COVID / Sick or Exposed, What Next?

In the event that a Blackland Employee becomes sick or is exposed, please follow these steps:

  1. Do not come into the office! Inform your supervisor of the situation and make sure you or they inform the Center Director and admin team as well.
  2. Follow the CDC guidelines for self-quarantine (recommended 14 days minimum)
  3. Notify friends, family, or staff that you may have been in contact with that they have been exposed.
  4. By phone or email, discuss plan of action with your supervisor for working remotely or rescheduling work deliverables in the event of illness.

Voluntary reporting of positive cases to TAMU

Employees with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in AgriLife may confidentially report their diagnosis to Debi Fincher, Director of Ethics and Compliance, who will coordinate with AgriLife leadership to determine an appropriate response. In such cases, actions will likely include quarantine of the workspace associated with the infected employee and a period of self-quarantine by the employee for at least 14 days. For those who came into contact with that person, self-isolation and/or self-monitoring (at least 14 days) will occur.

Questions and information that can be requested of employees

Supervisors may ask, but not require, information about apparent signs or symptoms of illness that may be associated with COVID-19. Employees should not be asked if they have, or suspect having, a specific illness or diagnosis. However, employees may be asked about:

  • Their possible direct exposure to COVID-19;
  • Their having been advised to go into self-quarantine by a healthcare professional; and
  • Their recent travel or plans to travel, both domestic and international.

All information about employee illness should be maintained in the confidential medical record section of the personnel file. Jennifer Hobbs, Chief Human Resources Officer, can advise supervisors on an appropriate way to have this conversation if necessary.

The majority of adults infected with COVID19 are able to isolate at home. This illness is similar to the flu and the majority of symptoms can be treated with fluids, rest, and over-the-counter medicines. Disinfect all “high-touch” surfaces several times a day (CDC Disinfection Guide). You do not need to wear a mask unless you are actively sick or in direct contact with someone who is sick. 

CDC Interim Guidance for Implementing Home Care of People Not Requiring Hospitalization for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

If you need to visit your doctor, please call ahead to inform them you may be ill with COVID19 and wear a mask.