tool to bring the pandemic under control. However, no vaccines are 100% effective
at preventing illness in vaccinated people. There will be a small percentage of fully
vaccinated people who still get sick, are hospitalized, or die from COVID-19.
c. There is evidence that vaccination may make illness less severe for those who are
vaccinated and still get sick.
d. For more information regarding breakthrough infections:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/health-departments/breakthrough-cases.html
43) Can I use an at-home test to determine if I am positive for COVID-19?
a. Currently – if you cannot be tested by a healthcare provider – yes you can use either
a self-collection kit or a self-test that can be performed at home or anywhere else.
Sometimes a self-test is also called a “home test” or an “at-home test. The test must be
approved for use by the FDA. The FDA provides information on which self-tests are
authorized for use: In Vitro Diagnostics EUAs - Antigen Diagnostic Tests for SARS-CoV-2 |
FDA.
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b. These self-collection kits and tests are available either by prescription or over the counter,
without a prescription, in a pharmacy or retail store. At present, self-collection kits and tests
are used for the detection of current infection.
c. As of now, FDA authorized at-home test kits are considered valid in any situation in which
testing is required, including symptomatic individuals regardless of vaccination status and
asymptomatic unvaccinated individuals especially when exposed to someone with COVID-
19. If at-home testing is positive, the person should isolate and inform close contacts to
quarantine.
d. NOTE – if you receive a positive test result on your at-home COVID-19 test kit, you
must follow up with a healthcare provider or your local health department for
isolation/COVID+ orders. If you take a proctored test – the test process will be through a
healthcare provider and will likely include isolation instructions/orders. e. Free at-home test kits from the Ohio Department of Health are available at all of the
Columbus Metropolitan Library locations. Please visit the Ohio Department of Health
Testing and Community Health Centers page for more information: Ohio Department of
Health Testing and Community Health Centers Locations.
44) I have questions regarding the COVID-19 booster shot – where can I find more information?
f. Columbus Public Health: https://www.columbus.gov/c19vax/
g. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html
h. Ohio Department of Health: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-
shot.html
45) When should employees return to work following a COVID-19 positive laboratory test result or a
clinical diagnosis? Updated V22 (This question is also covered in the Human Resources Q&A
#32 and has been added to the City of Columbus COVID-19 Safe Work Practices FAQs as well)
a. In the absence of recommendations from a local health department or employee’s
healthcare provider, the following criteria, based on CDC Guidance, can be used to
determine when isolation may be discontinued for COVID-19 positive employees and
employees may return to work:
i. Isolate and stay home for 5 days from the onset of symptoms* or from the test date if
there are no symptoms. -AND-
ii. If there are no symptoms or symptoms are improving after 5 days**, you may leave
the house. If you are asymptomatic and then develop symptoms – begin the 5 day
count again after you develop symptoms. Employees are not permitted to return to
work until symptoms improve. -AND-
iii. Must continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days, for a total of 10
days.
iv. NOTE: Physician’s or health department guidance should always be followed if it
differs from the isolation/return to work guidance listed above. Some employees who
experience severe symptoms of COVID-19 illness may require more than 5 or 10
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days of isolation – they should work with their physician to determine the appropriate
return to work plan.
v. NOTE: While testing to end isolation following a COVID-19 illness is not
recommended by the CDC, if an individual has access to a test and wants to test,
the best approach is to use an antigen test (i.e., NOT PCR test) towards the end of
the 5-day isolation period. Collect the test sample only if you are fever-free for 24
hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have
improved (loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery
and need not delay the end of isolation). If your test result is positive, you should
continue to isolate until day 10. If your test result is negative, you can end isolation,
but continue to wear a mask around others at home and in public until day 10.
vi. NOTE: Do not require a healthcare provider’s note to validate the illness or return to work of employees sick with acute respiratory illness.
vii. NOTE: Do not require a negative COVID-19 test result for an employee who was infected with COVID-19 to return to work.
viii. NOTE: Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and
need not delay the end of isolation
* To calculate your 5-day isolation period, day 0 is your first day of symptoms. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed. For asymptomatic people; Day 0 is the day of your positive viral test (based on the date you were tested) and day 1 is the first full day after the specimen was collected for your positive test. ** If you have a fever, continue to isolate and stay home until the fever has resolved for 24 hours.
For more information:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention o https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Ohio Department of Health o https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/Novel-Coronavirus
Columbus Public Health o https://www.columbus.gov/coronavirus/
CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Information o https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
More Vaccine Information
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o Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine o What to expect after getting a COVID-19 vaccine o Ensuring safety of vaccines o COVID-19 vaccine myth busters o COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs o Understanding different COVID-19 vaccines o Dr. Mysheika Roberts answers COVID-19 vaccine questions o Columbus Public Health vaccine site o Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine site o Breakthrough COVID-19 Infections Information (CDC)