Changes in Notification Process and Use of PTO for Employees with a Confirmed Positive Case of COVID-19 or Monkeypox

By Kimberly Lieb, August 30, 2022

This reporting protocol is designed to protect the privacy of affected employees while at the same time, permitting Ithaca College to implement proper measures to protect the health of the campus community.

In light of the public health threat posed by COVID-19 and more recently by Monkeypox, and in accordance with guidance from the Tompkins County Health Department, the College's Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response is tracking the impact of these diseases on the campus community.  Data collected from the self-reporting form will appear in aggregate form only and will not identify any individual employee in any way.

Employees who receive a positive test result for COVID-19 or Monkeypox MUST notify the college immediately using the Employee Self-Reporting Form.  Employees testing positive for Monkeypox should contact their HR Business Partner with questions about pay practices and the need to use accrued sick PTA balances and short-term disability (if applicable).

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 and are unable to report to work, should use COVID-19 time for up to 5 calendar days regardless of vaccination status. COVID-19 time will not be approved if the self-reporting form has not been completed. Effective January 2, 2023, employees will be required to utilize their own PTA balances if they are unable to report to work due to a positive COVID-19 test, regardless of vaccination status. 

Employees MUST also notify their supervisor if they are unable to report to work. Employees are not required to reveal any medical diagnosis, to their supervisor. However, in keeping with current policy, if an employee is unable to report to work for any reason, the employee is expected to notify their supervisor as soon as possible that they will be unable to report to work.

Additional details regarding the notification process for employees testing positive for COVID-19 and Monkeypox can be found here on the Human Resources website. If employees have further questions, they should contact their HR Business Partner or the Wrap Around Care Office at caremanager@ithaca.edu.