Can we take an employee's temperature as they report for work during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health authorities have acknowledged community spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, and have issued related precautions, "employers may measure employees' body temperature.

Can an employee's temperature be taken by the employer when they report for work?

• Businesses should follow CDC and FDA guidance for screening employees who have been exposed to COVID-19.
• Pre-screen employees for symptoms or fever before starting work.
• Employees with fever and symptoms should be advised to see a doctor for evaluation and should be deferred to Human Resources for next steps.

How can you safely measure a person's temperature during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Temperature measurement can be one part of the assessment to determine if a person has an elevated temperature potentially caused by a COVID-19 infection. One method to measure a person's surface temperature is the use of "no-touch" or non-contact temperature assessment devices, such as thermal imaging systems (also known as thermal imaging cameras or infrared telethermographic systems) or non-contact infrared thermometers. The use of other temperature assessment devices, such as oral thermometers, requires physical contact which may increase the risk of spreading infection.

What temperature is considered a fever for COVID-19?

Fever is a common symptom of COVID-19. A body temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher is generally seen in people with COVID-19, although some people may feel as though they have fever even though their temperature readings are normal.

Should I check my temperature everyday during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you're healthy, you don't need to take your temperature regularly. But you should check it more often if you feel sick or if you think you might have come into contact with an illnesses such as COVID-19.

ASK AN HR PRO: Can I take my employees temperature before letting them work?

Is it safe to use oral thermometer during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The use of other temperature assessment devices, such as oral thermometers, requires physical contact which may increase the risk of spreading infection.

Can you run a low-grade fever with COVID-19?

Yes. A fever is one of the common symptoms of COVID-19, but you can be infected with the coronavirus and have a cough or other symptoms with no fever, or a very low-grade one — especially in the first few days.

How long does it take for the COVID-19 symptoms to start showing?

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.

What are some of the symptoms of coronavirus disease?

Persons were provided with the following list of signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19: 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, and diarrhea or abdominal ...

What are some of the first symptoms of COVID-19?

Early symptoms reported by some people include fatigue, headache, sore throat or fever. Others experience a loss of smell or taste. COVID-19 can cause symptoms that are mild at first, but then become more intense over five to seven days, with worsening cough and shortness of breath.

How can you safely take a client's temperature using a temporal thermometer?

1. Turn on the thermometer.
2. Gently sweep the thermometer across the client’s forehead.
3. Remove the thermometer and read the number:
○ Fever: Any temperature 100.4 F or greater is considered a fever.
○ No fever: People with temperatures at or below 100.3 F may continue into the shelter using normal procedures.
4. Clean the thermometer with an alcohol wipe (or isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab) between each client. You can reuse the same wipe as long as it remains wet.

Can thermal screening at workplace prevent the spread of coronavirus disease?

Some people may reduce fever with a fever-reducing medication if they are concerned about the possible consequences of not coming to work. Relying on temperature screening alone will not stop the spread of COVID-19 at work.

Thermal screening at the workplace can be considered part of a package of measures to prevent and control COVID-19 at the workplace. Workers should be encouraged to self-monitor their health, possibly with the use of questionnaires, and take their own temperature regularly at home.

Workplaces should adopt “stay at home if unwell” and flexible sick leave policies to discourage workers with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 from coming to the workplaces.

What are the benefits of non-contact temperature assessment devices during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• These non-contact devices can quickly measure and display a temperature reading so a large number of people can be evaluated individually at points of entry.
• Non-contact infrared thermometers require minimal cleaning between uses.
• Using non-contact temperature measurement devices may help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 infections.

What if an employee refuses to come to work for fear of infection?

• Your policies, that have been clearly communicated, should address this.
• Educating your workforce is a critical part of your responsibility.
• Local and state regulations may address what you have to do and you should align with them.

What is the definition of close contact exposure for COVID-19?

Close Contact through proximity and duration of exposure: Someone who was less than 6 feet away from an infected person (laboratory-confirmed or a clinical diagnosis) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes).

Who is considered a close contact to someone with COVID-19?

For COVID-19, a close contact is anyone who was less than 6 feet away from you for a combined total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. An infected person can transmit SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, starting 48 hours (2 days) before they have symptoms or before they were tested.

What are some examples of mild illness of the coronavirus disease?

Mild Illness: Individuals who have any of the various signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, malaise, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste and smell) but who do not have shortness of breath, dyspnea, or abnormal chest imaging.

What can you take to help with COVID-19 symptoms?

Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. If you are worried about your symptoms, the Coronavirus Self-Checker can assist in the decision to seek care. You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), to help you feel better.

How long do COVID-19 symptoms last?

Acute COVID-19. Active illness can last one to two weeks if you have mild or moderate coronavirus disease, but severe cases can last months. Some people are asymptomatic, meaning they never have symptoms but do have COVID-19.

Can you get the COVID-19 from someone who has no symptoms?

Both flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to others by people before they begin showing symptoms; by people with very mild symptoms; and by people who never experience symptoms (asymptomatic people).

How long are you contagious after being sick with COVID-19?

Most people with COVID-19 are no longer contagious 5 days after they first have symptoms and have been fever-free for at least three days.

Can you get COVID-19 without getting symptoms?

Yes. Symptoms of COVID-19 usually show up from two to 14 days after exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, but some people who are infected do not develop symptoms or feel ill.

What is considered a high fever in adults for COVID-19?

A high-grade fever in adults is 103 degrees F or higher.

What can you take to lower fever when you are infected with COVID-19?

In terms of specifics: acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help lower your fever, assuming you don’t have a health history that should prevent you from using them. It’s usually not necessary to lower a fever – an elevated temperature is meant to help your body fight off the virus.

How can I disinfect my thermometer?

Clean the thermometer with an alcohol wipe (or isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab) between each client. You can reuse the same wipe as long as it remains wet.