Claiborne County amends COVID-19 leave policies to cover quarantined household members and encourage remote work

The Claiborne County Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2020-112 on Dec. 21, 2020 to amend the county’s COVID-19 sick leave and administrative leave policies to reflect Tennessee Department of Health quarantine requirements. The changes direct that spouses and immediate household members living with a person who tests positive for COVID-19 shall continue to be paid during the quarantine period, and that, when permissible, quarantined employees should be afforded the opportunity to work remotely to maintain county operations.

The policy amendment was introduced by Commissioner Charlton Vass and adopted by a 20–0 vote. The resolution references earlier county COVID policies adopted under Resolutions 2020-044, 2020-045 and 2020-046 and modifies both the sick-leave and administrative-leave provisions to address contact-tracing quarantines.

County Mayor Joe Brooks, who presented statistical information later in the meeting, summarized case counts recorded since Nov. 20, 2020 and discussed the share of cases requiring inpatient hospital care and the county’s planned vaccination schedule. Mayor Brooks asked commissioners to urge their constituents to wear masks, practice social distancing and follow hygiene guidance to limit spread.

The commission did not specify new budget amounts tied to the leave change in the resolution text. The resolution states it takes effect upon passage. The meeting adjourned after the COVID-19 discussion.