As cases of COVID-19 continue to surge across the country, we want to take the opportunity to remind ourselves of the guidance from the CDC and FAA that is contained in the FAA SAFO 20009: COVID-19: Updated Interim Occupational Health and Safety Guidance for Air Carriers and Crews.
The SAFO states that crewmembers should not report to work if they “develop fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19, even if mild.”
The headache or aches and pains that we once came to work with, today may be indicators of a COVID-19 infection. To help slow the spread of COVID-19, when you realize you are sick or symptomatic, you should place yourself on sick leave and remain away from work.
According to the CDC, “People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. If you are advised of any exposure, you should contact your personal doctor for guidance. To quarantine or self-monitor is the general guidance, however; each of us have unique personal health decisions that should be made between ourselves and our physician. Our Letter of Agreement [link] covers that an individual doctor determines to be right when it comes to COVID-19 safety precautions.
People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
This list does not include all possible symptoms. The CDC will continue to update the last as we learn more about the virus. Any of the above symptoms or advisement of exposure; regardless if defined as close contact, passenger or family member, warrants a call or visit to one’s personal physician who is familiar with you and your family’s medical history. Your personal physician is the one who can best provide further guidance on the action you should be taking.
Keep in mind, earlier this year we entered into a Sick Leave Protection Letter of Agreement with the company. This LOA provides for pay protection during certain scenarios, as well as dependability protection when a Flight Attendant has to place themselves on sick leave when they are experiencing any symptom(s) of COVID-19.
We encourage each of you to take precautions to protect yourself. If you are well, you should come to work, wear a mask, wash hands frequently and use all the safety tools at our disposal to remain healthy. If you do experience symptoms you should follow the FAA and CDC guidelines and United’s policy on staying home.