As the university continues its efforts to fully reopen the campus on July 1, 2021, we want to provide clarification about what this means for our high-risk employees. Employees who fall within the high-risk category per the Centers for Disease Control* will be expected to return by July 1, unless they submit a new request for an EWU COVID Alternate Work Arrangement Plan for High-Risk Employees.
The request must be accompanied by a written certification from a health care provider regarding health status and whether the employee may return to the workplace with additional accommodations in place considering the person’s medical condition, vaccination status, and the particular circumstances of their job. Access this form online
The new plan with accompanying medical certification must be submitted to Human Resources (Showalter Hall, Room 314; Mail Code SHW 314; or clincoln@ewu.edu).
Human Resources will coordinate the processing of the request for a COVID Alternate Work Arrangement Plan. Once the paperwork is submitted, under a new directive from the Governor, EWU will be engaging in an interactive discussion with the high-risk employee and their supervisor regarding the creation of an approved plan for alternate work arrangements such as plexiglass barriers, alternate office spaces on campus, etc.
If you are high-risk and have previously received COVID-19 related accommodations you must submit a request for a new plan to be effective beginning July 1 to ensure a new COVID-19 alternate work arrangement plan is in place before that date. We encourage you to initiate this process as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, contact Human Resources at 509.359.2381.
*The high-risk categories currently identified by the Centers for Disease Control include: cancer; cerebrovascular disease; chronic kidney disease; COPD; diabetes mellitus, type 1 or type 2; heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies); smoking; obesity, down syndrome, HIV, neurologic conditions; overweight; other lung diseases (including interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension); sickle cell disease; (including interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension); substance use disorder; use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications; cystic fibrosis; thalassemia; asthma; hypertension; liver disease; and/or immune deficiencies.
