COVID-19 Procedures

Protocols When Entering the Worksite

• Do not enter the worksite if you have tested positive for COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19, or have any other contagious ailment.
• New Program Participants and Volunteers, the Assumption of Risk/Waiver Form is NO LONGER REQUIRED.
• Masks/Face Coverings. It is optional for staff, volunteers, program participants, or visitors to wear a mask/face covering.
• Employees are required to adhere to Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) and NYS guidelines, policies and procedures at all times.

COVID-19 Requirements

• Vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a requirement for in-office work at CCE Tompkins. We encourage employees to get their COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots. In accordance with NYS Law, employees are still entitled to paid leave for COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster shots. You may take up to 4 hours per vaccine injection as paid time. Please enter this time off as "COVID-19 Time Not Worked." 
• Testing. Employees are no longer required to test weekly if they are unvaccinated. Employees may need to test if they believe they have COVID-19.
• Medical Removal from the Workplace & Return to Work Criteria. Employees must promptly notify their supervisor and HR if they are COVID-19 positive. EVIDENCE OF A POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST MUST BE SENT TO HUMAN RESOURCES in order to be eligible for Covid-19 paid sick leave. Employees who can work from home can do so during their quarantine. Employees unable to work from home will be provided with up to 14 days COVID-19 paid sick leave in accordance with NYS Law (with evidence of a positive test). 
• Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for the most recent requirements related to COVID-19.

Indoor Programming

• Mask/Face Covering is optional.
• Rooms must be reserved through the Room Reservation System. Room capacity is listed on the Reservation System.
• After school youth programs may have specific guidelines. Contact your supervisor for questions, or check with your child's School District officials.

Outdoor Programming

• Garden Area. There are four (4) picnic tables in the Garden Area under the Kiwi Arbor. Feel free to move them around when needed, but return them under the Kiwi Arbor once you’re done. If you’re having a meeting with 8 or more people in the Garden Area, do reserve that space in the Room Reservation System. Garden Area is in Rooms section of the Room Reservation System along with conference rooms (room A, C) and the kitchen (room B).
• Outdoor Programming at 4-H Acres and after-school youth programs may have specific guidelines. Contact your supervisor for questions.

Off-Site Programming

• Contact your off-site partner about their safety protocols. When at their location, follow their protocols. Discuss any concerns with your supervisor.

What if I test positive, have symptoms, or have been exposed to COVID-19?

• Notify promptly:
  • As promptly as possible, notify your supervisor and HR Team (Tompkins-HR@cornell.edu). Do not enter the workplace if you have tested positive.
  • SEND EVIDENCE OF YOUR POSITIVE STATUS TO HUMAN RESOURCES (Tompkins-HR@cornell.edu).
  • Be sure to report all prior points of contact to your supervisor and HR Team so the appropriate individuals can be notified. 
  • We ask all exposed persons to monitor their health. Individuals who have been exposed but have no symptoms can be present in the workplace while wearing a mask.
• Once you have tested positive:
  • If you are able to work remotely, continue to work remotely.
  • If you are unable to work remotely, you will be placed on up to 14 days paid COVID-19 sick leave. Non-exempt hourly staff should enter their time in Workday as "CCE Hours Not Worked - COVID-19" and note "COVID-19 paid sick leave."
  • Please remain in contact with your supervisor and a member of the HR Team to ensure accurate time reporting.
  • Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for the most recent requirements related to COVID-19.
• Return-to-work criteria:
  • You may return to work once any fever has broken and you have tested negative for COVID-19. Please consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for direction on how to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses when you are sick.
  • If an employee has severe COVID-19 or an immune disease, CCE Tompkins will follow the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider regarding return to work.

FAQ

Is CCE Tompkins Willow Ave location open to the public?

CCE Tompkins' main education center at Willow Ave is open to the public. Outside groups will have to complete a Public Room Rental Form located at ccetompkins.org/about-us/facility-rentals/public-meeting-rooms.

How do I test for COVID-19?

Contact your healthcare provider for guidance or go to Tompkins County Health Department’s website at https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health

Do I need to show a negative COVID-19 test result to enter the office?

See Return-to-Work Criteria above.

How do I know the maximum capacity of each area?

The Room Reservation System has the maximum number of people in parentheses next to the name of the room. This system is to be used to schedule the time you plan to occupy a room.

How do these protocols apply if I am volunteering with CCE Tompkins?

All Volunteers are to complete the application form and return to the supervisor they are working with or to the HR Department. 

Additional COVID-19 Resources

Businesses & Workplaces https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/covid19workplaces#workplaces

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Contact by phone: 1-800-252-4555
• Access online at www.theeap.com. Note that you will need to register to create a profile. Use "Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County" as the organization name. 

Last updated September 4, 2024