COVID-19 Employee Information


Notices & Resources

A  COVID-19 Workplace Guide  was developed as a comprehensive resources for workplace related information affected by the pandemic with three primary topics to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

  • Stay home if you are not feeling well;
  • Follow CDC, Federal, State & Local Guidelines Related to the Pandemic; and
  • Protect Yourself and Others at Work.

Effective for travel occurring November 20, 2020 thru January 8, 2021, employees traveling outside of our immediate area to or thru an area designated by the CDC as a Risk Level 3 destination which includes out of state, international, and/or travel on a cruise ship/river cruise, the following return to work place protocols will apply:

  • Wear a mask at all times during work hours for the 14 days following your return; 
  • Avoid any in-person meetings and ensure proper social distancing (at least 6 ft or about 2 arms’ lengths) at all times  for the 14 days following your return.
  • Remote work may be available on a case by case basis upon your return to reduce the potential of spread. 
Level 3 COVID-19 destinations per CDC may be found here:
 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html

Danielle Olson
Danielle Olson, Human Resources Director


Contact Human Resources by email or phone at (561) 838-5450 if you need assistance or have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions for Employees 


1)    What if I have contracted or have been exposed personally (not job related) to COVID-19?   

  • DO NOT COME TO WORK.  
  • We recommend that you seek appropriate medical attention immediately.
  • Immediately notify Human Resources at 561.227-6322 or HumanResourcesStaff@townofpalmbeach.com.  You may not return to work until instructed to do so.  The Town will follow CDC guidelines to conduct a risk assessment so that appropriate support and accommodations can be provided.  Your disclosure of such information will be confidential.  

2)    What if I call out sick or come to work with current symptoms of the COVID-19 virus?

  • Employees should stay home if they are not well. 
  • Whenever an employee calls out sick,  supervisors will ask employees if they are exhibiting any of the CDC identified COVID-19 symptoms.  If “YES” the employee will be contacted by either the Director or Assistant Director of Human Resources, as certain Federal paid leave and/or testing for COVID-19 may be implemented. Employees may not to return to work until clearance to do so is approved by the Town.
  • If the absence is not COVID-19 related, regular sick leave procedures will apply. Employees who are absent three or more days (3 shifts for Fire Rescue) must receive a medical authorization form from their physician to return to work.  Medical authorization must be presented to their supervisor, who will make a determination as to whether or not the employee’s return to duty is approved
  • Current CDC identified COVID-19 symptoms, as of October 29, 2020 are:  Cough; Fever or chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue, muscle or body aches; headache, sore throat; new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
  • Testing options are available.  The Town does not recommend/endorse one option over any other. This information is being provided as a resource only.  Human Resources may provide assistance to employees for testing if the options below or their own selected resources are not available.  
  • Need more information about the types of testing?  Visit the Coronavirus Testing Basics from the Federal Food & Drug Administration.

3)  What precautions should I take before and during personal travel of any kind?

Employees seeking to travel for personal reasons should check the CDC’s Travelers Health Notices and State of Florida Executive Orders prior to departure. Supervisors can ask employees regarding their potential travel to and/or through:

  • any destination identified a Level 3 CDC Travel Health Notice requiring self-isolation following travel; and/or
  • any destination, or come in contact with anyone who has recently traveled to and/or through the areas, identified by Executive Order of the Governor of the State of Florida as requiring self-isolation.

Leave requests require supervisory approval and may be declined if such leave impairs operations.  If leave to/through one of the above areas is approved and self-isolation is required, employees shall notify Human Resources to review return to work procedures.

Due to the fluid nature of this situation, on a case by case basis the Town will rely on guidance from the CDC and State of Florida Health Department on the proper steps to be taken to prevent the potential spread of germs. The Town will rely on the most current information available at the time of travel.

4)    What general precautions should I be taking?

Follow all Workplace Standards for COVID-19 outlined here which states:
While at work within a Town facility or providing Town related services, Town employees are expected to comply with the following workplace standards: 

  • Refrain from in‐person meetings whenever possible, including meal breaks;
  • Follow all CDC hand sanitation guidelines;
  • Maintain a distance of six feet when coming into contact with others while at work (inclusive of break areas);
  • Wear a face mask/covering (either provided by the Town or your own appropriate for the workplace) whenever in the presence of others  (unless a reasonable accommodation has been approved by Human Resources).

The CDC recommends several actions for preventing the spread of COVID-19 here.  Refer to any and all state, local, and federal executive orders and guidance.  

5) Will I be notified if a coworker has contracted COVID-19 or is in self-isolation?

Due to privacy concerns, this information will not be shared.  However, the Town will take steps per CDC guidance to conduct a risk analysis and may require employees to self-isolate. Employees who may have been exposed due to close contact, as defined by the CDC, to an infected employee will receive the Notice of COVID-19 Exposure for Employees from Human Resources.  

6)    What if I am exposed to COVID-19 on the job? 

7)    What if I don’t feel comfortable coming to work because I live with an immune compromised person who is at high risk if they get COVID – 19? May I work from home?

  • Currently, if an employee does not feel comfortable to come to work but does not have current medically documented need for the illness or injury for oneself or the care of an immediate family member per existing policies, vacation or other non-sick leave would be used for an absence from work.
  • Additional guidance may be available within the Town’s Administrative Procedure #1-20-7 released on March 31, 2020 .

8)    How do I access Telehealth services? 

Our Cigna Health Insurance offers telehealth services without a copay from Amwell and MDLIVE.  Take steps today to connect through the myCigna.com; information about these services is available online here.

9)  How do I know if I must report to work?  How will I be informed of new information on the Town’s management of COVID – 19 related issues as they relate to employees?

  • Employees should monitor this Town Emergency Management Employee Information website and contact their supervisor.
  • Employees can also dial one of the following hotline numbers for information:
    • Public Safety Employees – (561) 838-5454
    • Public Works Employees – (561) 838-5440
    • All Other Employees – (561) 273-4160

10)    If I need to take time off work due to school closure or childcare needs what do I do?

On the Employee Notices website, review the March 31, 2020 release of Administrative Procedure 1-20-7  Emergency FMLA Leave and Sick Pay Pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020

11)    I don’t have a work laptop issued to me; may I use a personal computer to work remotely? 

No.  Due to the potential for Security threats, the Town does not allow use of a personal computer to access internal Town systems.  

12)    What if I need technical assistance with my Town issued laptop while at home?  

Call the Town’s Emergency Help Line at 561-227-6315.  Leave a detailed voicemail of your issue and an IT staff member will respond.  This mailbox is monitored 24 X 7.

13)    What if I am scheduled to attend/host an internal meeting or a local meeting?

All non-essential work related travel has been cancelled.  All meetings should be conducted virtually whenever possible.  Contact your supervisor for direction.  

14)    How do I obtain a medical, prescription or dental insurance card?

Go to mycigna.com, download MyCigna app on your smartphone.  Register to log in and you can access your ID Cards in addition to any other insurance related information from the site or app.  You can also call Cigna One Guide: 888.806.5042 for assistance. 

15)    How do I obtain vision insurance information?

If you have elected this optional coverage, go to www.e-nva.com or call 800.672.7723

16)    How do I access the Employee Wellness Grocery Delivery Credit? 

Submit your grocery delivery service enrollment receipt to kwells@townofpalmbeach.com  Reimbursements (not to exceed $15) will be processed as soon as possible or within 60 days from submission, unless emergency conditions cause a delay

17)    Will my health benefits be affected because of the limited number of work hours? 

Employee benefits will not be affected by the reduction in hours caused by the COVID pandemic. Please rest assured that your benefits will continue without interruption.

18)    Have the rules for an emergency withdrawal from my ICMA-RC 457 account changed? 

ICMA-RC 457 Coronavirus-Related Distribution (CRD) pursuant to the Federal CARES Act
· General Information
· Request Form (Complete and submit the form to ICMA-RC for processing)

19)    How has the Town implemented and how may I request leave benefits pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act? 

On the Employee Notices website, review the March 31, 2020 release of Administrative Procedure 1-20-7  Emergency FMLA Leave and Sick Pay Pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020