With the arrival of summer upon us, alongside a global pandemic that we should expect to be vigilant of for an extended period of time, below is guidance for YKHC employees requesting to take Paid Time Off (PTO) during this time. If you plan to request PTO, please read the following and familiarize yourself with related requirements.

Employees unaffected by the furlough are allowed to take PTO, however YKHC Managers will determine approvals for PTO based on business needs and staffing requirements to ensure completion of the organization’s mission. Because PTO use is allowed, accrual limits outlined in YKHC’s Employee Handbook remain in tact. Finally, all PTO requests must be submitted in advance of requested leave through use of Kronos Workforce Dimensions.

All employees who travel out-of-region on PTO are required to complete a quarantine period andTemperature Monitoring Form and Daily Attestation for Symptoms upon return. If needed, employees can request a copy of the form and a thermometer from their manager or by contacting Employee Health prior to PTO. 

All staff should keep in mind the following quarantine requirements and related health protocols to be completed in addition to the Temperature Monitoring Form and Daily Attestation for Symptoms when requesting PTO.

PTO spent in-region (fish camp, local family support, “staycation,” etc.)

• No quarantine will be required unless an employee meets other requirements to quarantine (such as risk of exposure or displaying COVID-19 symptoms).

PTO spent in-state, but out-of-region (Anchorage, Fairbanks, etc.)  

• Employees in non-patient care positions will be required to quarantine for 5 days upon return. We urge all employees to opt for free, self-swab testing at the Bethel airport upon arrival.
• Employees in direct patient care positions will be required to receive a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the Bethel airport, complete a 5-day quarantine, and receive a second rapid COVID-19 test by the end of the quarantine period. This process is outlined in Section 1B2 of the procedure located on Policy Manager here.
• An employee who has not been approved to telecommute (or work remotely) must use PTO or Leave Without Pay Approved (LWOPA) for the duration of the quarantine.
• The length of quarantine is subject to change based on guidance by the State of Alaska and/or YKHC policy. 

PTO spent out-of-state (Outside of Alaska or internationally)

• Employees in non-patient care positions who travel out-of-state will be required to receive a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the Bethel airport, complete a 5-day quarantine, and receive a second rapid COVID-19 test by the end of the quarantine period. 
• Employees in direct patient care positions planning to travel out-of-state should email theCOVID-19 Response Team (and CC: their manager) at least one week prior to departure. The team will review where the travel will be, evaluating COVID-19 hotspots being reported, and advise on the required quarantine process to follow upon return.
• Staff who fail to email in advance of their trip will default to a 14-day quarantine period upon return. 
• An employee who has not been approved to telecommute (or work remotely) must use PTO or Leave Without Pay Approved (LWOPA) for the duration of the quarantine.
• The length of quarantine is subject to change based on guidance by the State of Alaska and/or YKHC policy. 

Employees required to receive rapid COVID-19 testing within a quarantine period should email theCOVID-19 Response Team (and CC: their manager) to schedule testing.

Thank you for your adherence to these health protocols as we work to ensure we keep our customers, the public, and one another safe and healthy during this time. Should you have questions about this process, please speak with your manager.