Dear COBA Members;

COBA has received inquiries about a new Travel Advisory that has been issued by Governor Cuomo and the NYS Dept of Health.

Please read below how this new advisory may effect you.

June 24th Travel Directive from the NYS Dept of Health:

Interim Guidance for Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers Arriving in New York State Following Out of State Travel:

In response to increased rates of COVID-19 transmission in certain states within the United States, and to protect New York's successful containment of COVID-19, the State has joined with New Jersey and Connecticut in jointly issuing a travel advisory for anyone returning from travel to states that have a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19.

If you are returning from travel to a designated state you are required to quarantine for 14 days, unless you are an essential worker.

As Essential Workers, we are then to follow NYS Dept of Health Guidelines outlined in their May 31st, 2020 Directive entitled:

Interim Guidance for Public and Private Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure:

Directing the following:

"If an employee is deemed essential and critical for the operation or safety of the workplace, upon a documented determination by their supervisor and a human resources (HR) representative in consultation with appropriate state and local health authorities, the exposed, asymptomatic employee may return to work so long as the employee adheres to the following practices prior to and during their work shift, which should be monitored and documented by the employer and employee:

1. Regular monitoring: The employee must self-monitor for a temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit every 12 hours and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 under the supervision of their employer's occupational health program.
2. Wear a mask: The employee must wear a face mask at all times while in the workplace for 14 days after last exposure.
3. Social distance: The employee must continue social distancing practices, including maintaining, at least, six feet of distance from others.
4. Clean and disinfect workspaces: Continue to regularly clean and disinfect all areas, such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, and shared electronic equipment.
5. Maintain quarantine: The employee must continue to self-quarantine and self- monitor for temperature and symptoms when not at the workplace for 14 days after last exposure.

* If an employee is symptomatic upon arrival at work or becomes sick with COVID-19 symptoms while at the workplace, absent close or proximate contact with a person with COVID-19, the employee must be separated and sent home immediately and may return to work upon completing at least 10 days of isolation from the onset of symptoms OR upon receipt of a negative COVID-19 test result."

In general what this means is that as an Essential Worker, when you return to work after traveling to a designated "COVID-19 Risk State", you should document your possible exposure upon your return to work and follow the established guidelines for monitoring and symptoms.  

In Unity;

Brian Sullivan, COBA President