Screening for COVID-19 as you reopen under New York Forward

Under the New York Forward (NYF) reopening plan, employers are required to screen for COVID-19. While NYF’s guidance on reopening is largely based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), there are some key differences. Read on to understand how to screen and test employees consistent with this federal and state guidance.

Background

Throughout the pandemic, the CDC has put out general and industry-specific guidance on social distancing, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, cleaning and hygiene, screening and monitoring, and contact tracing. The EEOC has clarified its guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during a pandemic. It has also permitted employers to ask employees COVID-19 medical-related questions; to conduct COVID-19 screening, monitoring, and testing; to send employees home if they are symptomatic for COVID-19; and to require a medical provider’s note to return to work. The NYF guidance was established in large part in reliance on the CDC and EEOC guidance.

Screening and testing