Broadcast E-Mail To SSA Personnel

 From: ^Human Resources Internal Communications <Human.Resources.Internal.Communications@ssa.gov>

Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2021 9:01 AM
Subject: New CDC Guidance and COVID-19 Workplace Reminders

TO:  All SSA Personnel

SUBJECT:  New CDC Guidance and COVID-19 Workplace Reminders

A Message to All SSA Personnel

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated guidance on the Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People yesterday, all SSA personnel are reminded that we continue to follow the policies in our current Workplace Safety Plan (WSP), which include properly wearing a face mask and maintaining physical distance in all offices, along with adhering to self-screening criteria.  

SELF-SCREENING:  Prior to entering SSA facilities, everyone must self-screen.  If the answer to any of the screening questions is “yes,” you must not enter SSA facilities, regardless of vaccination status.  The self-screening questions are:

• Do you have any symptoms of COVID-19 including:
• Cough or sore throat;
• Fever (100.4 degrees or higher);
• Chills;
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
• Muscle pain or body aches;
• Headache;
• New loss of taste or smell; or
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Within the last 14 days, have you:
• Been diagnosed with COVID-19;
• Received instructions from a public health authority (local health authority, medical professional, etc.) to self-monitor for symptoms or self-quarantine;
• Traveled outside the country, including on a cruise ship; or
• To your knowledge, been in close physical contact (within 6 feet) with a person who was diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days of your contact with them.

FACE MASKS AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING:  Everyone must wear face masks covering the nose and mouth at all times in SSA facilities and avoid close contact with other people.  Close contact is defined by the CDC as being within 6 feet of another person for a total of 15 minutes or more during a 24-hour period.  Everyone must physical distance at least 6 feet while in SSA facilities.

TESTING:  Free COVID-19 testing is available from many local pharmacies.  The CDC recommends that anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or who has had a close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 get tested (refer to screening questions above), regardless of vaccination status.  Remember to stay away from other people pending a test result and consult with your healthcare provider. 

VACCINATION:  According to the CDC, vaccines for COVID-19 are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19, including severe illness and death.  We encourage all eligible employees to become vaccinated as soon as possible.  The agency continues to offer up to 4 hours of administrative leave for vaccination and up to 2 days of administrative leave for any adverse reactions to vaccination.  To find a COVID-19 vaccine near you:  Search vaccines.gov, text your Zip Code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233.