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Nov. 18, 2020
Dear MDOS colleagues,
Based on new recommendations from the Office of the State Employer, we have updated the MDOS COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan and other materials.
Please review the plan, which can be found on the COVID-19 Information page on the MDOS intranet and in the About section of the MDOS website.
Among the updates:
- More information is available as to what is and is not acceptable to meet the face covering requirement. Neck gaiter or tube-style face scarves and open-chin triangle bandanas are not allowed. (section f, page 4)
- In-person gatherings, including meetings, shared meals or social gatherings are prohibited. This includes lunches and breaks. Holiday potlucks or gatherings are unfortunately not possible. (section c, bottom of page 2)
- If an in-person meeting is necessary, whether hosted internally or externally (e.g. conferences, meetings, trainings, testing, audits, inspections, etc.), the department must submit a written request to the Office of the State Employer director for approval. (section i, bottom of page 8)
- A new health screening form is available on the MDOS intranet and the MDOS website to be completed and submitted each day by employees before entering the workplace. This form will be updated as needed and the latest version of the form will be available at these links. Additionally, the department continues working toward offering an electronic version in the future.
- A new training module, “COVID-19: Keeping You Safe at Work,” is available in the State of Michigan Learning Center via the department’s COVID-19 Information page. This training is highly recommended for all staff. After Nov. 17, if you transition from remote work to in-person work, you will be required to take this training. The training can be completed when you return to work.
With the surge in cases of COVID-19, we need to take additional precautions to keep ourselves and those around us well. There are hopeful signs, such as the advancement of vaccines, that we may be moving toward better chapters in the fight against the coronavirus. But for now, I appreciate your willingness to work as a team to keep our department safe for everyone. Thank you for the good work you do every day.
Melissa J. Smiley
Chief of Staff
Michigan Department of State
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