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COVID-19 Guidelines for Remote Work

COVID-19 Guidelines for Remote Work

Remote Work, Program Closures and Physically Reporting to Work -- Spring / Summer / Fall 2020

 

GENERAL TERMS AS OF MARCH 15, 2020

Updated 9.15.20

We continue to be experiencing unprecedented times as a result of COVID-19. As we work to stay healthy and safe, we also want to continue our dedication to supporting students and families. Clarke will continue to adhere to all local, state and federal regulations regarding stay at home and close of business orders. Within the scope of what is acceptable practice at each Clarke location, we will additionally adapt Clarke Best Practices.

Who can work remotely:

Please note as of June 1, 2020, Clarke continues to support remote work options for all staff when onsite/in person work is not necessitated by schools/program needs. This is evolving as states continue with varying phases of re-opening.

Guidance will continue to be provided. COVID-19 is an extreme situation and as such anyone who has access, the needed technology and work which their manager deems can be done remotely, is allowed to work remotely with their manager’s approval when:

  1. Clarke makes a decision to close your program or provide services virtually (or follows the guidance of local school districts, DPH/DOH etc.) or administrative offices
  2. They are following CDC Guidelines for self-quarantine CDC TRAVEL NOTICEAfter Travel Precautions
  3. They are sick with symptoms as identified by the CDC. Specifically, employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home until they are “free of fever (100.0 degrees F [37.8 degrees C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines”. CDC Symptoms

What if an individual cannot work remotely and any of the above occur:

All staff continued to receive full pay through September 30, 2020. Clarke has been happy to be able to provide this financial security during these unprecedented times. As of October 1, 2020, staff will be compensated for time worked as they normally would be. If an individual cannot fulfill their full work hours and any of the above occur, they will be compensated for hours worked. These additional options are available to assist individuals:

  1. They are following CDC Guidelines for self-quarantine:
    • The individual uses sick-time or other accrued time. Additional sick time has been provided under FFCRA.
  2. They are sick with symptoms as identified by the CDC they:
    • use the additional sick time allowed under FFCRA
    • use sick-time or other accrued time
  3. If an employee is ill with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19, Clarke will extend our policy on donated sick time to allow individuals to request donated sick time from others if time allowed under FFCVRA, and regular sick time has been exhausted.

Access to Clarke sites: Until further notice:

  1. Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Florida: If you require access to a Clarke site please speak with your supervisor. Access must be approved by your Director and will be limited as deemed appropriate. Your Director will maintain a calendar for access.
  2. Northampton: If you believe you require access to a Clarke site please speak with your supervisor. Access must be approved by your supervisor.

***During these unprecedented times these policies and procedures will continue to evolve and be updated to respond to the situation as well as federal, state and local guidelines and requirements.

Masks/Face Covers:

Regulations for wearing face covers varies by state. It will be essential to follow your state regulations.

  • Team members can use their own face cover that meets CDC guidelines. Clarke will have face covers available as needed.
  • If face covers are mandated, they must be worn on Clarke sites in all shared spaces such as hallways, entryways, printer/copier areas, kitchens, restrooms, etc.
  • Coverings do not need to be worn when team members are working alone in a private space, however, do need to be worn when they enter and exit their private space.
  • Cities and States currently (as of 5/20/2020) requiring face covers are:

     

    • Massachusetts
    • Pennsylvania
    • New York
    • Jacksonville, Florida

       

  • States recommending the use of face covers:

     

    • Florida. Clarke recommends this practice as well. While face coverings are not mandated by the state of Florida, Clarke believes they play a role in keeping the Clarke Team, community and workplaces safe and healthy. Face covers should be worn by all team members at all sites.

       

  • If face covers are required and an individual does not follow this policy, they will be counseled by their supervisor and Human Resources. Continued refusal may result in not being allowed to work.
  • If an individual has a legitimate medical reason for not being able to wear a mask, options available for reasonable accommodation will be reviewed with Human Resources.

Our professionals are here to help.

Please contact any of our locations to learn more about Clarke’s broad array of programs and services.