In a sign that the pandemic has drawn to a close, the city Department of Education’s special COVID-19 leave policy has ended. Over the DOE’s initial objections, the UFT was able to squeeze out one final year of COVID leave last school year after citing a provision in state law, which has since expired. Starting this September, absences related to COVID-19 will be charged to employees’ sick banks. Staff members who test positive for COVID-19 will now have to use their CAR days. If they are still sick after five days, they may be asked for medical documentation of any ongoing symptoms that prevent them from working.  The same policy applies to COVID vaccinations. If a DOE employee takes time off to receive a vaccine or booster dose or recover from side effects caused by vaccination, they must use their sick time. Members must also use personal business days if they are caring for a family member who is home because of a COVID-19 illness.