What are the guidelines for returning to work after Covid-19 recovery?

COVID-19 Return to Work Guidelines

Workers should not return to work until they have completed at least 10 days of isolation after symptom onset, have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without antipyretics, and have experienced improvement in other symptoms. 1

General Return to Work Criteria

• Don't go to work if you are feeling sick, have a fever, or have a cough or shortness of breath 2
• Workers can return to work after meeting the 10-day isolation criterion plus symptom improvement and 24-hour fever resolution 1
• For asymptomatic individuals, a minimum of 3 days of exercise/activity abstinence is recommended to ensure symptoms do not develop 2
• Verbal screening and temperature checks should be conducted at the start of each shift to identify potential COVID-19 carriers 2

Workplace Safety Measures Upon Return

• Wear a face mask to protect others, especially in public settings 2, 3
• Maintain physical distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) from others in workplaces 2, 3
• Avoid large gatherings or meetings of 10 people or more 2, 3
• Clean hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with >60% ethanol when handwashing isn't available 2, 3
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands 2, 3
• Wipe down interiors and door handles of machines, vehicles, and shared equipment with disinfectant 2, 3
• Drive to worksites alone when possible, avoiding carpooling 2, 3

Special Considerations for Different Populations

Athletes and Physically Active Individuals

• For those with mild or moderate non-cardiopulmonary symptoms, training may resume after symptom resolution 2
• For those with cardiopulmonary symptoms, further cardiac testing should be obtained before resuming intense exercise 2
• A graded return-to-exercise program should be implemented for all individuals recovering from COVID-19 2

Healthcare Workers

• Healthcare workers should follow the same general criteria for return to work, with additional precautions regarding PPE 3
• Healthcare workers should change out of work clothing, scrubs, or uniforms at the worksite to prevent family exposure 2
• Healthcare facilities should implement screening protocols for all returning workers 2, 4

Individuals with Long COVID

• Workers experiencing persistent symptoms (long COVID) may require workplace adjustments and individualized return-to-work plans 5
• Progressive efforts to build physical fitness complemented with workplace adjustments can help overcome functional limitations 5

Risk Assessment for Return to Work

• The relative risk of COVID-19 severity for workers is associated with three key factors: individual risk factors, workplace risk, and community transmission levels 6
• Workers with high-risk medical conditions may require additional protective policies and procedures 6
• Employers should implement safe return-to-work strategies through evaluation, testing, work modifications, and appropriate workplace policies 7

Common Pitfalls and Caveats

• Asymptomatic infections remain a major risk factor for workplace transmission; extensive health screening helps identify these cases early 4
• Relying solely on temperature checks is insufficient; verbal screening for symptoms and exposure history is also necessary 2
• Returning to work too soon can lead to workplace outbreaks; adherence to isolation guidelines is critical 1
• For athletes, returning to intense exercise too quickly after COVID-19 infection can lead to complications; a gradual return is recommended 2

By following these guidelines, employers and employees can work together to ensure a safe return to work while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace.