Call the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services 24-hour hotline at 877-435-8411, if you are need of immediate help.
If you have specific COVID-19 questions for Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services email [email protected].
New Quaratine Guidance
Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) has added new options to its quarantine protocol based on CDC guidance published December 2.
The full 14 day quarantine is the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and is still the safest option. There are now additional options to reduce the length of quarantine, IF you have NO symptoms. Quarantine may end after 10 days, or after 7 days with a negative PCR test.
What you need to know:
- Ending quarantine early is only an option if you have NO symptoms of COVID-19.
- In order to end quarantine early, you must continue monitoring your symptoms and wearing a mask at all times around others for the full 14 days after exposure. Additionally, please avoid contact with individuals who are at high risk for Covid-19 for the full 14 days.
- Wearing a mask applies in all settings.
- If you cannot wear a mask in any setting, including at home, you will need to separate yourself from others or not participate in activities where a mask cannot be worn for the full 14 day quarantine.
- If choosing the option to test and end quarantine in 7 days, you will need to get tested on or after Day 5 of your quarantine. Getting tested before Day 5 could result in a false negative. Talk to your doctor or testing site to make sure you’re getting a PCR test because a PCR test is more reliable for people without symptoms.
- If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 at any time during your 14 day quarantine period, please isolate immediately and get tested.
- All other quarantine protocols, including what defines a close contact and guidelines for continued exposure, remain in place.
- Please continue to wear your mask after your quarantine period has ended. Our best researchers and medical experts have found that always wearing a mask around those outside our household is imperative to slowing the spread even when the 14 day quarantine is complete.
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U.S. Chamber Summary of IRS Payroll Tax Deferral Guidance
Earlier this month, President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) authorizing a temporary payroll tax deferral for American workers which—under current law—would create a substantial tax liability for employees at the end of the deferral period.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released its official guidance on the implementation of the EO, of which a U.S. Chamber summary for you and your members can be found here.
Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services hosted three town halls this week to address employer concerns connected to COVID-19. If you were unable to any of these sessions, the PHHS team has provided the slide set used during the presentations, which include F.A.Qs from all three sessions.
Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services has provided the below F.A.Q flyer to answer questions about what to do if a positive COVID-19 case arises at your business and how to implement the mask guidelines for businesses.
Show Me Strong State Recovery Plan
The button below links to general guidelines put in place by Governor Parson’s office for Missouri’s recovery process. As explained on the webpage, the plans to reopen the economy and get Missourians back to work is based on ensuring a healthy workforce by: Flattening the curve and expanding healthcare capacity, while utilizing federal programs and deploying state resources; making decisions based on Missouri-specific data and medical expertise; protecting healthcare workers, first responders, and other direct care workers so that our citizens have access to the care they need; looking after our most vulnerable and at-risk populations; partnering with community leaders and incorporating flexibility based on each community’s circumstances; slowing and containing the spread of COVID-19, and implementing a measured approach to mitigate risk of a resurgence.
Missouri Chamber Return to Work Guide
Missouri businesses have played a critical role in the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. As local and statewide restrictions were put into place, many employers drastically altered their operations, with some closing their doors completely. As the response continues, many employers across the state are working to develop strategies to enable them to reopen when the threat subsides. Based on the best practices, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is providing guidelines and suggestions, linked below, to assist businesses in their efforts
to create safe workplaces for their employees and customers.
U.S. Chamber Return to work guides
The U.S. Chamber will launch a new digital resources center with tools and guidance to help employers reopen their businesses safely and sustainably, while keeping their employees and customers healthy and informed amid the coronavirus pandemic. Be sure to cross-reference our City and County’s orders and Business Guideline when implementing change.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created content to help you through this challenging time. It is organized here by category to help you easily navigate through it all. Or navigate their pages through the links below.
Strategies for Restaurant Recovery
One of our Chamber members,Aperio Consulting Group has shared Strategies for Restaurant Recovery to help restaurants and other businesses work together to pivot during our current circumstances.
Columbia Chamber of COMMERCE Webinars
The Chamber has hosted over ten webinars and events focused on prevalent topics and information to keep your business strong during this time. Webinars include business liability post-COVID-19, remote workplace management, and mental health.
Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Guidelines for Businesses and Organizations.
Updates from the Missouri DEpartment of Labor:
The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ (DOLIR) Division of Employment Security (DES) received its first operational guidance related to the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. The FPUC program is just one of the new programs provided under the CARES Act.
Visit labor.mo.gov/coronavirus to see the latest updates and news. The Mo. Dept. of Labor has updated their FAQ page
Since Missouri signed an agreement with the US Department of Labor on Saturday, March 28, 2020, the $600 federal supplement for those that are unemployed due to COVID-19 will be effective the week starting March 29, 2020, for those filing their unemployment payment requests this week (both new initial claims and weekly certifications for existing COVID-19 claims). These monies will get paid retroactively for claims filed on or after March 29, 2020, after the federal government issues guidance and releases those funds. Read their full press release here.
The Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program is an alternative to layoffs for employers faced with a reduction in available work. It allows an employer to divide the available work among a specified group of affected employees instead of a layoff. These employees receive a portion of their unemployment benefits while working reduced hours. To participate, an employer must complete an application for the affected unit within the company, and submit it to the Division of Employment Security (DES) for approval. See how to file a Shared Work certification here.
Empoyee Eligibility:
- An individual must accept all normal work hours offered by the participating employer for the claim period filed.
- An individual must be able to work and be available for normal work hours with the participating employer.
- An individual must be eligible for regular unemployment benefits in the State of Missouri.
Shared Work Program
Human Resources Information
The below videos provided by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce are practical guidelines for Missouri employers regarding COVID-19’s impact on employment law issues and more. If you need additional advice, please contact one of our attorneys on how best to proceed to See a complete list of attorneys here or legal services here.
In this video, legal expert with McMahon Berger law firm discusses recommended procedures and policies to have in place in the event of a potential coronavirus case coming to your workplace.
In this video, legal experts in employment law walk employers through practical advice and policies to consider regarding coronavirus concerns.