Since the beginning of the pandemic, CEO has provided our staff with a high level of flexibility for those individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; this included a voluntary decision by CEO to extend Families First benefits through September 30, 2021. Unfortunately our ability to utilize that benefit expired yesterday.
Effective today, any CEO staff member impacted by COVID-19 that prevents them from reporting to work will only be eligible for paid COVID leave only if they are subject to a mandatory order of quarantine or isolation that has been issued by the Department of Health or approved entity resulting from an exposure to a positive person, or have tested positive for COVID-19.
Any other illness-related absences, including exclusion from work while awaiting test results, will require the use of available sick or PTO time. It is important to note that asymptomatic vaccinated staff are not required to quarantine even if exposed to a positive person. Any absences related to children or dependent care exclusions from school may be covered through our insurance carrier as Paid Family Leave, if deemed eligible. Those payments are made directly to the employee after approval of a submitted claim and may take up to 18 days for the claim to be reviewed and approved.
Mask updates:
Effective today, staff that are fully vaccinated and have provided proof to Human Resources will be allowed to perform work within CEO sites, including traveling within common areas, without a mask. The continued use of masks is recommended. This protocol will continue to be evaluated regularly and is subject to change when/if deemed necessary for public safety.
All Early Childhood staff will continue to be required to wear masks while working with children and families until the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) provides updated guidance for vaccinated staff.
Please refer to the below FAQ document highlighting the top recent questions surrounding COVID-19.
COVID Protocol updates 9.30.21
Continue to utilize the Covid@ceoempowers.org email address to notify HR of any COVID-related issues, questions or concerns.
Vaccination information updates:
As previously indicated, the agency is awaiting further guidance on vaccine mandates that may be required in the near future. All staff are strongly encouraged to pursue getting vaccinated, unless otherwise covered by an approved exemption.
At this time, we believe early childhood staff who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination more than 6 months ago are now eligible for a booster shot. More details may be found @ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html .
Where can I receive a COVID-19 vaccination?
- Check with your local pharmacy
- Review vaccination clinics via the State website @
https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
Please note: NYS provides paid leave time for vaccination purposes. Email Covid@ceoempowers.org to request additional details.