COVID-19 FAQs for Hays CISD Staff
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The Hays CISD HR Division, in conjunction with the Director of Safety & Security and the Director of Student Health Services, has compiled a list of FAQs to assist with answering many questions surrounding COVID-19.
Please self report your symptoms, exposure, or positive test results HERE.
Please allow 48 hours for a response once you have have submitted your self report.
If you have questions that are not answered below, please contact Hays CISD Employee Services: HRCOVID@hayscisd.net or COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line Crisis Counseling Program
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FAQ - How do I contact HR and report COVID exposure, COVID-like symptoms or a COVID positive test result?
All employees should immediately notify their supervisor, campus nurse and HR for guidance and complete the following HR form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBhSsQIUd-z8saVpOVolZKL280W5l0Q-uFJFbsxw0WF6G8HA/viewform
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FAQ - What if my doctor tells me that I need to self-quarantine?
If your doctor tells you to self-quarantine, please contact HR so that we can gather your documentation and review your options with you. Contact HR at HRCOVID@hayscisd.net
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FAQ – Do I have to quarantine if I get COVID-19 and I am vaccinated?
Yes, you can still spread the virus to others.
“Staying home when sick with COVID-19 is essential to keep COVID-19 infections out of schools and prevent spread to others. It also is essential for people who are not fully vaccinated to quarantine after a recent exposure to someone with COVID-19."
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FAQ - Can I contract COVID-19 from surface contamination?
The virus is believed to mainly be spread from person to person through close contact. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
For more information visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/clean-disinfect/index.html
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FAQ - What is the difference between ʺexposureʺ and ʺclose contactʺ?
You may be exposed to COVID-19 through casual encounters while wearing your PPE (personal protective equipment). However, ʺclose contactʺ means that you have been exposed to a COVID POSITIVE person, within six feet, for a total time of 15 minutes in 24 hours, regardless of mask usage. This type of exposure can raise your chances of contracting COVID-19.
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FAQ - Should I wear a mask?
The district strongly encourages that everyone wears a mask to protect each other from the spread of COVID-19. The district will adhere to the guidelines established by the most current mandates and orders that are in place by the State of Texas and the Texas Education Agency.
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FAQ - How do I protect myself and others from COVID-19?
The virus is thought to mainly spread from person to person through close contact (within 6 feet) with an infected person. The spread occurs when an infected person coughs or sneezes and the respiratory droplets land in another person’s mouth, nose, or eyes who is in close contact. Monitor yourself for symptoms on a daily basis. Wash your hands frequently (soap and water for at least 20 seconds). Avoid close contact with those who are sick in your home and Social Distance (6’ or greater) when outside your home. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth covering or mask if you are around others. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with the crook of your elbow. Clean and disinfect the frequently touched surfaces regularly. The COVID vaccines are highly effective at preventing infection with COVID-19.
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FAQ - Why can't you tell me who tested positive in my department/campus?
HIPPA law prohibits any sharing of personal health data. Please feel free to follow the link below for more information on HIPPA and what it does for you, then contact HR for any additional information.
For more information visit https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/index.html
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FAQ - Will I be notified by the district if someone I work with has symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19?
The district follows CDC and health department guidelines for notification based on level of exposure. The guidelines we have in place are to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. If you are believed to be at risk, you will be notified and provided with instructions on the quarantine process. If you experience symptoms - self-isolate, contact your medical provider and contact Hays CISD Human Resources at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBhSsQIUd-z8saVpOVolZKL280W5l0Q-uFJFbsxw0WF6G8HA/viewform
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FAQ - While I'm waiting for my results, do I use my own leave time?
There are several scenarios that will determine your leave options and whether or not you may continue working while awaiting COVID test results. Variables may include: testing because you have a family member with positive results, you have symptoms, or you are testing for precautionary reasons. For more information contact Hays CISD Human Resources at: HRCOVID@hayscisd.net
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FAQ - How long will it take to get my results from testing?
Each test result will vary depending on where it was taken and to which lab it was sent for results. Our contacts at the Department of Health estimate that it can take between 24 hours and five days.
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FAQ - Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in Hays County?
For information about testing sites visit:
https://hayscountytx.com/covid-19-testing-sites-in-hays-by-appointment-only/
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FAQ - When do I need to be tested for COVID-19?
Contact your medical provider or the Hays County hotline for instructions at 512-393-5525 for questions about testing. Testing is generally only recommended for those with one or more significant symptoms or two or more other symptoms or who have had close contact with someone with a known positive COVID-19 test in the last 14 days.
Significant Symptoms
(1 or more)
- Loss of Sense of Taste or Smell
- Fever
- Difficulty Breathing/Shortness of Breath
- Severe Cough
- Vomiting
Other symptoms
(2 or more)
- Headache
- Sore Throat
- Fatigue
- Muscle/Body Aches
- Sweating excessively
- Chills/Shaking
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Congestion or Runny Nose
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FAQ - What should I expect from HR once I speak to them?
After receiving your report, you will receive a district email and/or phone call from HR with further instructions. HR will ask a series of questions to help determine the district's course of action and they will explain different options that you may be eligible for while off of work.
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FAQ - Why do I need to contact HR?
HR Benefits and Leave Office will handle leave questions and also facilitate information to your campus while keeping your personal data confidential.
FMLA/TDL LEAVE REQUESTS
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FAQ - If I am an employee that needs leave that will exceed five days for medical purposes, other than being affected by COVID-19, what should I do?
If you are an employee that needs to be absent for more than five days for a medical reason, please contact HR Employee Services at HRCOVID@hayscisd.net Normal FMLA guidelines will be followed to make sure the employee qualifies for FMLA/TDL.
FMLA/TDL LEAVE - RETURN TO WORK STATUS
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FAQ - If an employee that is on leave wants to come back to work, who does the employee need to contact?
The employee should contact HR Employee Services at HRCOVID@hayscisd.net to send a return to work release note or Fitness for Duty Form:
https://www.hayscisd.net/cms/lib/TX02204837/Centricity/Domain/100/Fitness_for_Duty_Certification.pdf
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FAQ - If an employee has been out for five or more consecutive days for a medical purpose can an employee return to work before being cleared by HR?
No, an employee cannot return to work before they have submitted a RETURN TO WORK (RTW) form via fax to HR at 512.268.7384. At the time that HR receives the RTW form, HR will email the administrator(s) to let them know when the employee expects to return to work. Every employee on leave has been made aware that a RTW form must be received at least 2 working days before the expected return date. This gives everyone time to make any accommodations i.e. working and sub arrangements. An employee cannot submit a RTW form that is backdated to allow for past work. Contact HRCOVID@hayscisd.net