COVID-19 Update: Reopening Guidance for those at higher risk.

During the Smithsonian’s COVID-19 response, “Higher Risk Employees” have been and are continuing to be defined by the Centers for Disease Control and the Smithsonian as individuals who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 OR are age 65 or older.

During Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Smithsonian’s reopening, Higher Risk Employees will be allowed to telework or, if they are not telework eligible, be granted weather and safety leave as an accommodation. Find more information about the Smithsonian’s Reopening Phases in this communication from the Secretary and on this webpage.

Essential employees who previously self-certified as a Higher Risk employee with Occupational Health Services (OHS) will be provided with specific guidance and deadlines to continue receiving weather and safety leave as an accommodation during Phases 1 and 2.

The Smithsonian anticipates that in Phase 3, as public health guidance changes and as operational demands increase, these accommodations will change for employees who will be needed on site. Phase 3 accommodations may include adjustments to schedules, duty stations, or personal protective equipment rather than telework and weather and safety leave.

During any phase, if you have been notified by your supervisor that you are needed to work on-site and you desire an accommodation because you are at higher risk, you should 1) confirm you are higher risk according to the CDC guidelines, 2) inform your supervisor that you are requesting an accommodation without sharing your medical condition or diagnosis, and 3) provide documentation to OHS by using this form. If seeking accommodation based on age, your doctor’s signature is NOT required on the form. Supervisors should allow employees to remain on telework or weather and safety leave during the certification process.

Once OHS certifies you as a Higher-Risk Employee, OHS will issue you and your supervisor a Duty Disposition Report (DDR) within 7-14 days to identify work restrictions. OHS will not share your personal health information with your supervisor.

If you have questions related to the DDR process and accommodations, the following resources are available:

• Occupational Health Services at OHS-MedicalReview@si.edu. Medical documentation may be required.
• Carol Gover, Accommodations Coordinator, in the Office of Equal Employment and Supplier Diversity at GoverC@si.edu or 202-633-6418

If you have questions related to sick or annual leave, please refer to this leave guidance or speak with your supervisor. Supervisors with questions should consult their unit’s Human Resources Liaison. For information about other workplace flexibility options, please review this document. To remain up to do date on additional guidance concerning COVID-19 response and reopening plans, please visit this website.

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