Employers may want to consider developing an infectious disease protocol, compliant with OSHA and health/safety laws and regulations, if not already included in a written safety or emergency action plan. The plan should address such issues as the following:

 

• when an employee may be sent home due to illness and under what circumstances they may return;

 

• when an employee should disclose potential exposure and how such disclosure will be treated;

 

• whether and when employers may want employees to use personal protective equipment, such as face masks or gloves, and how that will be implemented in the workplace;

 

• what leave benefits are available and restate any required procedures for their use;

 

• how the employer will maintain the employee’s privacy; and

 

• who is the designated point of contact regarding the plan.