The Linn County Board of Supervisors has adopted a temporary employment policy for Linn County employees in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The policy will help ensure the health and safety of Linn County employees while providing for continuity of essential Linn County government services for residents. The temporary measures identified in the policy are consistent with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for employers.
The policy includes provisions for infection control practices, remote work (telework) for designated Linn County staff, and guidelines for employee leave related to COVID-19. Due to the rapidly changing COVID-19 response, Linn County will officially update this new policy on March 25 to align with a new federal leave policy set to take effect April 2, 2020. Under Linn County’s updated policy, employee leave that falls under section VII will be considered paid leave and will be paid according to section VI of Linn County’s policy.
Telework is voluntary at this time and is allowed for eligible employees at the discretion of the department head or elected official for the period of the pandemic.
“The voluntary remote work allowance is to help follow the social distancing guidance by isolating our workforce and not requiring those who can perform their job duties remotely to come to work,” Human Resources Director Lisa Powell said. “However, due to the public-facing nature of county government services, only about 25 percent of Linn County employees can work remotely.”
“Our goal of allowing a temporary work-from-home option for eligible County staff is to keep our employees safe and protect our community while ensuring continuity of essential County functions during this time,” Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker said.
Most Linn County offices are already closed to the public to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health of the public and County staff. County services remain operational and available to the public either online or via phone or email. Contact information for all Linn County departments is available at LinnCounty,org.