COVID-19 is an infectious disease with the following recognized symptoms: fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

It can be spread through the air when an infectious person talks or vocalizes, sneezes, coughs, or exhales. COVID-19 may be transmitted when a person touches a contaminated object and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, although that is less common. Particles containing the virus can travel more than six (6) feet, especially indoors, so physical distancing combined with other controls, including face coverings and hand hygiene, decrease the spread of COVID-19, but are most effective when used in combination. A person with COVID-19 may have no symptoms at all and still be infectious.

• Stay home if you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are symptomatic, quarantine for a minimum of 24hrs from the day of symptom onset until 24hrs has passed with no fever and without the use of fever-reducing medications, AND symptoms are mild and improving. For asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, there is no infectious period or need to isolate.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when you do not have immediate access to a sink or hand washing facility (sanitizer does not work if the hands are soiled).
• Practice physical distancing. Particles containing the virus can travel more than six (6) feet, especially indoors, so physical distancing, face coverings, increased ventilation indoors, and respiratory protection decrease the spread of COVID-19, but are most effective when used in combination.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs, light switches, equipment, tools, handrails, handles, phones, and steering wheels.

Immediately notify your supervisor via telephone and complete a COVID-19 Risk Assessment or contact the Department of Human Resources. You will be instructed to remain at or return to your home or place of residence and not report to work until such time as you satisfy the minimum criteria to return to work. You may be contacted by Human Resources to provide information for contact tracing.

You may be eligible for statutory or agency-provided leave or benefits under federal and state law should you present symptoms associated with COVID-19 or contract COVID-19.  The leaves and benefits that may apply include those from the following sources:

• The Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) and/or California Family Rights Act (“CFRA”);
• Workers’ Compensation;
• Leaves or related benefits provided under contract, by policy, or pursuant to a memorandum of understanding.

Eligibility for the aforementioned leaves and/or benefits is governed by applicable statutes, City policies, and/or memorandum of understanding. If you would like information on potentially applicable leaves or benefits, please contact the City’s Department of Human Resources at HR@palmspringsca.gov.

You may be able to temporarily work from home or telecommute. Talk to your supervisor to see if telecommuting is an option for you. Telecommuting is not suitable for all employees and/or positions.  The City Manager, Director of Human Resources, or designee has the discretion to determine the employees and positions who may telecommute on an emergency basis utilizing criteria specified in the Emergency Telecommuting Policy. 

You can return to work after satisfying the minimum criteria to return work listed in the COVID-19 Prevention Information Sheet. Please keep in mind, every situation is different and your anticipated return to work date may be modified as the circumstances change. It is important to notify your supervisor and HR of any changes to your situation (e.g., becoming symptomatic or new exposures to COVID-19).