Dear University Employees:

As the University continues to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please know the importance we place on the health and safety of our employees. To that end, I would like to make you aware of several options that are available:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): If you need assistance in coping with the uncertainty of the outbreak of COVID-19, we encourage you to speak with our EAP provider, either by calling (855) 437-3486 or go to Here4TN.com
• Telecommute: If your position would allow you to telecommute, you may discuss with your supervisor working from home during this time.  If approved, please complete the form at this link.
• Self-Quarantine – High Risk: If you are an individual considered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you may elect to self-quarantine. Details about individuals considered to be at a high risk are found at this site. 

If you elect to self-quarantine, you may use your accumulated sick and/or annual leave to remain on a pay status. Employees who are members of the Sick Leave Bank (SLB) will not be eligible to apply and receive hours from the Bank unless the employee has been diagnosed by a physician as being infected with COVID-19. If the employee has no accumulated leave to cover their absence, they must contact Human Resources to initiate a request to continue to be paid. If the employee is paid, without accumulated leave to cover the absences, they will be responsible for paying back the funds in future accumulated leave or future payroll deduction. 

• University Quarantine – Travel Outside U.S.: As communicated to you on March 14, 2020, if you have traveled outside the U.S., you are required to self-quarantine for 14 days before coming to our campus. You may use your accumulated sick and annual leave to remain on pay status. Employees who are members of the Sick Leave Bank (SLB) will not be eligible to apply and receive hours from the Bank unless the employee has been diagnosed by a physician as being infected with COVID-19. If the employee has no accumulated leave to cover their absence, they must contact Human Resources to initiate a request to continue to be paid. If the employee is paid, without accumulated leave to cover the absences, they will be responsible for paying back the funds in future accumulated leave or future payroll deduction. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we try to address your questions.  Continue to monitor your email for updates and also check the University website on COVID-19, which can be found by clicking this link. 

Sincerely,

Sidney A. McPhee

President 

Given President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency regarding COVID-19, I am directing faculty, staff and students returning from outside the United States and its territories to self-quarantine for 14 days before coming to our campus.

What is Self-Quarantine?

Take these steps to monitor your health and practice concerted social distancing:

1. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
2. Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
3. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
4. Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
5. Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet).

What To Do If You Get Sick

If you get sick with fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, or have trouble breathing:

• Seek medical care. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room.
• Tell your doctor about your recent travel and your symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.

If you need to seek medical care for other reasons, such as dialysis, call ahead to your doctor and tell them about your recent travel to an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

Again, my appreciation for your patience and understanding as we develop protocols during this fluid and unprecedented situation. 

Sincerely,

Sidney A. McPhee

President