Early Bird

Fall-semester FAQ series

Each Tuesday and Thursday, look for answers to our most-asked health and safety questions.

By Lindsey Coulter

August 13, 2020

With the fall semester quickly approaching, Metropolitan State University of Denver is working diligently to ensure that faculty, staff and students who have been approved to return to campus have all the information they need to make a safe transition.

While most of the University’s operations will continue remotely, MSU Denver has developed these protocols and guidelines (click here for Spanish version) for the limited number of Roadrunners who will participate in face-to-face classes or who have otherwise been approved to be on campus. The guidelines were created in accordance with recommendations from the Colorado Department of Higher Education and state and local health experts, including our team at the Health Center at Auraria and the University’s Facilities Department. 

Each Tuesday and Thursday, the Early Bird will highlight our most frequently asked questions about the fall semester. Follow this series through the beginning of the fall semester for the most up-to-date health and safety information.

Questions on working through the pandemic

If an employee isn’t feeling well, should they take sick leave or work remotely? 

Our top priority is the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. Right now, most MSU Denver employees will continue to work remotely for the foreseeable future.

If an employee isn’t feeling well but can and is willing to perform work, continued remote work should be considered. Employees are encouraged to work directly with their supervisors. If the employee is unable to perform work, they may take sick leave, or if the absence is COVID-19-related, employees should contact Amanda Berry, employee-benefits manager, at aberry11@msudenver.edu to discuss available leave options under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. 

The FFCRA provides leave, paid and unpaid, if an employee meets eligibility requirements and requests the leave for a qualifying event. Due to the complexity of the law and the differing eligibility requirements and entitlement provisions, it is necessary that each request for leave be evaluated individually and guidance provided on a case-by-case basis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people who are experiencing respiratory illness stay home until they are free of fever and other symptoms, such as frequent and severe coughing, for at least 24 hours without the use of medicines (e.g., aspirin and cough suppressants). 

Should an employee or member of an employee’s household who has been exposed (contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case) or has pending COVID-19 test results self-quarantine? 

Yes, self-quarantine is required by the CDC.  

First, as with any medical condition, confidentiality around an employee’s health should be maintained to comply with federal regulations (FMLA, ADA, HIPAA). 

If an employee is willing and able to perform work, continuing remote work should be considered. Employees are encouraged to work directly with their supervisors. If the employee is unable to perform work, please have the employee contact the employee-benefits manager, Amanda Berry, within the Office of Human Resources to discuss available leave options.   

The CDC recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms should use a form of telemedicine as their first point of care. It is best to talk through symptoms with a health care professional before showing up in-person to a medical facility.    

The Health Center at Auraria continues to be open to serve all Auraria students, faculty and staff. COVID-19 testing is available Monday through Friday, in addition to medical and mental-health services, via virtual telemedicine visits and select in-office visits. Roadrunners should call 303-615-9999 before visiting. 

Anthem, Kaiser and Cigna will cover the costs for COVID-19 tests. This means testing will be given without deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance requirements.  

Anthem   

Customer service: 800-542-9402  

24/7 NurseLine: 800-337-4770  

Video visit: www.livehealthonline.com  

Dispatch Health  

Plan information: Anthem Multi-Plan Summary  

Kaiser Permanente  

Customer service: 303-338-3800  

Phone visit: 303-338-4545 to schedule  

Video visit: 303-338-4545 to schedule  

24/7 NurseLine: www.kp.org; use Appointment Center to schedule  

Email: www.kp.org; log in to your account to email your doctor  

Plan information: Kaiser Permanente  

Please see Kaiser’s informational sheet and frequently asked questions with the latest information and advice to help you feel prepared. Visit the website for additional information. You can also read further information about how Kaiser Permanente is responding to COVID-19.  

Cigna

Customer service: 800-244-6224  

24/7 nurse line:  800-244-6224

Plan information: Cigna Health Care Plan Summary  

Please see Cigna’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Individuals and Families

If you have a specific concern not addressed in the FAQs, please submit your question on the Safe Return to Campus webpage.