Intermountain has modified the return-to-work guidelines for caregivers with COVID-19 to align with updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. Caregivers may now qualify to return to work five days after they tested positive if they’re 1) asymptomatic, or 2) have been fever-free without the use of medications for 24 hours and have only mild symptoms that are resolving. No follow-up test with a negative result is required to return. The changes come because the highest risk for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is one to two days before and two to three days after symptom onset.
Caregivers can receive priority COVID-19 testing through Employee Health’s self-service tool. If you’re sick or have had a COVID-19 exposure, complete a self-serve COVID-19 test requestand pick up your COVID-19 test kit. Don’t forget to take your ID badge when picking up your test kit. When you meet the criteria to return to work, complete the return to work form and follow the instructions in the form.
If you have questions about COVID-19 testing or return-to-work guidelines, please contact Employee Health. Here’s how:
- Caregivers: Call Ask HR, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 801-442-7547.
- Physician and APPs: Call the dedicated provider line, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 801-442-6765.
- If you call on the weekend, please leave a voicemail. Messages are returned between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Omicron variant is now the dominant SARS-COV-2 strain in our area and is more transmissible than other variants. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Please continue to wear face masks at all times and remind patients and visitors to mask up for their protection. You’re encouraged to wear a face mask in public settings as well.
- Physically distance from others while eating and drinking. Stagger breaks and eating times to reduce the number of caregivers in an area.
- Be cautious at work stations and in break rooms.
- Continue to monitor yourself daily for symptoms, especially following an exposure. If you’re experiencing symptoms, please stay home—do not come to work and complete the self-serve test request.
“As we continue navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain committed to providing transparent communication to help keep everyone informed and aware,” says Heather Brace, chief people officer. “Your health and safety remains our top priority.”
If you haven’t already, now is the time to get the COVID-19 vaccine—first, second, or booster dose—to be protected against COVID-19. You can visit a local pharmacy or clinic to get your vaccine by scheduling an appointment at vaccines.gov. Even though enforcement of Intermountain’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement is paused—meaning no suspensions or corrective action for those who aren’t vaccinated or who don’t have an approved exemption on file—caregivers are still asked to get vaccinated and submit proof of vaccination.