March 16, 2020 (Phoenix) – To address the impact of COVID-19 during this worldwide pandemic, and with the advice of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the Board of Supervisors approved emergency exceptions to the county’s employee leave and teleworking policies today. These changes will help protect the health of the county’s workforce while ensuring employees who need additional flexibility to care for dependent children continue to receive a paycheck. The exceptions also allow employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to continue providing essential services to the public in a safe, secure way.
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These are the changes approved by the Board:
- Authorize up to 10 days of Emergency Leave with Pay for employees who test positive for COVID-19 or who have COVID-19 symptoms
- Allow employees to use their Sick Leave to care for their dependent children while schools are closed due to COVID-19
- Employees who are authorized to telework by their Appointing Authority may do so and watch their dependent children at the same time
- Allowing employees who have exhausted their Vacation Time and Sick Time to borrow up to 80 hours of paid leave from their future accruals to care for their dependent children
- Custodial parents, custodial stepparents, and custodial grandparents raising minor children, or anyone having primary caregiver responsibilities for children or dependent disabled adults are eligible for the teleworking and paid leave options above
- Employees exhibiting symptoms that mirror those of COVID-19 are required to stay home until 72 hours after symptoms clear
The exceptions to county employee leave (HR2415) and teleworking (HR2409) are in effect for 60 days.