Employee return-to-work guidance

Employee Return-to-Work Guidance
Proper return-to-work protocols should be followed after an employee’s quarantine or isolation to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
WHEN SHOULD EMPLOYEES QUARANTINE?
If they traveled outside of Massachusetts within the last 10 days or have been exposed to someone who is COVID-19 positive even if they aren’t showing symptoms and haven’t tested positive.
WHEN SHOULD EMPLOYEES ISOLATE?
If they tested positive for COVID-19 OR have any symptoms of COVID-19 (even mild).
WHEN CAN THEY RETURN TO WORK?
All employees in isolation or quarantine should not return to work unless they meet the following criteria:
IF EMPLOYEE WAS IN QUARANTINE | IF EMPLOYEE WAS IN ISOLATION |
---|---|
DUE TO KNOW EXPOSURE • After quarantining for the required time* • For healthcare workers, first responders and critical infrastructure workers: • Certain sector workers may continue to work during quarantine to preserve critical functions only if they remain asymptomatic. • Workers must wear at least a face covering and any additional appropriate work PPE and self-monitor for symptoms DUE TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE MA • Quarantine for 10 days* OR produce a negative COVID-19 result |
Mild – moderate symptoms • At least 24 hours without fever (without fever-reducing medication); and • At least 10 days since symptoms began; and• Improvement in symptoms Severe symptoms (required hospitalization) • Employee should consult infectious disease expert • Isolate up to 20 days Asymptomatic • At least 10 days since date of first positive COVID-19 test; and • No subsequent symptoms developed |
Employers should not require a COVID-19 test result or a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work.
* For full details on quarantine timing based on testing or symptom development, visit mass.gov/QuarantineTime
Employee screening

Employee COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire
To reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, employees should be screened prior to entering work. Employees can self-screen in advance of work and on site.
PRIOR TO COMING TO WORK TODAY, HAVE YOU...
- Newly experienced any of the following symptoms that cannot otherwise be attributed to another condition?
- Fever (100.0 F or higher)
- Loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain or aches
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Runny nose or congestion
- Tested positive for, or have been diagnosed by a healthcare provider, with COVID-19 within the past 10 days?
- Been advised by a healthcare provider or a public health agency to self-quarantine within the last 14 days?
- Had close contact with someone experiencing symptoms, or someone with known exposure to COVID-19?
- Been tested and are awaiting results after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone positive for COVID-19 or who was experiencing symptoms?
- Traveled outside of Massachusetts without quarantining for 14 days and/or received a negative COVID-19 test result?
If you answered yes to any of the above, do not come into work. Notify your supervisor and/or HR.
Employers should not require a COVID-19 test result or a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work.
Holiday shopping reminders for stores

HOLIDAY SHOPPING REMINDERS FOR STORES
Help stop the surge with safe store practices for shoppers
- Offer curbside pickup when possible
- Follow in-store capacity limits - 25% of building’s maximum capacity, excluding staff (effective 12/26/2020)
- Offer appointment-based shopping
- Sanitize between checkouts
- Use distance markings and reminders near registers and line areas
- Place signage reminding about mask mandates on entrances and throughout the store
COVID-19 reporting requirements for businesses

Instructions for Employers to use if an employee has been exposed to COVID-19
- Employers are required to report any positive cases for employees to the local board of health (LBOH).
- Employers must share employee information with LBOH or the Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC).
- LBOH or CTC may reach out to employees to determine if any of them were exposed.
- Employers must follow instructions about employee isolation and quarantine from the LBOH or CTC.
- For more information visit mass.gov/COVIDreporting
Current Business Sector Guidance fliers

In accordance with the Commonwealth’s latest reopening protocols effective March 1, 2021
Indoor & Outdoor Theater and Performance venues | 50% with 500 max (movie theaters: 50% with 250 max |
Outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public setting | 25 person limit |
Roller Skating Rinks, Trampolines, Obstacle Courses, Laser Tag, and Escape Rooms | Open, 50% capacity |
Driving/Flight Schools | Open, 50% capacity |
Gyms | Open, 50% capacity |
Libraries | Open, 50% capacity |
Museums | Open, 50% capacity |
Restaurants | 6’ distance between tables, 6 people/ table max, 90-minute limit for each table, live music allowed |
Retail - fitting rooms | Open |
Close Contact Personal services | 50% capacity |
For additional details and information visit mass.gov/reopening-protocols