Section 1. Definition
A pandemic is different from other seasonal illnesses in that it occurs over a wide geographic area and affects and exceptionally high proportion of the population. The fatality rate is often much higher than typical seasonal illnesses.
Section 2. When to Take Action
In the event that a pandemic occurs, the library will be guided in how to respond by the Kendall County Health Department, the Illinois Government, and the Federal Government. The Library Director and the Library Board President will make the decision as to when to take action and what to do.
Section 3. Closing the Buildings
The Library Director and Library Board will decide if it is most appropriate to keep the building open and have as many people as possible telecommute or if it is most appropriate to close the building until it is deemed safe to reopen. Should the buildings be closed, they will decide if some or all staff will be paid to work remotely, doing things such as ordering materials, planning programs, running social media, taking online trainings, etc. If some staff are not in positions where working remotely is an option, some employees could be furloughed. During a closure, book drops may need to be closed and due dates and return policies adjusted.
Section 4. Opening During a Pandemic
- If the decision is made to keep the buildings open or to reopen after a closure, the following measures should be taken to keep staff as safe as possible:
- Any staff who can telecommute should.
- Stay at home if anyone in your house is sick.
- Keep workspaces at least 6 feet apart
- Avoid contact with coworkers and others as much as possible
- Modify, postpone, or cancel large events
- Provide proper cleaners and set a schedule to sanitize surfaces in the building as much as possible.
- Encourage frequent hand washing and cleaning in the building.
Provide masks and gloves if needed. - Take measures to limit the number of people in the buildings and the number of areas open to the public.
Section 5. Sick Time During a Pandemic
In the event of a pandemic, an employee’s position is guaranteed to be held for them for 12 weeks by FMLA. This would be so that they could quarantine themselves if they believe they have been exposed to the virus, recover from the virus, or take care of family recovering from the virus. To be paid during this leave, the employee may use sick time or apply for the library’s Banked Sick Time. To apply for banked sick time, please speak to the Director, Assistant Director, or Business Manager.
Section 6. Vacation and Holiday Time During a Pandemic
All paid time off that expires must be used by the date it would normally expire. Staff who are working from home would not be doing any work on those days that they are using vacation or holiday time. Any time not used will expire on its usual date.
Section 7. High Risk Employees
Should an employee feel that they are at high risk during a pandemic and feel unsafe to return to work, they have the option of asking for a temporary, unpaid leave of absence and resuming their position when they feel it is safe for them to do so. The length of the leave of absence and the approval of the leave of absence are at the discretion of the Library Director.