Updated 7/2/2024
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 Guidance
Masking remains an effective strategy for personal protection against the transmission of COVID and other respiratory illnesses. For more information, see the U-M Health Response site.
Certain units, such as Michigan Medicine, have local policies regarding the use of face coverings.
COVID Medication, Test Coverage
COVID treatment drugs Paxlovid and its generics, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, are covered by the U-M Prescription Drug Plan, subject to member copays. View the U-M Drug Plan Formulary for specific copay information.
Over-the-counter rapid antigen COVID tests are no longer covered by U-M’s Prescription Drug Plan. However, members can use their Health Care FSA or Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to cover the costs.
Paid Time Off Options
Employees who need time off for a COVID-related absence should follow the guidance below.
| 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 Vaccine
For information, visit the U-M Health Response site.
Flexible Workplace and Remote Work
Find resources, including remote and flexible workplace agreement templates, in the Ways We 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-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 Funeral Assistance Helpline at 1 (844) 684-6333 for help.