Frequently Asked Questions
I woke up this morning with a headache, but feel fine otherwise. Can I still report to work?
Generally speaking, yes. Headaches are a “common health-related complaint,” and not necessarily a reason for concern. However, we encourage you to listen to what your body is telling you. While the characteristics of a COVID-19 headache aren’t clear, severe headaches and body aches are commonly reported symptoms. Therefore, we would ask you to look for the following:
- is moderate to severe in intensity
- causes a pulsing or pressing sensation
- occurs on both sides of your head (bilateral)
- may get worse when you bend over
If you notice any of those signs, please notify your supervisor to receive further guidance, and make an appointment with your primary care physician.
I have seasonal allergies, and have been dealing with congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes. Do I report my symptoms? Am I okay to report to work?
Yes, report your symptoms to your supervisor before reporting to work. If symptoms are nasal congestion and watery eyes, you will be able to work that day. If your symptoms are accompanied by a cough, body aches, or a fever, you will be required to stay home and make an appointment to be tested.
Am I required to be tested?
That depends. Group home staff are required to complete bi-weekly testing by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If you are symptomatic – meaning you have a fever, cough, body aches, etc. – you are required to be tested. If you are contacted by a contact tracer because you were exposed to someone who tested positive, you are required to be tested. And as part of our surveillance testing program, we may ask Care Champions to voluntarily be tested as we do our part to stop the spread of infection.
I developed a cough, but otherwise I am fine. What do I do?
A cough is a COVID-19 symptom, and you will not be granted entry to an Incompass facility or group home if you are experiencing a cough. We will ask you to isolate and follow-up with your manager for further guidance – which may include a request to be tested.
A person close to me tested positive for COVID, but I haven’t been in contact with them for over a week. What should I do?
We specifically ask if you’ve been in direct contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19. In this scenario, you are okay to report to work.
How do I get tested? Is there an out-of-pocket cost?
Residential staff are required to be tested every other week, and your supervisor will share details with you. There is no out-of-pocket test for staff who are complying with state testing requirements.