COVID-19 absences

Learn more about time off provided if you get COVID-19, time off to receive a booster, caring for family and other timekeeping policies for the 2022-23 school year. 

See the DOE's Personnel Memo #1 of the 2022-23 school year. 

If I test positive for COVID-19, how many days will I be paid without having to use my own sick days?

If you test positive for COVID-19, you will receive five days pay when positive without having to use CAR days. If you are still sick after five days, you may continue to be paid for up to two weeks, but you may be asked for medical documentation of any ongoing symptoms that prevent you from working. COVID-19 excused leave at full pay is cumulative and may not exceed a total of two calendar weeks over the school year.

If I have symptoms of COVID-19 but have not tested positive, must I use CAR days if I am absent?

You may take an excused leave at full pay for up to two weeks while symptoms persist, but must also provide documentation that you have symptoms of COVID-19 and are seeking diagnosis with a COVID-19 test within three days after you exhibited symptoms. You must use your own sick time for any time taken after you receive a negative test result or if you do not seek COVID-19 testing.

Will staff who have been vaccinated be required to quarantine if they have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19?

No. Vaccinated members who have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 do not have to quarantine if they are not showing symptoms of COVID-19. A fully vaccinated, asymptomatic person who has been in close contact with a person who tested positive within the past 10 days should continue to report to work.

If a member has COVID-19 and needs hospital care, how long will they continue to be paid?

If you are hospitalized, you can continue to receive excused leave at full pay until 10 working days after you have been released from the hospital or rehabilitation facility.

Will staff get time off to receive a COVID-19 booster dose?

Members will receive up to four hours of paid release time per booster. You must provide at least three days of advance notice to your principal/supervisor for any such absence so appropriate coverage can be arranged. You will need to provide documentation of the appointment as well as your receipt of the booster to your administrator.

If I have side effects after taking a COVID-19 booster shot and feel sick, am I entitled to paid time off?

Yes, if symptoms develop within three days after receiving a booster dose.

Can I receive excused time off to take my own child to receive each dose of a COVID-19 vaccine?

Members may receive up to four hours of excused leave during school hours to accompany their child receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Will I be paid if I am caring for someone who must quarantine?

If you are caring for an individual subject to a governmental quarantine or healthcare provider’s isolation order, you may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of excused leave at partial pay. Partial pay equals two-thirds of your regular rate of pay, not to exceed $200 per day or a total of $12,000. You must demonstrate that this individual depends on you for care and you are unable to work remotely while providing care. You may also use CAR days, annual leave or sick leave instead of excused leave at partial pay, but it cannot exceed a total of 12 weeks.

I have tested positive for the second time this school year. How much total excused leave time at full pay can I use before I need to use my CAR days this year?

Members can receive two weeks of paid excused leave for COVID-related absences, even if they have multiple or repeat qualifying circumstances, without charges to your CAR bank. After you have used up the maximum amount of two weeks, any additional time needed will be charged to your CAR balance If you use up your excused leave time at full pay, you may also be eligible for partial pay for up to 12 weeks, which is calculated as two-thirds of your regular rate of pay not to exceed $200/day or $12,000 in total.

What type of documentation am I required to submit before applying for a COVID-related absence?

DOE employees must be able to provide documentation, if requested, to support their request for an excused leave at full or partial pay. This documentation could be from a health care provider, a school, a daycare provider, and/or governmental order, as applicable. Extended leaves may be subject to further medical review by DOE.

Would I be eligible for an excused leave at full pay if I test positive again for COVID-19 within three months?

Individuals who test positive within three months after recovering from your first COVID-19 infection will not receive COVID-excused leave during that three-month period unless you are exhibiting new COVID-19 symptoms.