New COVID-19 Symptoms to Add to Workplace Symptom Screenings

May 5, 2020   Print PDF

Related Practice: Employment

Category: Covid-19

The CDC has expanded its list of symptoms to watch for identifying COVID-19. Employers who have employees reporting to work onsite or engaging with customers are likely already conducting daily screening for fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Employers may wish to add these newly added symptoms to screening protocols. However, they should administer the screening with some flexibility since an isolated symptom from the second list (instead of two or more) may be a minor illness unrelated to coronavirus.coronavirus

The expanded list now states that:

People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two (2) of the following symptoms:

    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Repeated shaking with chills
    • Muscle pain
    • Headache
    • Sore throat
    • New loss of taste or smell

If you have specific questions regarding your obligations under screening procedures, contact a member of our Employment Group.