January 19, 2021
Good afternoon,
Please take a few minutes to learn more about recent changes to the state’s vaccination plan and UNC COVID-related leave options.
NC Updated Vaccination Plan
Last week, the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced an updated vaccination plan, based on groups instead of phases. Currently, those in Group 1 (health care workers and long-term care staff and residents) and Group 2 (anyone age 65 or older) are eligible for vaccinations. We are seeking clarification of the definition of essential workers included in Group 3.
If you or a family member is age 65 or older, click here to find vaccination sites by county. Most vaccination sites are requiring those eligible to make an appointment to receive a vaccination.
COVID-Related Leave Programs
The UNC System recently extended several COVID-19 leave programs. Although the federal FFCRA (Families First Coronavirus Relief Act) leave provisions ended on December 31, 2020, the following UNC leave provisions are available through March 31, 2021:
- Interchangeable Leave – accrued sick leave, vacation leave and bonus leave may be used interchangeably for absences related to COVID-19.
- COVID-19 Paid Administrative Leave (NC COVID Admin Leave) – Up to four weeks (160 hours)* of NC COVID Admin Leave may be used for certain COVID-19-related absences. Staff should complete an application to use the leave under the following conditions:
- The employee is subject to quarantine or an isolation order, or has been advised to self-quarantine by a health care provider or public health official; or
- The employee has had exposure with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is awaiting a diagnosis (the employee may or may not be demonstrating symptoms)
Staff can use up to two weeks of the leave before using their own accrued leave if they did not previously exhaust the two weeks of FFCRA Emergency Paid Sick Leave. The remaining two weeks would be available after the employee exhausts their accrued leave balances.
- Advanced/Make-Up Leave for Child/Elder Care – Staff can apply to use 80 hours* of “Make-Up” Leave for child or elder care due to facility closure. Page 3 of the application form is for make-up leave, mark Not Applicable for the options on page 2. The FFCRA provisions for child/elder care expired on December 31, 2020.
- Extended Community Service Leave (CSL) – Staff can use 80 hours* for service with non-profit organizations on COVID-19-related volunteer activities. Tutoring and mentoring options under CSL may occur in a formal standardized program or may include non-conventional tutoring/mentoring arrangements. For example, tutoring sessions may be carried out in a virtual and/or in-person environment, performed as part of a remote student cohort, or could include activities with an employee’s own child(ren).
More details on these leave options are available on the Human Resources website. Please follow your department’s normal procedures for requesting time off as much in advance as possible.
*The available hours are pro-rated for part-time employees.
Important Reminder
Don’t let your guard down! Keep practicing the 3 Ws – wear a mask, wait six feet apart, and wash your hands!