The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its list of coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms to include:
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Previously, symptoms were limited to fever, cough and shortness of breath. The complete list can be found on the CDC’s Symptoms of Coronavirus webpage.
The CDC also notes that the list of symptoms is not all inclusive and that individuals should consult their medical providers about other symptoms that are severe or concerning. As more is learned about the virus, additional symptoms could be added to the list.
Employer Action Steps
Employers should be aware of these additional symptoms as part of their ongoing efforts to reduce transmission among employees and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. They should be sure to have a written communicable disease plan or policy that accounts for any symptoms identified by the CDC.
Employers may also have to revisit their paid leave policies, as these symptoms are used, in part, to determine employee eligibility for paid sick leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
Highlights
Updating Employer Policies
Employer policies and/or response plans that address COVID-19 in the workplace may need to be updated to include these new symptoms.
Paid Leave Eligibility
Employers should re-evaluate how to determine employee eligibility for paid sick leave under the FFCRA in light of these newly identified symptoms.
Employers should be aware of these additional symptoms as part of their ongoing efforts to reduce transmission among employees.
This Legal Update is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice. ©2020 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
