COVID

Effective Feb. 2 2025, COVID-19-related absences will be integrated into each hospital or member organization’s existing time and attendance policy. This change reflects the Johns Hopkins Health System’s commitment to treating all unscheduled absences consistently while maintaining employee health and safety as a top priority.

Under the updated policy:

• Unscheduled COVID-19-related absences will be managed in alignment with the current time and attendance policy, including the assignment of an occurrence for unscheduled time off.
• Employees must follow return-to-work guidance and contact Occupational Health if their absence exceeds three consecutive days.

This policy adjustment reflects a balanced approach to managing employee absences while maintaining fairness, accountability and a focus on health and safety. By integrating COVID-19-related absences into the existing absence policy, we align with evolving norms and continue to prioritize the well-being of our workforce and the organization’s operational success.

Please remember that employees may use sick and safe leave for absences related to COVID-19, in accordance with policies. This leave can be used for personal illness, caring for a sick family member or other qualifying reasons under the sick and safe leave guidelines (HR policy 911).