The Met Council has established a new COVID-19 Paid Administrative Leave Procedure to assist vaccinated employees if they cannot work for COVID-19-related reasons. The procedure is effective as of Nov. 13.
This paid administrative leave can be used by employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined by the Met Council's Vaccine and Testing Requirement Procedure) and who either a) test positive for COVID-19 and cannot telework during their required isolation period or b) cannot telework and need to care for a child who must isolate due to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, exposure per local public health guidelines, or school closure.
Eligible employees are entitled to a maximum of 56 hours (pro-rated for part-time).
Eligible employees who are requesting this leave should complete the COVID-19 Paid Administrative Leave Request form (PDF) and submit a copy of the requested documentation (proof of diagnosis, etc.).
Review the procedure in Policy Central for full details on eligibility and using the leave.
Why the new leave procedure?
COVID-19 cases are rising in Minnesota, and we know staff may need to take time because they get sick or they need to care for someone impacted by COVID-19, and we want to provide a safety net.
Why is it only for vaccinated staff?
We also want to encourage staff to do all they can to stop the spread, and the best thing each of us can do is get vaccinated – in addition to wearing a mask, physical distancing, practicing good hygiene, and more. In that spirit, this leave procedure is only available to employees who are fully vaccinated.
But those who are vaccinated can still get COVID-19. Why are unvaccinated employees not eligible for this leave and the only ones being tested?
We know the vaccine is not 100% effective – nothing is – and you can still get COVID-19 if you are fully vaccinated. However, being fully vaccinated drastically reduces transmission and your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death. It is the best tool we have to slowing the spread of the virus. Unvaccinated people make up the majority of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. And given the cost, time, and resources required to conduct the weekly testing requirement, we must prioritize testing those who are unvaccinated.
We are encouraging our employees to get vaccinated by offering this safety net of paid administrative leave, providing the $150 incentive when you submit proof of vaccination (and have it verified by Nov. 26), and exempting fully vaccinated staff from the weekly testing requirement.
If you are not yet fully vaccinated, we encourage you to review the resources below to learn more and schedule your vaccination appointment today.
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Read on for reminders and clarification of COVID-19-related announcements.
Nov. 26 deadline: Provide proof of vaccination for $150
Each employee who has been fully vaccinated and submits their proof of vaccination through Employee Self Service (ESS) will receive $150. Proof of vaccination must be submitted and verified by Nov. 26, and the one-time, taxable payment will be included on the Dec. 10 paycheck.
For assistance submitting your proof of vaccination:
Help accessing ESS
Information about logging into ESS is available in the Quick Start Guide (PDF) and on the ESS login page under Helpful Links. For questions about ESS, email ESS.HRIS@metc.state.mn.us.
Do not submit booster information
The Met Council is not currently collecting COVID-19 vaccine booster information. Please do not attempt to upload booster information into ESS until further notice.
 Proof of vaccination form in Employee Self Service.
COVID-19 vaccine available for children age 5 and older
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved the Pfizer vaccine for use in children and teens age 5 to 17. Learn more about the CDC's guidance. In addition, the State of Minnesota has launched a webpage as a resource (mn.gov/vaxforkids) for families to learn about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine for children and teens, understand what to expect when their child gets vaccinated, and why it is important to do so.
Read last week's COVID-19 update for resources to find a vaccine for children age 5 and older.
The Pfizer vaccine for 5-11 year olds is a smaller dose than the one given to people 12 and older, and is packaged differently. Pfizer vaccines for people 12 and up cannot be used on younger children. Before your child’s appointment, confirm that your provider has the Pfizer vaccine for 5-11 year old children. Not all providers have this in their supply.
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Clarification of Well@Work services
Here are some reminders to help clear up any confusion about what testing or vaccination services are available at the Well@Work clinics.
COVID-19 vaccine available twice a week
Schedule an appointment at either of the Met Council's Well@Work clinics. COVID-19 vaccines are available on Mondays and Thursdays, appointments are required, and masks are required at all times in the Well@Work clinics.
Vaccine for ages 5+
You can now schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments at the Well@Work clinics for anyone age 5 or older.
Boosters available for those eligible
Booster appointments can be scheduled for anyone eligible according to the state of Minnesota's criteria. Check the state's COVID-19 booster webpage for details on eligibility and any updates. Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm announced earlier this week the state's intention to open up booster eligibility to all adults in the state by the end of this week.
Important notes on boosters:
- The Met Council is not currently collecting COVID-19 vaccine booster information. Please do not attempt to upload booster information into ESS until further notice.
- Per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you do not need a booster to be considered fully vaccinated. You are still considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second dose in a two-shot series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine.
Read the article in today's HR Connect for details on scheduling an appointment at the Well@Work clinic.
Well@Work not available for weekly testing
Employees who are seeking COVID-19 tests to meet the weekly testing requirement should not attempt to schedule appointments at the Met Council's Well@Work clinics. These clinics are not supporting weekly testing.
Asymptomatic ad hoc testing available for staff
Employees who are asymptomatic and are not testing to meet the new testing requirement may access tests through the clinics. COVID-19 tests available through the Well@Work clinics are reserved for employees only; dependents should visit other HealthPartners locations or community testing sites.
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Follow vaccine and testing requirement if onsite more than 10 minutes
In order to report to work onsite, Met Council employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or get weekly COVID-19 tests and test negative. This applies to anyone who will be onsite for any reason for more than 10 minutes.
A list is sent to every manager by 8 a.m. each Friday letting them know if their employees are approved to go onsite – based on vaccination status or testing status. Make sure you are on the approved ("Go") list if you are planning to stop by a Met Council facility for more than 10 minutes. This reminder is especially important for any teleworkers who are making arrangements to return to the office or stop by the office to return equipment, clean out cubes, etc.
Weekly testing methods and process
Employees who need to test each week must complete their test by 11:59 p.m. each Thursday. You have the following Council-facilitated options for testing that will automatically update your employee record:
- Onsite and take-home saliva tests are available at most work sites. Specific processes for accessing a test will be communicated through your division incident command.
- You may choose to schedule a test through HealthPartners and use the code 10397. Refer to this resource for step-by-step instructions (PDF) (updated 10-13-21).
- Some parts of the Met Council (including the Metro Transit Police Department) also have access to onsite, rapid tests.
Read last week's COVID-19 update for full details on the testing methods and process.
Weekly testing exemption after testing positive
Employees who recover from COVID-19 may continue to test positive after serving their required quarantine period and after their symptoms have ended, so they may be wondering if they need to complete the weekly testing before returning to work. Per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, employees who are testing weekly will not need to complete a weekly test for a period of 90 days following the initial positive test date.
Time code for onsite saliva tests
Employees should use the code 51001 on their time card to track when they are completing their weekly COVID-19 test onsite with the Council-issued saliva tests. Employees are allowed up to 30 minutes each week to complete their test. Using the code will help Payroll better track this time so we can accurately get reimbursed for testing costs.
Make your appointment to get vaccinated
Check out these tools to find vaccine appointments:
Important reminders related to the vaccine:
- To be fully vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, two shots are required. If you’ve missed your second dose for any reason, get it as soon as possible.
- You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks from the final vaccine dose.
- Even after you are fully vaccinated, you should continue to follow safety recommendations by public health officials and get tested if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19.
Continue testing to stop the spread of COVID-19
Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should immediately contact their health care provider and seek testing, regardless of their vaccination status. How to get a COVID-19 test:
Announcements for teleworking staff
Optional training: Staying connected working with others virtually
Since many employees will continue to work remotely at least occasionally, LOD is hosting a course to enhance remote employees’ skills and confidence in getting and staying organized, productive, and connected. Employees can register for the virtual, instructor-led course in Learn by browsing the “LOD Classes Open for Registration” section or searching for the course by name in the search bar. A similar training was held for managers and supervisors on Nov. 12.
Still Remote: Staying Successful in a Remote Work Environment
Thursday, Dec. 2
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Webex
Required trainings for all teleworking staff
All teleworking staff are required to complete two trainings in Learn before their teams implement their new schedules: one on the updated Telework Procedure and one on working in the new hybrid workplace, where some staff will be onsite and some will be remote.
The trainings are not assigned in Learn, so staff must use the direct links provided here or locate the trainings in Learn by using the search bar (click the magnifying glass icon in the menu bar).
Technology purchases: P-Card or ITR?
Computer equipment is top of mind for many employees who are arranging their longer-term work setups, whether it is onsite, hybrid, or remote. To make things a little easier, check out the MetNet announcement for some important reminders, including: purchasing technology items with a P-Card vs. ITR, returning surplus equipment, how to get tech support, and equipment recommendations from Information Services.
Telework Agreement Form on MetNet
The Telework Agreement Form is required for all staff who are teleworking as part of the new hybrid work schedules. The form is now online and routed automatically through the approval process.
Telework Transition FAQs
Teleworkers can review the Telework Transition FAQ page on MetNet for details and tools to help in planning for and implementing their new schedules.
Telework transition process and timeline
Follow this Councilwide guidance and any division- or department-specific details for your return-to-office timeline:
- Department sets and communicates general direction to their staff for when employees should return.
- Teleworking employee determines with their manager their new schedule and effective date.
- Employee completes the Telework Agreement Form and submits it for approval by manager.
- Staff implement their new schedules at the appropriate time.
- Staff were encouraged to continue teleworking, if possible, through at least Oct. 31.
- Staff return to the office between Nov. 1 and Jan. 3 for critical business needs.
- Work groups may implement the timeline for returning to the office at any time in this window to respond to critical business needs. Exact time determined by work group or individually with manager.
- Departments must notify teleworking employees 30 days in advance of requiring them to return formally to onsite work. If those employees will be teleworking into the future, their telework agreements must be completed 30 days ahead of the required return to the office.
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