A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. The virus spreads by droplets made when people with the coronavirus cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby or be inhaled into their lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms – from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. To disinfect, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. See CDC’s recommendations for household cleaning and disinfection.

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two.

To learn more about COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19).

To learn more about flu, visit Influenza (Flu).

Yes. It is possible have flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same time. Health experts are still studying how common this can be.

Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing can help determine if you are sick with flu or COVID-19.

There is no change in CDC’s recommendation on timing of vaccination this flu season. Getting vaccinated in July or August is too early, especially for older people, because of the likelihood of reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season. September and October are good times to get vaccinated. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue, even in January or later.

Getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, however flu vaccination has many other important benefits. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death. Getting a flu vaccine this fall will be more important than ever, not only to reduce your risk from flu but also to help conserve potentially scarce health care resources.

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection but have not been tested for COVID-19, you should contact your supervisor who may ask you to stay home from work. You should also contact your primary care physician immediately. If warranted, the client may ask you to be tested.

Payment for the test will be made via your health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, there are many testing sites that are free. JMA should be contacted about all possible exposures.

If you are not diagnosed with COVID-19, you can file a COVID-related unemployment claim while off work waiting for test results. Note that unemployment eligibility decisions are solely made by the EDD. Employees can also use any available vacation, sick, or PTO hours to cover time off.

Employees with confirmed COVID-19 will be quarantined per the treating physician and client office protocols. Those employees with confirmed COVID-19 can file for State Disability or Workers’ Compensation. If the employee is deemed eligible, the employee will be paid per State Disability or Workers’ Compensation guidelines.

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 while performing work outside the home may apply for Workers' Compensation benefits. Employees will be required to prove that they were exposed to the virus at work.

For purposes of the unemployment office (EDD), furloughs are considered temporary and layoffs are permanent.

Unemployment is wage replacement if you are off work for reasons unrelated to medical illness. Those who are furloughed, have reduced hours or are permanently laid off are eligible to apply for unemployment.

If your job is available and you decide to self-quarantine without a doctor’s certification, you can still apply for unemployment. However, you may not be eligible since there is a position open for you. EDD will make the final decision.

Since JMA has more than 500 employees, please note that all of our employees are exempt from this Act.

If you have questions about your health insurance while on furlough, please contact JMA immediately.

All wages must be reported in the Continuing Certification form you are sent every two weeks. This form provides space to enter any wages received.

If you think you have been overpaid, Benefit Programs Online (BPO) is a secure portal for Employment Development Department (EDD) customers to access SDI Online, UI OnlineSM, and Benefit Overpayment Services: https://edd.ca.gov/Benefit_Programs_Online.htm

For additional questions, please contact EDD.

State Disability Insurance is used for employees who are ill or are quarantined due to a direct exposure to the virus. As long as you have a doctor’s certification that you need to be off work for medical reasons, you can apply for SDI.

Our Governor waived the week’s waiting time so that payment begins immediately if you are eligible. Feel free to contact JMA with questions about eligibility.

Disability benefits are usually not taxable at either the state or federal level. The exception is when the payments are considered a substitute for unemployment benefits, in which case they are taxable at the federal level. This typically occurs when an employee doesn't qualify for unemployment compensation only because of his disability. Another way this can occur is if the employee first received unemployment benefits, then became disabled.

The State of California offers up to eight (8) weeks of PFL for employees who are off work to care for an ill family member (spouse, child, domestic partner, domestic children, parents, grandparents). You will need doctor’s certification about your family member to be eligible for PFL.

You may access this link to help answer questions about Unemployment, SDI and PFL: http://https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm

PFL benefits are always taxable at the federal level, but not the state. Feel free to call JMA with questions on eligibility.