Can my employer force me to go to work? Can I be red or disciplined?
No, you cannot be red or disciplined for not coming to work if:
• You have a conrmed case of COVID-19, even if you show no symptoms (asymptomac)
• You have symptoms of COVID-19
• You have been exposed to an individual conrmed to have or showing symptoms of COVID-19. You
could have been exposed if:
• You had close contact with a person who has COVID-19
• You are caring for someone in your household who has COVID-19
When can I return to work?
If you have symptoms or tested posive for COVID-19, you can return to work aer*:
• 10 days since symptoms rst appeared or the date of the rst posive test result, and
• 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medicaons, and
• Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving**
*Some people may require longer isolaon. Follow the direcon of public health and medical professionals.
**Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months aer recovery and need not delay the end of
isolaon.
If you have had a close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or have been instructed to quaranne,
you can return to work aer:
• 10 days have passed since last close contact with the individual*, or
• A public health ocial noes you that quaranne is no longer necessary due to addional
informaon about the close contact.
*This 10-day period is required regardless of any negave COVID-19 test received during the 10-day period.
What if my employer requires or allows an employee to report to work with
symptoms or with a conrmed case of COVID-19?
MIOSHA rules covering COVID-19 state: the employer will allow employees with a conrmed or possible
case of COVID-19 to return to the workplace only aer:
• They are no longer infecous according to the latest guidelines from the CDC, and
• They are released from any quaranne or isolaon order by the local public health department.
If you have quesons or believe your employer is violang this rule, you should call 855-723-3219 and/or
le a complaint with MIOSHA.
Employment and COVID-19:
FAQ for COVID-19
Michigan.gov/Coronavirus
What if my employer disciplines, discharges, or otherwise retaliates against
me for not reporng to work while having symptoms or a conrmed case of
COVID-19?
Employees may be asked by employers to provide proof of a posive result or exposure. This may include
documentaon or making an eort to get tested for COVID-19. These are examples of reasonable requests.
If complying with these requests and the employer disciplines, discharges, or otherwise retaliates against
the employee, the employee may le a complaint with MIOSHA. Under a new Michigan law, some
employees may also contact an aorney and bring a civil suit against the employer.
Can I get paid while I am o work due to COVID-19?
Potenally. Under federal law, employees of private employers with fewer than 500 employees may be
eligible for two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave if:
• They are quaranned as a close contact, or
• They are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking medical care.
Some private employers with more than 500 employees also oer paid leave for COVID-19. Contact your
employer to nd out what you may be eligible for.
Am I eligible for unemployment insurance benets? If so, how do I apply?
Employees are eligible for unemployment benets if they are not on a paid medical leave and one of the
following is true:
• They are isolang because they tested posive for COVID-19.
• They are quaranning because they are at elevated risk of COVID-19 OR because they may have
been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
There are two ways to le a new unemployment claim:
• Online – Visit Michigan.gov/UIA;
• Telephone – Call 1-866-500-0017. If you are hearing impaired, TTY service is available at
1-866-366-0004.
How long am I covered by these protecons while I’m out?
Some employees are entled to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave due to medical
reasons, including COVID-19. For more informaon about these protecons, you should contact your
employer regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
What if I am caring for a family member with COVID-19, but I’m not sick?
Even if you are not sick, you may sll be eligible to take me o to care for a sick family member.
Federal law allows certain covered employees to take two weeks of paid leave to care for sick family
members. It is possible you may also qualify for unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
In Michigan, unemployment benets are also available for workers who have an unancipated family care
responsibility for loved ones who become ill.
There are two ways to le a new unemployment claim:
• Online – Visit Michigan.gov/UIA;
• Telephone – Call 1-866-500-0017. If you are hearing impaired, TTY service is available at
1-866-366-0004.
For more informaon, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.