my entire department works remote except for me.

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Anonymous

02/17/21 at 10:28PM UTC

my entire department works remote except for me.

I am a single mom with daycare & school issues but my bosses make me come in while the younger childless employees get to work from home. Yesterday I tested positive for COVID and they are calling and texting me telling me I am required to return to the office be back Monday, this upcoming Monday. HR is no help and we are a large company over 500 so I don’t qualify for any of the protections out there. Can my boss force me back 6 days after a positive COVID test?

71 Comments

sayantika mukherjee

118

Bringing A new Mindset Revolution for WOMEN

02/17/21 at 10:32PM UTC

WOW! I am really tempted to ask which company this is! but regardless this seems they are violating CDC code. If you tested positive for COVID then you are required to stay home for as long as CDC website recommends I think that is 14 days. And regardless you should have a clear confrontation with your boss on this without the anticipation of "What he might do" because this is violation of CDC guidelines.

2 Replies

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 2:30PM UTC

7 days no symptoms and 14 if symptoms

1 Reply

Seckert

HR Master's Degree

02/18/21 at 3:33PM UTC

I believe the recommendation is 7-10 days with the last 72 days being asymptomatic with no fever altering medication being taken. When were you tested? They should go by the date of the test although the CDC guideline is 10 days from the onset of symptoms.

1 Reply

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 3:52PM UTC

I was tested in CT and this was what I was told the guidelines were. We tested negative (thank god)

Anonymous

02/19/21 at 12:25AM UTC

I’d be tempted to go in and cough on the boss several times!

Lourdes

Sales Operations Manager in Los Angeles

02/17/21 at 10:51PM UTC

I'm at a loss to respond to this. When an employee tests positive for Covid, they are required to quarantine for at least 14 days until they test negative. This is for the employee's and fellow employee's safety. As far as the working remote, is it due to your job responsibilities? At this point, you'll have to have the difficult conversation with your boss and iron out the expectations. Not to mention that Covid protocols state that affected folks need to quarantine.

2 Replies

Seckert

HR Master's Degree

02/18/21 at 3:34PM UTC

A negative test is no longer required as some people will continue to test positive for a period of time after quarantine.....

Chivo Ramirez

02/19/21 at 7:08AM UTC

You are required to stay in quarantine for 14 days, you may test positive for months.

1 Reply

Sarah Mudd

147

02/19/21 at 1:19PM UTC

14 Days is the requirement, though some what adjusted, if you are exposed to positive. With a positive test it's 10 days from onset of symptoms or positive test assuming you're not actively sick and have been fever free sans medication for at least 24 hours. {Worked in contact tracing at a university this year, so I've had to explain this a lot!}

Anonymous

02/17/21 at 11:11PM UTC

As a single mothers during this pandemic, your boss, HR and company need to provide you support/safety and adhere to CDC guidelines.

Anonymous

02/17/21 at 11:13PM UTC

To give more info I work for a very large hospital. My job is currently being done remotely by 6 other employees. I am the top performing employee so this is not a performance issue or related to discipline. Since my first post I have been contacted by the Director who has told me I will need to log in from home I will work remotely until Monday. I am sick I cannot imagine working with this illness also wile trying to supervise my 6yr old child that is required to quarantine.

5 Replies

Laurie Battaglia

130

Leadership Expert, Executive Coach, Career Coach

02/17/21 at 11:47PM UTC

It sounds like you'd make a great employee for a different employer -- you may feel compelled to stay for financial reasons, but I'd check in with state law to see if you have any coverage, and then get that resume out there.

1 Reply

Alexandria Wagner

152

Senior Director of Web Engineering

02/21/21 at 5:05PM UTC

Well said, Laurie. I agree.

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 1:56AM UTC

I sympathize with you. My company only gives 5 sick days while Covid is full 14 days of quarantine. I asked what if I test positive and my symptoms are severe, and I am unable to even work remotely? They said after 5 days short-term disability would kick in. Perhaps your company has the same policy.

1 Reply

Anonymous

02/20/21 at 5:16PM UTC

Some companies only have short term/long term coverage IF you signed up for it with your coverage selections.

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 8:56AM UTC

Great that they realized their mistake of requesting you return to the office too soon. Get well soon!

Cassandra Schmigotzki

238

02/18/21 at 2:56PM UTC

I'd write them a message back stating that you are too sick to even work remotely. Get a doctor's note to accompany that. Send both to the Director and HR.

Anonymous

02/19/21 at 12:27AM UTC

What kind of hospital hasn’t noticed that a lot of people get really sick with COVID?

User edited comment on 02/19/21 at 12:28AM UTC

1 Reply

Noelle LaCorte

02/19/21 at 6:41PM UTC

My best friend works for one of the biggest Boston Hospitals and was treated similarly when positive with covid

1 Reply

Anonymous

02/19/21 at 7:42PM UTC

That’s simply insane!

Anonymous

02/17/21 at 11:58PM UTC

I would send them an email with a copy of your results and let them know you will be quarantined at home according to health guidelines (find out what those are in case they differ)

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 12:04AM UTC

If they believe you are lying either about the test results or timing that can order you back to work. I agree you must prove both results and timing.

Leigh Mitchell, Career & Business Brand Strategist

123

Founder of Women in Biz Network

02/18/21 at 1AM UTC

I would check in with the local labour laws - in Canada you have to self isolate for 2 weeks after testing positive and most workplaces would want to a covid free test before allowing you to come back.

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 1:38AM UTC

When I tested positive, I had a note from my doctor saying when I can go back. My HR rep said "If I feel better, come back earlier". I listened to my doctor and took every bit of time to sleep.

Sweet Caroline

2.77k

02/18/21 at 12:10PM UTC

You mentioned you are not eligible for protections, are you a full employee or some sort of contractor? Under the current CARES act you have job protection if you need to quarantine which you do for 10 days in this case in the US. Your children also must quarantine. You may be able to use your sick time to cover your pay since the illness is making it too hard to work. Depending on your state you may also qualify for pay during your illness. Since this is a hospital I find it very odd you don’t have an HR department who is well versed in these things, but if you are a contractor you will likely not be paid.

1 Reply

Noelle LaCorte

02/19/21 at 6:42PM UTC

Hospitals are not covered under the Families First Corona Leave Act

1 Reply

Sweet Caroline

2.77k

02/19/21 at 7:41PM UTC

They are however covered by FMLA, OSHA, and other employer regulations. As the OP described it, she doesn't seem to be covered by normal protections offered to W2 employees which led me to think maybe she is a 1099 or contracted employee. Hospitals "employ" a lot of people who don't actually get their paycheck from the hospital like consultants, janitors, transport workers etc.

Traci Spencer-Strong

02/18/21 at 1:26PM UTC

Go to your company compliance line!! I don’t think they can force you to be in the office with COVID right now anyways!!

mary

113

Seasoned remote corporate recruiter

02/18/21 at 1:32PM UTC

Clearly your employer does not know the CDC Covid restrictions on those that have tested positive which also includes those that have been exposed needing to quarantine before testing. this is a clear violation and someone will report them if it’s not you. As far as I know there are also provisions for those that have to stay home to quarantine I’m not sure if it’s different from state to state but I thought it was the cares act that provides two weeks pay for you while you’re sick or while you’re quarantined I would call your local board of health, you can do it anonymously, but at least you’ll have a straight answer good luck

1 Reply

Seckert

HR Master's Degree

02/18/21 at 3:38PM UTC

I believe the Cares Act has expired and it only covers employers with less than 500 employees.

Jennifer Garrison

Innovative Sports-Minded Leader

02/18/21 at 1:39PM UTC

Wow, that seems like a lose-lose situation for you. Have you asked or been told why you are the only one working in the office? You may want to consult an attorney.

Lana Goes

02/18/21 at 1:49PM UTC

I think you should stand up to the boss and tell her in no uncertain terms that you will not come to work because you are unwell/ need the time to recuperate/ do not want to spread the disease. In the meanwhile, look out for other options, and find out company policies that can support you . I have learned that the more you allow yourself to be pushed around, the more you will be because the harsh reality is that some people only prey on the vulnerable. So be strong and stand up for yourself. No one else will do that for you. ( I mean this from the kindest place of my heart)

Rebecca Evanoff

02/18/21 at 1:53PM UTC

quote your state and CDC guidance about COVID to the person who is requiring you to come in. Make sure it's in writing. State that you want to do your part to stop the spread and make them feel guilty about ignoring the scientific regulations.

Cheryl Neas

108

02/18/21 at 1:57PM UTC

You are getting a lot of comments that your employer is "violating CDC rules" when unfortunately the CDC does not issue rules, just guidance that no one is required to follow. The "rules" are issued by your state and local governments so without knowing where you are it's hard to say what obligations or protections you have. I would google something like "covid employee rights [your state or city]" to get specific information.

1 Reply

Sarah Mudd

147

02/19/21 at 1:22PM UTC

This is good advice. Your state likely has a website with FAQs that no doubt includes this guidance. They may also have a number to call to ask questions and/or report non-compliance.

Gina Huffman

02/18/21 at 1:57PM UTC

You may want to contact your local health department regarding the quarantine. That might give you some leverage with your employer as well.

1 Reply

Veronica

02/18/21 at 3:30PM UTC

This! Absolutely recommend your local or the town where you works local health department. Your company is required to tell them you have Covid so they can do contact tracing.

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 1:58PM UTC

Escalate this to your skip level manager (manager’s manager) and HR. Then Call your Department of Labor (assuming you work in USA) if nothing changes. If your hospital and role is unionized please call your union first. Subsequently you can and should certainly call Department of Health. If you feel there’s a discrimination against you (due to being a mother— you can use age discrimination if you are older than 45, I THINK but please double check and/or you are the only woman on that reports to your manager). Point is you’re going to have to be extremely adamant, meticulous, and determined because this Is potential a violation of your civil rights and health here. Using the context you shared, is beyond unjust and you may even have a violation of FMLA. I wish you the best but do not cave in?!! There are avenues to get the support you need. And Remember—begin to document everything if you have not done so yet. Be meticulous with details. You may even have to record under one party consent law. You have something big in your hands. Stay strong, Sister!

Shayna Cooke

02/18/21 at 2:02PM UTC

You can also take EFMLA which provides 80 hours of COVID pay if you need to quarantine because you have tested positive or you have been in direct contact with someone who has tested positive. Get with your HR team and let them know that is the avenue that you would like to take if you employer won't give you the full REQUIRED 14 days of quarantine (per CDC).

1 Reply

Ellen Harkema Biros

02/18/21 at 4:53PM UTC

As per her answer, this applies to employees with under 500 employees. Her employer has more. And she is in healthcare.

1 Reply

Shayna Cooke

02/18/21 at 5:04PM UTC

Yes, you are correct. I missed that point, thank you.

Billie Kochara

Over twenty years management experience.

02/18/21 at 2:15PM UTC

I don't know, to me it sounds like a discrimination case and I would contact an attorney. Maybe they feel because you have a child at home you wouldn't perform the way they feel you do at work. I agree with some other comments as well. Sounds like you would be a great employee somewhere else.

1 Reply

Seckert

HR Master's Degree

02/18/21 at 3:45PM UTC

This should be a last resort....we don't know the whole situation nor do we know why she is not permitted to work from home but others are....are there parts of her specific position that require her to be onsite? Have there been issues with performance from home? Are there other circumstances that we don't know about, I am sure there are. With that said she should explore the options to work with her company first and see if this is just a misunderstanding. She certainly should not report to work if she is sick or has COVID symptoms. I am just commenting as an HR professional who really takes is personal when someone automatically goes to "contact an attorney"...the legal system is a broken one and people think this is the way to get things...just sue whomever and that makes it challenging for everyone, especially when something can sometimes be resolved in a more appropriate way. Just my opinion but that hits a nerve with me.

1 Reply

Billie Kochara

Over twenty years management experience.

02/18/21 at 3:52PM UTC

I am not looking to get into a debate with you, but as an HR professional of course it 'hits a nerve with you'. I just think she should explore all of her options. I am sorry but I have seen it far too many times where there is a double standard for people who have children and those who do not. I am sorry you lack faith in the legal system. They may just tell her to move on from the employer.

2 Replies

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 4:16PM UTC

Thank you for your response to my post. I cannot work from home because my boss likes the idea of someone in the office. You are sweet for not assuming it’s due to performance or disciplinary. It is hard to get people to not jump to the bad and negative. I think there is a misconception as to what people are entitled to. It differs by state and by company size. Where I am I have to quarantine for so many days but my job is not protected and I don’t get paid but can use my PTO. My company is making a mistake not allowing for the suggested quarantine time.

2 Replies

Seckert

HR Master's Degree

02/18/21 at 4:18PM UTC

It doesn't hit a nerve with me because I work in HR, I feel like this is the automatic response for people and it is inappropriate without knowing the situation. Automatically assuming she is being discriminated against because she has children is premature. I too, am not looking to debate, but all other options should be explored before going outside of the organization - giving people the opportunity to fix issues is much better than the sue culture we live in right now....you don't like something, sue.....there are bottom feeding lawyers who will take any case...the amazing attorney's I work with on a regular basis would never do that but unfortunately I believe there are many people who are "morally absent". I just think, in the situation above, the person should provide the documentation and go from there...if her employer is not reasonable then she can explore other options but she should also go to HR and not her manager who may not be in sync with the COVID protocols or procedures....Just my two cents...I think i took a bit of offense when you acted like I am on the "wrong" side of things with being in HR and saying this hit a nerve with the suggestion on going to an attorney....I have seen when people only give bits of a story and when you look at the whole situation 9 times out of 10 there was a workable solution and suing the people who you work for is not always the answer....unfortunately 9 times out of 10 people are not sharing all of the necessary information....my experience is that if the story doesn't make sense, there is probably something missing from the whole story.....

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 2:32PM UTC

If you have already shown them the proof of the positive test and the timing, you may want to report this to OSHA (assuming you're in the U.S.) and your state Attorney General's office.

Madam anon663

422

Learner, skeptic, direct.

02/18/21 at 2:56PM UTC

Good lord, look for another job pronto. Not only are you seemingly being discriminated against by being required to come in when others are not, you are being somewhat harassed for having Covid.

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 3:03PM UTC

Let's think through your options and timeline. You were diagnosed with COVID. When was the first day of your symptoms? Count 10 days from there and that is when you can return to work based on CDC. If you continue to have symptoms, simply call your doctor and get a note indicating when you should return to work. Doctor notes drive the return date. Are your family members sick? Take a deep breath and talk to your Doctor... Other thoughts...Do you have sick time that you can use? I know that many people feel tired afterwards. Do you have vacation time you could use. Personal Days, Can you do your job remotely, some jobs cannot, they have to be at the location. Candidly, it sounds like they are within the guidelines of your return date, but if you need more time you can use sick, vacation, FMLA unpaid, unpaid leave. These are stressful times...I don't understand all the details of the situation, but always try to be positive and address the issue if you don't feel better by the weekend with your doctor. Your humble HR Coach

Cecily Cauldwell

Technical Account Manager EMEA

02/18/21 at 3:14PM UTC

Try to deal directly with your HR if you are not well. It’s less emotional that way and you can focus on your health and not the work. If you are not well, you’re not well and you simply cannot work whether it’s from home or in the office. I’d address and focus on the immediate issue of getting better and then tackle the question of why aren’t you remote. Don’t let them confuse you. And certainly don’t let them bully you.

Maggie Stone

148

Credentialed School Counselor and APCC

02/18/21 at 3:22PM UTC

What a horrible situation. I am sorry you’re dealing with this. I am assuming there is something about your job that requires your physical presence? I have a couple of other thoughts. Your health and the health of everyone else around you is more important than this job! Do you want to sacrifice yourself for people who make your well being, and the well being of others, a low priority? Take care of yourself. But yes, I agree with others that you should arm yourself with information about guidelines and laws, because if they fire you for not returning to work on their timeline, you may have a cause of action.

User edited comment on 02/18/21 at 3:23PM UTC

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 3:41PM UTC

I am sorry that that you are dealing with an insensitive boss and further more I am disappointed with the HR department, I am hearing this too much from companies regarding their HR department. As a HR rep, it seems like I am cut from a different cloth this would be addressed a little differently, too much to go into but I would like to ask a few things. First are you in the same department where the staff is working remotely? Second, which is not stated, is your position considered essential personnel? There are a lot of unknowns to really address this from a HR/legal standpoint, but if those issues have been address and still not adhere to your company can have some legal issues. Also the insensitivity on your bosses part from your view demanding you to come in while recovering from COVID-19 should be address to higher ups if HR is not listening to you.

Audra Henderson

163

Healthcare Executive.

02/18/21 at 3:49PM UTC

Wow I am truly at a loss for words and very disappointed that this is happening to you. I would get a note from my doctor and let the Director and HR know that you are sick and unable to work. I would definitely listen to many of the responses and check the CDC rules for your area. I would see if short term disability is an option for you if you do not have enough sick days to cover you. See if FMLA is an option If you are still not well after the 10-14 days. I would document everything as a back up. I know it's a hard time right now. When you are all better please look for an employer that will treat a good employee better shame on them for their insensitivity. Good luck and get well soon.

Rosa Goes

126

02/18/21 at 4:11PM UTC

I'm sad to hear your going through this. I agree with some comments posted. Tell them you tested positive Covid and will be working from home. End of story. When you ask, you are giving an opportunity. So don't ask, tell! Stand your ground and set your health boundary. That is more important. Good luck and take care of yourself.

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 4:32PM UTC

So many kind thoughtful comments and i am so appreciative. For those that have questions here is additional info. My job is very essential and 100%can be done from home. My boss simply likes someone in the office. I have suggested an employee rotation but no suggestion will be considered. Me being forced to work in office is not due to poor performance, past work from home issues or any disciplinary actions. The state I live in has no protection for companies with 500+ employees that means while I am out for COVID my job is not protected. I can be fired if they feel I was out to many days and a doctors note will not save a persons job, it is not protection from being fired. My company does not have to pay me if I am on mandatory quarantine (but I can use PTO) and they can fire me. I intend on looking for a new job but in my area of expertise I am very limited.

3 Replies

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 6:40PM UTC

Take your PTO. Take every day you have available and can reasonably request due to COVID. You'll want to take it all - before you, the top performer, finds another job and leaves that terribly stupid boss/

Sarah Mudd

147

02/19/21 at 1:30PM UTC

Contact HR about registering for FMLA. That protects your job if you have to be out due to a family medical issue. It doesn't require them to pay you, but it does mean they can't fire you. HR also will likely make it clear you're not to return until doctors say you can, and can force your boss' hand with that. Once you're well and COVID clear, I would sit down and have a conversation with your boss. If your job and the jobs of those who are working remotely are the same, then respectfully demand a rotation. I would explain that while you appreciate being depended on in such a strong way, you are balancing a lot as a single mom and are feeling unvalued as the only employee coming in. Ask that for as long as remote work is allowed there must be a schedule and a rotation.

Michelle Stewart

Results-driven digital marketer and proud Momma

02/19/21 at 3:38PM UTC

Request FMLA, intermittent, as soon as possible, and although they aren’t required to pay you any more for being off sick due to Covid, get your doctor to give you a note as soon as possible that you are under care and treatment for a positive Covid infection.

Joanne Rosen

141

Resume Writer Extraordinaire!

02/18/21 at 4:44PM UTC

Hi . . . you need a new job. Every month or so, I offer to create a new resume for someone for free because they have a story like this. OP, if you are interested, please message me. Joanne Rosen www.analyticadvantagecc.com

April

02/18/21 at 5:52PM UTC

This is a very complicated issue. You and your employer both have legal rights; you under OSHA, FMLA and the ADA. Your state may also have laws to protect you. My best advice is to contact an attorney first. I've been in your shoes. I was a single, working mom of two boys. Juggling everything was exhausting and I didn't have much money left over at the end of the month. But if you can get someone to help you with some legal fees - just for a consultation, I think you will feel much better and be prepared to speak directly with your boss. In the meantime, look for another job. Obviously you're not happy where you are, and perhaps this is the push you need to put that search into action. I've added some additional information below, but understand these are recommendations, not laws. I wish you all the best as a mom, employee, and job seeker. From the CDC website: Sick employees should follow CDC-recommended steps. Employees should not return to work until they meet the criteria to discontinue home isolation, in consultation with their healthcare provider. I think or know I had COVID-19, and I had symptoms You can be around others after: • 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND • 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications AND • Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving* *Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation I tested positive for COVID-19 but had no symptoms: If you continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others AFTER 10 days have passed since you had a positive viral test for COVID-19. Most people do not require testing to decide when they can be around others; however, if your healthcare provider recommends testing, they will let you know when you can resume being around others based on your test results.

Amy St Clair

02/18/21 at 6:22PM UTC

Based on what you have said, it sounds like a form of discrimination. I would suggest checking your states labor laws and Rules regarding COVID. Also check your states FMLA guidelines and the federal FFCRA (Families First Coronavirus Response Act).

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 9:24PM UTC

You have stated your boss wants someone in the office. Is your title and job description identical to others? Are there (6) Accountants or (6) Switchboard Operators who all have the exact same title, job description, seniority, union/civil service grade? Do any of your coworkers have illnesses that would not allow them to work in the office? If you have 5 senior switchboard operators and 1 junior, it could make sense that the junior is the one who has to be in the office. There may very well be a reason your boss selected you to be the person who goes into the office, have you asked your boss specifically why you are the person? If they are not able or willing to give you a reason, you have cause to approach Human Resources about this. If the reason given is anything related to seniority, grade, title, JD etc. you don't have reason. Discrimination has to be proven and you have to have a solid reason. By the way, being a parent is not a protected class so discriminating against parents is not something the company can be held liable for. You believe your job could be done remotely, if that is the case, then I would push your boss to understand what it is that the boss feels is not able to be done. You didn't mention if the boss is in the office. In my organization we have an employee who could not perform remotely, she needs direct supervision which means both she and her supervisor have to be in the office. When working remotely she gets work done but it is full of errors, possibly because she has too many distractions at home. When it comes to FMLA, as an employer over 500 your company is required to give you UNPAID time off (typically 12 weeks annually) to deal with your illness. If you have PTO that would be at the discretion of the employer to allow use during FMLA. You must have worked a minimum number of hours per year to qualify for FMLA.

BeaBoss277562

02/18/21 at 10:14PM UTC

What state do you live in? I’m in California and they provide Covid paid time off up to 2 weeks. If you’re state does not offer that you may want to consider FMLA or PFL if they are offered in your state.

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 10:30PM UTC

Do you have short term disability insurance? How does the company handle illness in general? Yes, get the doctor's note, and make sure it says you are not released for work of any kind for two working weeks, and that you'll be released thereafter at the physician's discretion. That means no work, period. A sympathetic doc may release with accommodation after the initial period, clearing the way for remote work. Change voice mail and email auto-responder to, "I am currently on medical leave. For immediate assistance, please contact Supervisor. If your matter is not urgent, I'll reply when I return to work." These steps provide some legal protections, as medical leaves/short term disability are considered sacred, and demands to return to work or even too-frequent phone calls constitute harassment. Fineable harassment. It's unfortunate you can't have a civilized conversation with your supervisor, whatever the reason. Pandemic fatigue is hitting hard, so protect yourself, while being as helpful as you can be. And when you feel a bit better, look for other work. All the best, rest and heal!

User deleted comment on 02/19/21 at 1:37PM UTC

Anonymous

02/19/21 at 2:37PM UTC

Be careful of any advice to go to your company's compliance office or to HR. They will NOT help you and will start looking for a performance-related reason to terminate you OR will find a way to make you so miserable that you quit. I agree with the earlier comment that you sound like an excellent employee for someone else. Demand in healthcare-related fields is huge so polish up that resume and start hunting for a new job today.

Renee McKnight

02/19/21 at 3PM UTC

So very sorry to hear of your situation. There are so many that have been impacted by Covid & thank you for not spreading. It impacts everyone differently, some it is a week if they have conditions. Some for months, and even die. Being a hospital you would think every person that works there was well trained in protocol. Being a single parent & still having to take care of them while sick is so hard...I am there with you fortunately not sick w Covid. I am self employed after getting let go for the 1st time in my life. It was a huge scary step but I never wanted anyone to have control over my life again. If I was going to work hard should be for myself. I now offer LegalShield because I SO much could have used countless times throughout my life to find out what my options are by top rated attys nationwide & in Canada & UK. It would be nice to know for sure...everything found on Google is not always 100%. But then you know where you are. And no matter what if I am not appreciated for the hard work I do will go somewhere else where my contributions matter (definitely go thru the ranks to give current employer opportunity to know what is happening & do the right thing) under our plan if the atty feels like a lerter will help & there is a law violated that is included, plus they will review any documentation...if it needs to go further you could discuss that as well & make that determination if it is worth pursuing. I love that our plan is not just about law suits & they will not take meritous or frivolous cases. Another part I would highly recommend that again is part of our plan is getting your Will done so if something did happen to you even if you had to go to hospital it tells the courts to whom your 6 year old should go. That is so HUGE for single parents to get done as well as your Powef of atty for both your Healthcare decisions & financial so someone could take care of if you were not able to. Best of Luck to you. I hope you are not horribly sick & you heal completely from this but physically & mentally. It has been an awful position you have found yourself in. Prayers of strength & healing to you. If you would like to learn more about our plans: https://ReneeMcKnight.LadiesofJustice.com.

Michelle Stewart

Results-driven digital marketer and proud Momma

02/19/21 at 3:33PM UTC

First of all, I’m so sorry this is happening to you. I would recommend that you look elsewhere because 30% of the United States job market is rehiring positions lost during Covid right now and it will ramp up again in July after the fiscal year starts. But no, although they are no longer required to pay you the 80 hours of sick pay to be off for Covid, they cannot require you back to work. Just get a note from your doctor and say that you are testing positive for Covid and under a doctors care for whatever period of time you need to Recuperate. I would highly doubt that they would terminate you but if they did, you would get unemployment. It’s crazy to me that employers are still acting like we’re not in a pandemic and treating their employees as though they were disposable. Not to mention the fact of their ability to require you to come to work and expose everyone else. :(

Michelle Stewart

Results-driven digital marketer and proud Momma

02/19/21 at 3:35PM UTC

And also, and I apologize if it’s already been mentioned here, I would immediately file paperwork with human resources for intermittent FMLA. Because I’ve known several people that have had Covid and the ones who have not passed from it have experience symptoms sometimes weeks or months after infection. Intermittent will protect you and your job and with you testing positive for Covid, they are in no position to deny it. But I would do that ASAP. That would be the absolute first thing I do right now. Again, I’m so sorry and I pray that you Get through it as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Anonymous

02/20/21 at 7:44PM UTC

Forgive me, but did you just say that a hospital is requiring an employee with a positive COVID test to return to work in the hospital? If nothing else, it sounds like a quick call to your local health department and the news will clear things right up.