COVID-19 Procedures

COVID-19 Requirements

• The COVID-19 quarantine leave law expired and was deemed repealed as of July 31, 2025. This means it is no longer in effect and there are no benefits available. However, employees are entitled to use their sick time (PTO) balance for reasons related to COVID-19, including for their own diagnosis, care, or treatment or to care for a qualified family member requiring diagnosis, care, or treatment.
  
• 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 for added immunity/protection.
• Testing. Employees may need to test if they believe they have COVID-19; however, employees are no longer required to test weekly if they are unvaccinated.
• Medical Removal from the Workplace & Return to Work Criteria. Employees are no longer required to report if they believe they have COVID-19. Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for the most recent requirements related to COVID-19.

Protocols When Entering the Worksite

• PLEASE be mindful of entering the worksite if you have tested positive for COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19, or have any other contagious ailment.
  
• Masks/Face Coverings. It is optional for staff, volunteers, program participants, or visitors to wear a mask/face covering. However, we appreciate your wearing a mask if you are positive for COVID-19 OR ANY OTHER CONTAGIOUS AILMENT.
  
• Employees are required to adhere to Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) and NYS guidelines, policies, and procedures at all times.

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?

• NOTIFICATION IS NOT LONGER NECESSARY:
  • 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, PLEASE NOTIFY YOUR SUPERVISOR and utilize your sick time.
  • 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 feel well enough to return. 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? NO.

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.

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 February 9, 2026