Employees are required to conduct a symptom self-check before coming to campus for work. If an employee has one or more symptoms of COVID-19, they must stay home and not come to campus. This expectation – and the return to work process described below - applies to all employees, including those who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or fully vaccinated.
An employee may return to campus only after meeting one of the following two conditions:
With a medical consultation
HR has approved the employee’s return based on the Return to Work Form for Employees with Symptoms of COVID-19, which was completed by the employee’s healthcare provider. The instructions and form are provided below.
Without a medical consultation
It has been 10 days after symptoms began, symptoms have improved, and the employee has been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication.
Instructions – Return to Work Form for Employees with Symptoms of COVID-19
- Submit the form to your healthcare provider.
- Once completed, email a copy or photo of this form to HRCOVIDHelp@uoregon.edu or fax to (541) 346-2548.
- Human Resources will review the information in order to determine when you can return to campus.
- You will be contacted by HR or your supervisor with further instruction about your return.
You must not return to campus before HR has authorized your return.
Employees awaiting a response from HR can email HRCOVIDHelp@uoregon.edu or call the HR Service Center at (541) 346-3159 to confirm that the documentation was received and is being reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I have one or more COVID-19 symptoms, do I have to fill out the Return to Work Form before returning to work?
It depends. If you have COVID-19 symptoms and you consult with a healthcare provider then your healthcare provider should complete the Return to Work Form.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms and you self-isolate without consulting a healthcare provider, then you may return to work without completing the form once all of the following are true:
- At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first began;
- You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication; and
- All symptoms other than fever have improved.
What should I do with the Return to Work Form after the healthcare provider fills it out?
Please send a copy or a photo of the completed form to Human Resources at HRCovidHelp@uoregon.edu or fax it to (541) 346-2548. Any medical information received by Human Resources will be kept confidential.
If I have COVID-19 symptoms, do I have to consult with a healthcare provider before returning to work?
No. It is your decision whether to speak with a healthcare provider or seek medical attention. However, consulting with a healthcare provider may provide you with an opportunity to return to work on campus sooner because a clinician can order a COVID test or other tests to diagnose your symptoms.
If you do not speak with a healthcare provider then you can return to work without completing the form once all of the following are true:
- At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first began;
- You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication; and
- All symptoms other than fever have improved.
If I have COVID-19 symptoms, do I have to get tested for COVID-19 before returning to work?
No, you do not need to get tested for COVID-19 before returning to work. Please note that if you are symptomatic and you do get tested for COVID-19, then your healthcare provider should complete the Return to Work Form before you return to work.
What symptoms does the university consider to be “COVID-19 symptoms?”
The university follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance regarding COVID-19 symptoms. Currently, that guidance lists the following symptoms: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.
If you experience any of these symptoms beyond your normal baseline, then you should follow all university procedures relating to employees with symptoms of COVID-19.
