Scenario 2

Scenario 2: My direct report is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. What should I do?

If an individual is exhibiting symptoms that could be COVID-19, the individual will be presumed to have COVID-19. UT Dallas encourages those exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms be tested for COVID-19 due to potential exposure to the campus community. Testing can be done with a primary health care physician or at a testing location . Blue Cross Blue Shield will cover the cost of a COVID-19 test, but a copay may be charged.

1. Inform the employee they should adhere to direction given by their health care provider and not return to campus until cleared to do so.
2. Have the employee complete the COVID-19 self-report form, if they are able.
3. Contact the COVID-19 Health Screening & Training Program Coordinator (C19 Coordinator) at [email protected] or call 972-883-5327 immediately so appropriate follow up can take place. The C19 Coordinator will provide timeline for return to work and advise on any additional actions.

   Please be prepared to provide the following information to the C19 Coordinator:

   • Name and contact information for the employee
   • When the employee was last on campus. If the employee was on campus in the past 14 days, locations they visited.
   • Date the employee’s symptoms first began
   • Date the employee was tested, if tested
   • County the employee resides

   Please DO NOT notify potential contacts without first consulting with the C19 Coordinator. In most cases, the C19 Coordinator will perform the notification as part of the follow up and outreach process. You will receive guidance on when and how to notify potential contacts if the need arises.

4. Facilities Management/UTD Safety is automatically notified to disinfect and clean surfaces your employee may have touched or came into contact with, such as their work space and common areas, within your unit. However, if the cleaning is urgent or a high traffic area, please contact them directly.
5. Reinforce social distancing and proper personal hygiene protocols in your unit.
6. Notify COVID-19 Health Screening & Training Program Coordinator at [email protected] prior to the direct report’s return to campus.

   When can the direct report return to campus?

   An individual exhibiting symptoms may return to campus when the following criteria are met:

   • Two negative test results, at least 24 hours apart;

     OR

   • Provide a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis;
     OR
   • At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication; AND
   • The individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); AND
   • At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared