COVID-19 Return to Work Guidelines

General Return to Work Criteria

Workers should not return to work until they have completed at least 10 days of isolation after symptom onset, have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without antipyretics, and have experienced improvement in other symptoms, as recommended by the American College of Cardiology 1
The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine suggests that workers can return to work after meeting the 10-day isolation criterion plus symptom improvement and 24-hour fever resolution 1
Asymptomatic individuals should abstain from exercise/activity for a minimum of 3 days to ensure symptoms do not develop, according to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology 5
Verbal screening and temperature checks should be conducted at the start of each shift to identify potential COVID-19 carriers, as recommended by the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2, 3, 4

The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine recommends wearing a face mask to protect others, especially in public settings 2, 6
Maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) from others in workplaces is suggested by the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2, 6
Avoiding large gatherings or meetings of 10 people or more is recommended by the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2, 6
Cleaning hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer with >60% ethanol when handwashing isn't available is suggested by the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2, 6
Avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands is recommended by the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2, 6
Wiping down interiors and door handles of machines, vehicles, and shared equipment with disinfectant is suggested by the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2, 6
Driving to worksites alone when possible, avoiding carpooling, is recommended by the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2, 6

The Journal of the American College of Cardiology recommends that athletes with mild or moderate non-cardiopulmonary symptoms may resume training after symptom resolution 5
For athletes with cardiopulmonary symptoms, further cardiac testing should be obtained before resuming intense exercise, as suggested by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology 5
A graded return-to-exercise program should be implemented for all individuals recovering from COVID-19, according to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology 5

Healthcare workers should follow the same general criteria for return to work, with additional precautions regarding PPE, as recommended by Praxis Medical Insights 6
Healthcare workers should change out of work clothing, scrubs, or uniforms at the worksite to prevent family exposure, as suggested by the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2
Healthcare facilities should implement screening protocols for all returning workers, according to the Journal of the American College of Radiology 7

Relying solely on temperature checks is insufficient; verbal screening for symptoms and exposure history is also necessary, as recommended by the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2, 4
Returning to work too soon can lead to workplace outbreaks; adherence to isolation guidelines is critical, according to Praxis Medical Insights 1
For athletes, returning to intense exercise too quickly after COVID-19 infection can lead to complications; a gradual return is recommended by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology 5