COVID -19 and Prevention & GENERAL Information FAQs

Q1: What is COVID-19?

A1: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified in Wuhan, China.

Q2: What are the symptoms?

A2: The virus symptoms are mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, a cough, and shortness of breath. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes that symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

Q3: How is COVID-19 transmitted?

A3: People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets can also land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people can then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, or by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Q4: What obligations does ATS have regarding this situation?

A4: The company is obligated to provide a safe working environment for all team members. This may require us, among other things, to instruct team members who are ill or who visibly appear ill to go home or not come into work. The company is also obligated to abide by applicable laws and public health orders, as well as by our company policies and values.

Q5: I’ve heard that multiple states, cities, and counties, have declared a state of emergency related to COVID-19. What does that mean for us?

A5: These governments declared states of emergency in order to further mobilize state or local resources in response to this public health threat, and to receive emergency federal funding to address related issues. While these proclamations do not currently include directives that we must follow, they do heighten our awareness and direct us to pay close attention to public health authorities, which we continue to do.

Q6: What steps can we take now to prevent or minimize risk of transmission?

A6: All team members should follow these everyday preventative actions:

Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue away.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Stay home when sick.

Supporting team members: illness and absences

Q7: What do I if another team member appears sick?

A7: If a team member comes to work with a fever or shortness of breath, make store leadership aware of your concern.

Q8: Can I stay home if I am exhibiting symptoms of the virus?

A8: Yes.

Q9: Can I be sent home if I am exhibiting symptoms of the virus?

A9: Yes.

Q10: What if I test positive for COVID-19?

A10: If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you should stay home. Please apply for a leave of absence and contact Human Resources to discuss next steps. If you have knowledge that another team member may be sick, do not mention them by name to anyone other than Human Resources.

Q11: What do I do if I worked in close proximity to a team member who tested positive for COVID-19 and had to be sent home?

A11: You will need to stay home as well and must remain home for 14 days unless otherwise directed by a medical provider or government agency, to help ensure infection does not spread.

Q12: Will the store close if a team member who worked in the store tested positive for COVID-19?

A12: No, the store will not be closed. In addition, the company will follow all health department guidance.

Q13: What if I need to stay home because of a quarantine related to travel to a CDC heightened risk area or because of a government health agency related request?

A13: In accordance with applicable health department guidelines, you must remain home for a period of 14 days, unless otherwise directed, to help ensure the infection does not spread.

Q14: What if I am required to be quarantined unrelated to travel?

A14: In accordance with applicable health department guidelines, the you must remain home for a period of 14 days, unless otherwise directed, to help ensure the infection does not spread.

Q15: Are there individuals that are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19?

A15: While public health agencies are still learning about COVID-19, based on current information the CDC and local health agencies advised that the following are at higher risk:

People 60 years of age and older
People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes
People who have weakened immune systems
People who are pregnant

Q16: What do I need to do if I am at a higher risk?

A16: If you are in a high-risk group and uncomfortable coming into work, you may use PTO, if available. If you do not have PTO, contact Human Resources about taking a personal leave of absence.

Q17: What if I can’t come to work because my child’s school or daycare has closed?

A17: If you have available PTO, you may use your PTO. If you do not have PTO, contact Human Resources about taking a personal leave of absence. Points will not be calculated during this time.

Q18: What do I do if am not comfortable coming to work?

A18: If you have available PTO, you may use your PTO. If you do not have PTO, contact Human Resources about taking a personal leave of absence. Points will not be calculated during this time.

Q19: What if a team member must care for a family member that has contracted COVID-19?

A19: If you have available PTO, you may use your PTO. If you do not have PTO, contact Human Resources about taking a personal leave of absence. Points will not be calculated during this time.

Q20: What do I am diagnosed with COVID-19 is ready to return to work?

A20: You will need to provide certification from your health care provider stating you are able to come back to work, consistent with our leave of absence policy.

Q21: What if I am caring for a family member that has contracted COVID-19 I am ready to return to work?

A21: You will need to provide certification from their health care provider stating you are able to come back to work, consistent with our leave of absence policy.

Q22: What happens if I am sick but do not have enough PTO time to cover my entire absence?

A22: The time away from work not otherwise covered by PTO will be unpaid. However, the you may be eligible for paid leave under other regulations. Please contact hrnotify@americasthrift.com with questions.

Monitoring, resources and contact information

Q23: What is the company doing to monitor the situation?

A23: The company Leadership Team is closely monitoring the situation in the community as well as in in our stores. The Leadership Team meets daily to address business concerns and will communicate additional information and guidance as necessary.

Q24: Who should I contact with questions?

A24: Your General Manager, Supervisor, Regional Manager, Asset Protection APnotify@americasthrift.com or Human Resources @ HRnotify@americasthrift.com are all equipped to answer questions.

In addition to company policies, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free benefit available to all team members who may wish to discuss their concerns. You can contact the EAP at Mutual of Omaha (800) 877-5176 or www.mutualofomaha.com/eap.

If you have symptoms like cough, fever or other respiratory problems, you should call your healthcare provider. As an alternative, those enrolled in Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan can also seek medical evaluation and treatment by contacting Teladoc at 1.855.477.4549 or www.teladoc/alabamavalentgroup.

We also encourage everyone to stay informed by accessing the Center for Disease Control website (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus) or by visiting the World Health Organization website (https://www.who.int/).

Please Note:

As you know, the company does not tolerate harassment or discrimination. Unfortunately, during times of crisis or heightened public concerns, such as COVID-19, people may not be on their best behavior. As always please demonstrate care and concern for yourselves and fellow team members. Should you have concerns of this nature, please contact Human Resources.