1. Do we still need to have social distancing stickers and signs requiring mask?
No. Please remove all stickers and signs and replace them with “Mask are optional.” “If you have respiratory symptoms, please wear a mask.”
2. Do I still call the ABC Advisor to report symptoms?
No. Call your scheduler if you are ill. Please follow the Wellness Policy.
Only call the ABC Advisor if you test positive for COVID-19. See our website at https://app.abcreal.com for next steps as well. Refer to Table 1 or 2 found at the website and labeled “ Isolation and Quarantine Protocol for all ABC Staff and Clients.”
3. Are mask required in the workplace?
Mask will no longer be required for staff or client effective April 3, 2023. Please see addendum 2 posted at https:// app.abcreal.com. A copy has also been sent to you to keep for your records. Wearing a mask is no longer mandatory for healthcare workers. However, you are permitted and encouraged to wear a mask in the workplace. Wearing a mask is strongly recommended if you work in the LA County area.
4. Are there times when ABC will require a mask or is this the end of the era?
Yes. There are times where it may be necessary/required to wear a mask. See below:
· Wear a mask around others if you have respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, runny nose, and/or sore throat),
· Consider wearing a mask in indoor areas of public transportation (such as in airplanes, trains, buses, ferries) and transportation hubs (such as airports, stations, and seaports). This is increasingly important as the risk for transmission increases in the community.
· If you’ve had a significant exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, wear a mask for 10 days. (See Table 2)
· When COVID-19 community levels are high. This is determined by the county you live in
· When there has been an outbreak of 3 or more COVID-19 positive cases in your immediate work area
5. May I still continue to wear a mask?
Yes. Wearing a mask is no longer mandatory for healthcare workers. However, you are permitted and encouraged to wear a mask in the workplace. Wearing a mask is strongly recommended if you work in the LA County area.
6. Will ABC, Inc. continue to provide face mask to employees?
Yes.
7. Do I still have to fill out the Staff or Parent Questionnaire online?
No. However, you must always evaluate your health status. Use the Wellness Policy to determine your next steps if you are not feeling well. Call your facility to be advised on what to do if you are still uncertain.
8. What do I do if I (employee) am sick?
Follow the Wellness Policy. Call your scheduler or supervisor to report your illness.
9. What do I do if a member of my household is sick but I am fine?
You may report to work and do not have to report this information to your office.
If your household member is COVID-19 positive, you will stay home and contact the ABC Advisor (916) 361-9987, Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Do contact your office to report this as well.
10. What do I do if my child (Client) is sick?
Follow the Wellness Policy. Call your scheduler or supervisor.
11. What do I do if a member of my household tested positive for COVID-19?
Stay home. Contact the ABC Advisor at (916) 361-9987, Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
12. What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
Stay home. Contact the ABC Advisor at (916) 361-9987, Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
13. What do I do if a parent wants me to wear a mask while working with their child?
Let the parent know that masks are no longer required but if they wish for you to wear a mask while working with their child, please do. If this is something that you would prefer not to do, contact your supervisor.
14. What do I do if my office/workplace has more than 3 COVID-19 positive cases?
You will be asked to test regularly and may be asked to wear a mask for 10-14 days until there are one or fewer new COVID-19 cases. (Cal/Osha 3205.1.) We will be using the COVID-19 Prevention Procedures (CPP) Injury and Illness and Prevention Program dated – February 21, 2023. (Page 14)
15. Will my COVID-19 test need to be proctored?
Your COVID-19 test will not need to be proctored unless you test positive and it was not proctored by an ABC employee. For example, you indicate that you have symptoms and ABC ask you test. If your test comes out negative, send the results to the Testing@appliedbehavior.com email. You may work that day unless you feel unable to work. If you test positive for COVID-19, you will send your test to the Testing@appliedbehavior.com and asked to be proctored to assure you are positive.
You will then call the ABC Advisor for further instructions.
16. I’ve been out for one or two days, will I need to test to return to work if my symptoms are resolving?
No. However, it is recommended that you test on the day you first have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you begin to have symptoms.
17. What do I do if I have been out of the office for more than 2 days?
After calling your office to report your illness, please contact Julie Amian, Human Resources Manager. She can be reached by email at jamian@appliedbehavior.com She will send you the Leave of Absence (LOA) paperwork. Returning your LOA paperwork will help determine if your absence is excused or not.
18. Can I be asked to tested for COVID-19?
Yes. ABC will continue to offer test to employees. You may be asked to test.
19. What should I do with my test results?
Anyone testing should always send results to the testing@appliedbehavior.com email address.
If you test positive for COVID-19, please contact your office and contact the ABC Advisor @ 916 361-9987.
20. Will ABC continue to inform employees and client families if they have been exposed to COVID-19?
Yes. ABC will continue to inform employees and client families about exposure.
21. What do I do if there are 3 or more COVID-19 cases in my office?
Review the COVID-19 CPP at https://app.abcreal.com/Home/
Your supervisor will be available to guide you through the process as this process has not changed.
22. Might requirements for LA County residents and employees be different?
Yes. Please be patient with us as we make the needed exceptions for individuals living in this area. Feel free to contact the ABC Advisors with questions concerning this area.
23. Might there be changes to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) instructions for California?
Yes. If conditions change, there may be adjustments made to the Order. You will be notified if changes are made and this FAQ will be updated when necessary. Check back regularly as we are being guided by CDPH and Cal/Osha.
24. Will the ABCFORANSWERS@appliedbehavior.com email still be available to ask questions?
Yes. This email will remain available to receive questions until June 30, 2023. Please expect a turn around time of 72 hours. If you have an emergency question, you may use the ABC Advisor number to get your question answered within 24 hours or sooner. Discontinue using the ABC Advisor number to be cleared.
25. Will my office location require a vaccine as a condition of employment?**
Only the LA area continues to ask that healthcare workers be vaccinated and have at least 1 booster.
Resources: Regarding the Vaccines for COVID-19
Sacramento County Department of Public Health
On March 3, CDPH announced that as of April 3, health care workers will no longer be required to be vaccinated.
“ Vaccine Requirements for Health Care Workers –
Beginning April 3, with federal rules continuing to ensure that most health care workers remain vaccinated for COVID-19, the state will no longer require vaccination for health care workers including those in adult care, direct care, correctional facilities, and detention centers. This change takes effect on Monday, April 3 to allow local health departments and facilities to develop and implement plans customized to their needs and local conditions to continue to protect Californians through the end of the winter virus season.”
CDPH announced changes to their masking guidance. The announcement from last week states, “Beginning April 3, masks will no longer be required in indoor high-risk and health care settings.”
See links below:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR23-014.aspx
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Guidance-for-Face-Coverings.aspx
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health**
At this time, Los Angeles County, however is requiring new healthcare employees to comply with the existing vaccination requirements; all currently employed health care workers have completed their primary series and one booster dose or received an exemption from their facility. This will continue in LA county until further notice.
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Please be advised that the FAQ may be updated weekly or even daily. Check back regularly. Also, not every possible scenario is covered here. If you have a unique situation, contact your local facility. The individual there will attempt to help you or redirect you to the ABC Advisor if necessary. Please be patient as we transition into a new and safer environment intended to decrease the spread of illness.
Any questions you may have that are not addressed here, please feel free to call the ABC Advisor @ 916 361-9987.