ORANGE — Selectboard members adopted a COVID-19 guidance policy on Wednesday after Town Administrator Gabriele Voelker told them town employees are confused about protocols to follow if they come into contact with someone infected with the novel coronavirus.
Voelker explained there was clear guidance when the pandemic began nearly two years ago, but the rollout of vaccines and the widespread lifting of restrictions has created uncertainty. She said she and Health Agent Matthew Fortier recommended guidelines suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and listed on the state Department of Public Health’s website.
“I want to make it clear that this is not about wearing masks and COVID policies that the state and the federal government have gone over,” Voelker said at Wednesday’s virtual meeting.
The town administrator explained some town employees have missed work multiple times due to COVID-19 cases within their homes. She said one employee is now out for the third time to care for a sick family member.
Department of Public Health data released Thursday shows 134 positive COVID-19 cases in Orange during the two-week period from Jan. 23 to Feb. 5.
The federal government allots 40 hours of coronavirus sick pay and employees can use their own sick days, vacation days or paid time off when those hours are depleted. Voelker mentioned some town employees have run out of sick and vacation days due to caring for family members with COVID-19.
Per the adopted policy, anyone — vaccinated or unvaccinated — must self-isolate if they test positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test.
“Regardless of vaccination status, all individuals who test positive should avoid people who are at high risk of severe disease for 10 days,” the policy reads. It notes that any employee who has or develops symptoms must continue to stay home until they have not had a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine and their other symptoms are improving. However, testing during isolation is not required.
The policy can be viewed at bit.ly/33eiNlQ.
Voelker said all town employees will be given a copy of the policy.
“The town of Orange does not mandate vaccinations,” she mentioned, adding that unvaccinated employees must wear masks at work. “We would have lost a lot of people had we mandated vaccinations.”
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.