The hospital has updated its Covid-19 exposure guidelines as of March 12. Since the end of the Public Health Emergency in May of 2023, several national certifying boards have begun classifying Covid-19 similarly to minor colds and not permitting it as excused time away from training. This means that those who are off from work for the mandatory 5 days under the policy might see a training extension. As such, the HOA urges House Officers who decide to take a Covid test (and test positive) and are consequently off for the mandatory 5 days, to file for FMLA and utilize the Serious Illness Leave in our CBA, which is triggered after a week off. Your boards may be more willing to excuse the days in that instance, potentially sparing you from a training extension. 

Updated COVID-19 return to work guidance for Michigan Medicine employees is as follows:

The CDC recently updated its guidance on isolation for people with COVID-19 in community settings. This guidance does not apply to healthcare settings due to our interactions with vulnerable populations. However, in an effort to streamline return to work for Michigan Medicine employees with COVID-19 and to bring our guidance in line with current understanding of the virus, we are implementing updated return to work guidance effective immediately.

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 may not return to work until:

• At least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and
• At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
• Symptoms have improved (e.g., cough, shortness of breath)
• A negative COVID-19 home antigen test is not required to return to work
• Employees who return to work between days 6-10 should wear a mask at all times and avoid caring for patients in protective precautions during this time

In addition, employees no longer need to report COVID-19 test results to OHS. Employees who test positive for COVID-19 can find updated guidance on return to work on the OHS website. Employees needing additional information and assistance may contact OHS by e-mail at occupational-health@med.umich.edu or by phone at 734-764-8021 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.