Field Operations Directives (FODs) : 20-004 - Employee Temperature Testing

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20-004 - Employee Temperature Testing

EMPLOYEE TEMPERATURE TESTING

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Field Operations Directive is to familiarize Department personnel with an employee
temperature testing protocol, as part of the Sheriff’s Department’s efforts to prevent the spread of the novel
coronavirus (COVID-19).

A fever is one of the symptoms of a possible COVID-19 infection. Healthy human body temperature
averages 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, with small variances of higher or lower temperatures. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide that temperatures of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
may be indicative of a fever.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses. If a Department member feels ill or
experiences any of the symptoms of a respiratory illness during this period of COVID-19
mitigation/prevention, they should be directed to go home. Department members should not return to work
until they are symptom-free for at least 72 hours without the aid of fever reducing, or other symptom altering
medication (e.g. cough suppressants, over-the-counter cold/flu relief, etc.).

ORDER

Any Department member or vendor entering a patrol station at the beginning of their shift, or to conduct any
business, is required to check and monitor their temperature before accessing their workplace/workstation or
conducting business.

All patrol stations have been provided two (2) iHealth No-Touch infrared thermometers for this purpose.

If the individual measures a fever more than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, or displays symptoms of COVID-19,
the unit supervisor should direct the Department member to go home until they are symptom-free for at least
72 hours without the aid of symptom-altering medication. The Department member may use sick time, or any
available time in lieu of sick time. The Department member should also be provided information about
COVID-19 testing, if applicable.

Unit supervisors should to refer to the protocols outlined in the Los Angeles County Department of Human
Resources information sheet, Corona Virus (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions, and the Ill-at-Work
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 Field Operations Directives (FODs) : 20-004 - Employee Temperature Testing
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Evaluation Process outlined in the Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources/Department of
Public Health memo for Procedures, Resources, and Practices for County Departments in Response to
Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19). Unit supervisors should also refer to Department specific guidelines for
employees potentially exposed to COVID-19 in DOC COVID-19 Directive #47, “Employee Guide to COVID-
19 and Work Schedules Affected by COVID-19.”

If the individual does not have a fever (temperature less than 100.4 degrees) and is not displaying symptoms
of Covid-19, no further action is required. Unit supervisors should be aware that individuals may be infected
with COVID-19 and not have a fever.

All information reported shall remain confidential. The confidentiality of employee personal information, may
not be reported to anyone except for disclosure as may be necessary to obtain medical care.

PROCEDURE

The following is a protocol to safely use the iHealth No-Touch infrared thermometer:

Personnel shall perform proper hand hygiene.

Conduct a self-temperature check. Follow the manufacturers operating instructions. These instructions
must be printed out, and a copy located with the thermometer as well as distributed to each employee
assigned to the unit. Use of the thermometer, and the contents of this FOD should be briefed to all unit
personnel.
A box of gloves should be located next to the thermometer.
Before and after use, disinfect the thermometer using an alcohol-based wipe or alcohol dampened
clean napkin
Personnel shall perform proper hand hygiene.
The concerned unit commander or designee shall be notified of employees who refuse to conduct self-
temperature assessments. In addition, the concerned unit (e.g. Facility Services Bureau) shall be notified of
any contractor, vendor, or volunteer who refuses to conduct self-temperature assessments.

If a contractor, vendor, or volunteer refuse to conduct the temperature test, they shall be denied entry to the
facility.

Department members assigned to the unit who refuse to conduct the temperature test, or refuse to leave
work after measuring a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, shall be required to participate in an “Ill-
at-Work Evaluation” at a contracted Occupational Health Program. The evaluation may be an in-person or
telephonic assessment. If the “Ill-at-Work Evaluation” determines the Department member to be ill and
contagious, they shall be ordered home by the unit commander. The Department member may use sick time
or any other available time for use in lieu of sick time.

The unit commander shall establish procedures in their facilities to address the following:

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 Field Operations Directives (FODs) : 20-004 - Employee Temperature Testing
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Tracking, maintenance, and replacement, if necessary, of each thermometer;

Designation of facility or workplace entrance points best-suited to ensure anyone entering the facility is
aware of temperature check protocols;
Ensure designated locations have appropriate gloves and sanitizing items for disinfecting the
thermometers following their use; and
Ensure supervisory personnel make timely and appropriate notifications as required.

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