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Currently more than 100 Asante employees per week are testing positive for COVID-19, requiring them to be off-premises and placing an even greater burden on our already stretched staffing levels. Asante has changed its practice on when employees can safely return to work after a confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV2 infection in accordance with Oregon Health Authority and CDC guidance.
Under the new guidelines, employees with mild to moderate symptoms (or who are asymptomatic) and have a negative antigen test may return to work after five days of symptom onset. This is a departure from the previous guideline, which required a 10-day isolation period in all instances.
These guidelines vary according to staffing impact. Our system currently is in the “contingency staffing” level as outlined in this table.
The new practice is intended to ensure our facilities have adequate staff to care for increased volumes without compromising employee or patient safety.
To help staff return to work in a timely manner, Employee Health has implemented new workflows that include an at-home rapid antigen test. Employee Health has drafted a guide to help you through the process.
Download return-to-work guide »
Antigen tests are available through Employee Health clinics in Ashland, Medford and Grants Pass during regular business hours and at Asante Urgent Care in Grants Pass on weekends. If you become symptomatic outside of work, isolate, manage your symptoms and reach out to Employee Health. If you become symptomatic while at work over the weekend or after hours, please contact your house supervisor for an antigen test. Do not use the community drive-thru testing site for a return-to-work test.
The guide can be printed or emailed and will be made available by Employee Health if you are at home or sent home due to exposure, symptoms or illness. If you’re experiencing symptoms do not come to any Asante facility. Instead, contact through Doc Halo at Employee Health Covid Communication, or email Employee Health, or call (541) 789-3674.
WHERE TO GET A TEST
To be cleared by Asante Employee Health to return to work, you’ll need to have a negative result on a rapid antigen test. Here’s where to get one.
Call an Employee Health office. They can be reached during business hours at (541) 789-3674. Provide your name and call back number. Please do not call more than
once or leave multiple messages as this delays the response time.
Send a message through Halo. Look for the Employee Health COVID Communication chat. Provide your name and call-back number.
Email Employee Health.
If you have a question, please contact the author or relevant department directly.
