MDH: Employers Should Not Require Coronavirus Test For Sick Leave

TWIN CITIES, MN — Minnesota Department of Health infectious disease director Kris Ehresman says employers and businesses should not ask workers to get test confirmation of having the new coronavirus before giving them sick time off. Ehresmann says there aren't enough tests to go around, and the most important thing during the outbreak is to stay home when you're sick.

If people wait until they have test confirmation, and go into work, they risk getting many others sick. People who have suspected or known cases of COVID-19, but who are not severely ill, are being asked to simply stay home.

"Employers should not be requiring confirmation of COVID-19 for their employees to have sick leave," Ehresman told reporters on a conference call Wednesday. "We need people to stay home when they're sick regardless of whether or not they're able to have a test result."

People who have severe underlying health conditions or are older adults are being told to contact their health care provider to see if they have additional recommendations for them.

If someone develops severe symptoms, they should call ahead to their health care provider if possible prior to seeking care.

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