We understand members have been sent home because they have answered “yes” to one of the screening questions and are told they need to use their own leave to cover their absence from work. Some members have been sent home even after presenting a doctor's note stating they are cleared to return to work.

Your Union has aggressively advocated on your behalf, contacting the Department, the Office of Financial Management (OFM), and the Governor's Office.

As a result, TOMORROW, March 18, 2020, DOC will distribute a communication that provides for the following:

• All members who are refused entry during the DOC's screening procedure will be put on paid administrative leave (you will not be required to use your own leave)

Additionally, the DOC and the Union will work on a follow-up process to establish a timeline for when an affected employee can return to work.  

As this crisis develops, you will continue to have questions and concerns about how it impacts your health and safety in the workplace. In order to have an orderly and responsive process, please direct your questions and concerns to your Shop Stewards or Union Representative. Our Union staff will forward this information to me so I can communicate your concerns to the appropriate authority. 

It is also extremely important that you take every precaution to stop the spread of the virus.

Please do not come to work sick. Please answer the screening questions honestly.

Even if you are experiencing mild symptoms, you may be carrying the virus and pose a threat to your co-workers. It's also important to follow the CDC's recommendations on how to protect yourself, your co-workers, and your family. Needless to say, a major COVID-19 outbreak inside our prison system would be devastating.

Thank you for everything you do. 

Please stay healthy and safe.