Updated 5/11/23
This page contains information for employees about working from home, paid time off options for COVID-related scenarios, resources to support your mental, emotional and physical health, guidance for supervisors, updates to benefit plans, and more. More information can be found on the U-M Health Response site.
Face Covering Policy
Masks are optional in most indoor spaces, including offices, instructional areas, residence halls and athletic events, on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses. Recommendations for face coverings are aligned with the CDC’s COVID-19 community level for Washtenaw County, which can change depending on the number of infections. Community guidance is also reflected on the university’s COVID-19 Dashboard. To assess personal risk, faculty and staff are encouraged to check the page often.
Masks continue to be required in patient care areas (Michigan Medicine, University Health Service and the Dental School clinical areas), and at U-M COVID-19 testing sites as noted in the U-M Face Covering Policy.
COVID-19 Medication, Test Coverage
Effective May 12, 2023, COVID-19 treatment drugs Paxlovid and its generics, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, continue to be covered by the U-M Prescription Drug Plan, with no member cost-share as long as the U.S. government pays for these products.
Also effective May 12, 2023, over-the-counter rapid antigen COVID-19 tests are no longer covered by U-M’s Prescription Drug Plan. Members have through May 2024 to submit reimbursement claims to Magellan Rx for eligible, previously purchased test kits.
Paid Time Off Options
Access to the university’s emergency COVID-19 paid time off program ended as of May 13, 2023. As of May 14, 2023, employees should use their regular paid time off, including sick or PTO, for COVID-19-related absence from work. Unused COVID-19 PTO will not be paid out or transferred to an existing bank of paid time off.
| I am a U-M employee who is: | How do I code my absence from work? |
|---|---|
|
... unable to work due to quarantine or isolation. |
Use available Short-Term Sick, Vacation or PTO. |
|
... unable to work due to illness. |
Use available Short-Term Sick or PTO. Once absence exceeds 10 business days or more, follow normal procedures to assess absence for Extended Sick. Use unpaid medical leave if no other paid time is available. |
|
... providing care to a seriously ill or quarantined family member. |
Request Short-Term Sick Family Care, PTO or Vacation. |
|
... caring for a child whose school or day care center has closed. |
Request Vacation or PTO. |
|
... I work in a healthcare setting and was directed to quarantine (or became ill with COVID-19) due to caring for a confirmed COVID-19 patient. |
Use available Short-Term Sick or PTO. If the absence exceeds 10 business days, follow normal procedures to assess absence for Extended Sick. |
COVID-19 Vaccine
Effective Feb. 20, 2023, COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all students, faculty and staff working in the following areas: Michigan Medicine, including the Medical School, Dental School, University Health Service and the Mary A. Rackham Institute. This includes those working remotely and temporary workers, as well as bargained-for employees in these units.
Employees with questions should confirm specific requirements with their supervisor or local human resources department. Any bargained-for employee who is uncertain of what is required should consult with their union representative for further information.
The university is providing limited exemptions to the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for medical or religious reasons.
For additional information, including how to record your vaccination and where to get vaccinated, visit the U-M Health Response site.
Flexible Workplace and Remote Work
Find resources, including remote and flexible workplace agreement templates, in the Future of Work Resource Center.
Supporting Child and Dependent Care
When possible, departments are encouraged to allow employees to work remotely and be flexible with arrangements. There are a number of resources available to help faculty and staff with child and dependent care needs. The university recently announced two additional resources to help with dependent care needs.
Well-being Resources
Information and resources to support personal mental, emotional and physical well-being are available. Resources include guided meditation and relaxation videos, virtual support groups, mobile apps and online programs, and more.
FEMA Assistance for Funeral-Related Expenses
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. This assistance is available through Sept. 30, 2025, to those who have lost eligible loved ones due to the pandemic. More information is available on the FEMA website > COVID-19 Funeral Assistance. Watch this informational video or call FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline at 1 (844) 684-6333 for help.