MSD Employees: COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 MSD Employee Resources and Information

MSD COVID-19 Guidelines

Please find the latest MSD COVID-19 health and safety guidelines here. When you click on the link, it will download the document as a PDF. You may have to approve the download by clicking “open” or “save” at the bottom of your browser. As this is a fluid situation, this is a working document that will be updated as MSD’s policies and guidelines change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please find the most up-to-date “Frequently Asked Questions” document here. When you click on the link, it will download the document as a PDF. You may have to approve the download by clicking “open” or “save” at the bottom of your browser. As this is a fluid situation, this is a working document that will be updated as MSD’s policies and guidelines change.

These documents are housed on Dropbox. Please note that you DO NOT need a Dropbox account to access the document.

Submit your questions

MSD welcomes your questions regarding our coronavirus policies and related efforts. If you have questions about MSD’s policies as they relate to the COVID-19 response, please submit them to MSDCorona@stlmsd.com. Due to the fluidity of this situation, we may not be able to answer every question at this time, but all inquiries will help us assess the developing concerns.

Resource Links

COVID-19: Ongoing Updates

Below you will find a list of all communication related to MSD’s COVID-19 response.

MSD COVID-19 Update - May 20, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT May 20, 2022, 11:53 a.m.

WHAT’S NEW

MSD COVID-19 Measures updated with redefined vaccination status categories and revised masking requirements. Employees who have not demonstrated receiving at least one COVID-19 booster dose must follow guidelines for non-vaccinated employees. Please review the updated MSD COVID-19 Measures document here. For more information, see “MSD COVID-19 Measures updated…” below.
CANCELED: the on-site vaccination event scheduled for tomorrow, May 21, has been canceled. Human Resources is attempting to reschedule the event for the near future and will share additional information when it is available.
US households can order a third round of free COVID-19 test kits from the federal government. Each household can order an additional eight free at-home COVID-19 test kits by visiting COVIDtests.gov. For more information, see “Third round of free COVID-19 test kits available from federal government” below.
There were seven new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “Seven Employees Tested Positive…” below.

Please find a list of MSD’s current COVID guidelines here. Additional information and resources are available at www.MSDProjectClear.org/MSDCorona. Please submit questions to MSDCorona@stlmsd.com.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MSD COVID-19 MEASURES UPDATED: REDEFINED VACCINATION STATUS CATEGORIES, MASKS REQUIRED INDOORS

As Brian Hoelscher mentioned in his email yesterday, the MSD COVID-19 Measures document has been updated with the following changes:

Vaccination statuses have been recategorized as “Up-to-date” and “Non-vaccinated.” The status of up-to-date is defined as “anyone who received their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine shots (one shot for Johnson & Jonson or two shots for Pfizer or Moderna) plus at least one booster dose. The original CDC-issued vaccination card must be submitted to Human Resources to verify your status.”

Employees who have not demonstrated that they have received at least one booster dose by submitting their vaccination record to Human Resources are considered non-vaccinated and must follow guidelines for non-vaccinated employees.

Employees may demonstrate they have received a COVID-19 booster dose by submitting their original CDC vaccination record to Human Resources at either of these locations:

The Market Street Human Resources office between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Their on-site safety coordinator

Masks are required indoors at all times except when an employee is alone at their desk or work area. Employees are still encouraged to wear masks at all times.

As infection rates among MSD employees, within our service area, and across our region are on the rise, these revisions will help each employee promote a safe and healthy work environment. Please review the revised document here.

Thank you for doing your part to protect the rights of your fellow coworkers.

CANCELED: THE ON-SITE VACCINATION EVENT SCHEDULED FOR MAY 21 HAS BEEN CANCELED

The on-site Pfizer and Moderna vaccination event scheduled for tomorrow, May 21, has been canceled. Human Resources is making an effort to reschedule the event for the near future. We will share information about the possible rescheduled event as soon as it is available.

Third round of free COVID-19 test kits available from federal government

The federal government is offering a third round of free COVID-19 home test kits delivered to any residential address in the United States.

To order your free kits, visit www.COVIDTests.gov, enter your contact information and mailing address, and select “Place My Order.” Each order will include eight rapid antigen COVID-19 test kits, shipped free.

SEVEN EMPLOYEES TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 340 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

As we mentioned in separate emails, seven (7) additional employees tested positive for COVID-19 since the last weekly email. This brings the total number of employees who have tested positive to date to three hundred forty (340).

In the spirit of continued transparency, please find below a table outlining COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Timeframe	New COVID-19 Cases	Total COVID-19 Cases
2020 (Mar – Dec)	75	75
2021 (Jan – Dec)	126	201
Jan 2022	107	308
Feb 2022	9	317
Mar 2022	3	320
April 2022	8	328
May 2022	12	340

The trending graph is available here.

STAY INFORMED

As always, please find the most up-to-date information on the website at www.MSDProjectClear.org/MSDCorona. There you will see the most recently updated MSD COVID-19 Guidelines, the most recently updated FAQ document, all COVID-19 emails, and a list of printable resources. If you have additional questions, please send them to MSDCorona@stlmsd.com.

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - May 13, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT May 13, 2022, 11:54 a.m.

WHAT’S NEW

Board of Trustees may open committee meetings to the public beginning May 31. As space is limited, staff are asked to continue attending meetings virtually. For more information, see “Board of Trustees may open committee meetings…” below.
REMINDER: MSD will host a Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccination event on Saturday, May 21. The event is open to MSD employees, their family members, and friends. Registration is required. For more information, see “MSD to host Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster event…” below.
There were four new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “Four Employees Tested Positive…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MAY OPEN COMMITTEE MEETINGS TO THE PUBLIC BEGINNING MAY 31

MSD’s Board of Trustees may open its committee meetings to the public beginning Tuesday, May 31. Like the regular Board meetings, which we announced were opened to the public last month, seating is limited to allow for continued social distancing. As such, we ask staff to continue attending meetings through the live stream.

REMINDER: MSD TO HOST PFIZER COVID-19 VACCINE EVENT ON SATURDAY, MAY 21

The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for all adults and a second booster for many populations. MSD encourages all employees who are eligible to get boosted. Please find eligibility information in the attached document.

As Human Resources announced in a previous email, MSD will hold a COVID-19 vaccination event on Saturday, May 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Market Street Office. Visionary Vaccination & Health services will offer both Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

This event is open to MSD employees, their families, and their friends to receive the following vaccines:

1st Dose
2nd Dose – Previous dose can be from another location.
1st Booster Dose – For those who qualify per CDC Guidelines (now available to those age 12 and older. See attached document)
2nd Booster Dose – For those who qualify per CDC guidelines (see attached document)

Registration is required and must be completed by Wednesday, May 18. Register here (Google Chrome recommended).

Employees who have received a booster vaccination are invited to voluntarily submit these records to Human Resources. While employees are not required to submit these records, this information will help senior leadership better gauge the overall health and safety of the district as they continue to create policies to promote a safe work environment.

Employees may demonstrate they have received a COVID-19 booster shot by submitting their original CDC vaccination record to Human Resources at either of these locations:

The Market Street Human Resources office between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Their on-site safety coordinator

FOUR EMPLOYEES TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 333 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

As we mentioned in separate emails, four (4) additional employees tested positive for COVID-19 since the last weekly email. This brings the total number of employees who have tested positive to date to three hundred thirty-three (333).

In the spirit of continued transparency, please find below a table outlining COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Timeframe	New COVID-19 Cases	Total COVID-19 Cases
2020 (Mar – Dec)	75	75
2021 (Jan – Dec)	126	201
Jan 2022	107	308
Feb 2022	9	317
Mar 2022	3	320
April 2022	8	328
May 2022	5	333

The trending graph is available here.

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - May 6, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT May 6, 2022, 11:58 a.m.

WHAT’S NEW

MSD will host a Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccination event on Saturday, May 21. The event is open to MSD employees, their family members, and friends. Registration is required. For more information, see “MSD to host Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster event…” below.
There was one new COVID-19 infection among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “One Employee Tested Positive…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MSD TO HOST PFIZER COVID-19 VACCINE EVENT ON SATURDAY, MAY 21

This event is open to MSD employees, their families, and their friends to receive the following vaccines:

1st Dose
2nd Dose – Previous dose can be from another location.
1st Booster Dose – For those who qualify per CDC Guidelines (now available to those age 12 and older. See attached document)
2nd Booster Dose – For those who qualify per CDC guidelines (see attached document)

Registration is required and must be completed by Wednesday, May 18. Register here (Google Chrome recommended).

Employees who have received a booster vaccination are invited to voluntarily submit these records to Human Resources. While employees are not required to submit these records, this information will help senior leadership better gauge the overall health and safety of the District as they continue to create policies to promote a safe work environment.

Employees may demonstrate they have received a COVID-19 booster shot by submitting their original CDC vaccination record to Human Resources at either of these locations:

The Market Street Human Resources office between 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Their on-site safety coordinator

ONE EMPLOYEE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 329 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

As we mentioned in a separate email, one additional employee tested positive for COVID-19 since the last weekly email. This brings the total number of employees who have tested positive to date to three hundred twenty-nine (329).

In the spirit of continued transparency, please find below a table outlining COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Timeframe	New COVID-19 Cases	Total COVID-19 Cases
2020 (Mar – Dec)	75	75
2021 (Jan – Dec)	126	201
Jan 2022	107	308
Feb 2022	9	317
Mar 2022	3	320
April 2022	8	328
May 2022	1	329

The trending graph is available here.

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - April 22, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT April 29, 2022, 12:51 p.m.

WHAT’S NEW

While COVID-19 infections among employees and across the state and region have slightly increased this month, there are no plans to revise MSD’s guidelines at this time. Continued adherence to MSD’s current guidelines among employees will help ensure the current guidelines are not tightened. For more information, see “COVID-19 infections increase slightly across state, region, and among employees…” below.
There were five new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “Five Employees Tested Positive…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 INFECTIONS INCREASE SLIGHTLY ACROSS STATE, REGION, AND AMONG EMPLOYEES; NO CHANGES TO GUIDELINES AT THIS TIME

During the month of April, we have seen a slight increase in reported COVID-19 infections among MSD employees. This trend mirrors similar trends across the state of Missouri and in the St. Louis region. The statewide Missouri Sewershed Surveillance Project is showing a small but consistent increase in COVID-19 particles in wastewater, and St. Louis County reported a 68% increase in COVID-19 transmission over the last two weeks.

At this time, there are no plans to modify MSD’s current COVID-19 guidelines; however, senior management will continue to monitor the situation. If possible, they would like to keep the newly loosened mask requirements, but those guidelines can only remain in place if employees wear masks when required. Please continue to wear a mask indoors when meeting with other people, whether formally or informally. Remember, when in doubt, please wear a mask.

FIVE EMPLOYEES TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 328 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

As we mentioned in separate emails, five additional employees tested positive for COVID-19 since the last weekly email. This brings the total number of employees who have tested positive to date to three hundred twenty-eight (328).

In the spirit of continued transparency, please find below a table outlining COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Timeframe	New COVID-19 Cases	Total COVID-19 Cases
2020 (Mar – Dec)	75	75
2021 (Jan – Dec)	126	201
Jan 2022	107	308
Feb 2022	9	317
Mar 2022	3	320
April 2022	8	328

The trending graph is available here.

STAY INFORMED

MSD COVID-19 Update - April 22, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT April 22, 2022, 12:06 p.m.

WHAT’S NEW

The Board of Trustees will open its meetings to a limited number of in-person attendees. We ask staff to continue attending meetings through the live stream as in-person space is limited. For more information, see “Board of Trustees allowing in-person attendance…” below.
There were two new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “Two Employees Tested Positive…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ALLOWING IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS; STAFF ASKED TO CONTINUE VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE

The Board of Trustees is opening its meeting to a limited number of in-person attendees; however, to allow for continued social distancing, only 15 seats will be available. As such, we ask staff to continue attending meetings through the live stream. All public comments related to the Board Meeting can be submitted to BoardComments@stlmsd.com before noon on the day of the Board of Trustee Public Meeting.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: BOARD OF TRUSTEES SUSPENDS MANDATORY TESTING POLICY, GIVES CEO AUTHORITY TO REINSTITUTE ON EMERGENCY BASIS

As we announced last week, the Board of Trustees revised its COVID-19 Resolution, suspending three sections and adding a new section. Revisions include:

SUSPENDED: The section requiring employees who have not submitted proof that they are fully vaccinated to submit weekly COVID-19 tests. Non-vaccinated employees are no longer required to submit weekly tests until further notice.
SUSPENDED: The section requiring contractors working on MSD property who are not fully vaccinated to submit weekly COVID-19 tests. These workers are no longer required to submit weekly tests until further notice.
ADDED: A section giving the Executive Director the authority to reinstitute the Mandatory Testing Program on an emergency basis

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 are still required to report those tests and to follow the return to work guidelines on page 3 of the MSD COVID-19 Measures document, which has been revised to reflect the changes to the Mandatory Testing Policy.

TWO EMPLOYEES TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 323 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

As we mentioned in separate emails, two additional employees tested positive for COVID-19 since the last weekly email. This brings the total number of employees who have tested positive to date to three hundred twenty-three (323).

In the spirit of continued transparency, please find below a table outlining COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Timeframe	New COVID-19 Cases	Total COVID-19 Cases
2020 (Mar – Dec)	75	75
2021 (Jan – Dec)	126	201
Jan 2022	107	308
Feb 2022	9	317
Mar 2022	3	320
April 2022	3	323

The trending graph is available here.

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - April 15, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT April 15, 2022, 11:56 a.m.

WHAT’S NEW

The Board of Trustees suspended the Mandatory Testing Policy at last night’s meeting. Beginning next week, non-vaccinated employees and contractors will not be required to submit weekly COVID-19 tests. The Executive Director has the authority to reinstitute the program on an emergency basis. For more information, see “Board of Trustees suspends Mandatory Testing Policy…” below.
Employees must wear masks indoors when meeting with other people and should maintain six feet of distance if possible. Distancing does not exempt employees from the mask policy, nor does wearing a mask exempt employees from the distancing policy. For more information, see “Masking Policy is not dependent on or related to social distancing policy” below.
There were no new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees this week. For more information, see “No new infections…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES SUSPENDS MANDATORY TESTING POLICY, GIVES CEO AUTHORITY TO REINSTITUTE ON EMERGENCY BASIS

The Board of Trustees revised its COVID-19 Resolution, suspending three sections and adding a new section. Revisions include:

SUSPENDED: The section requiring employees who have not submitted proof that they are fully vaccinated to submit weekly COVID-19 tests. Beginning next Wednesday, April 20, these employees will not be required to submit weekly tests until further notice. Employees do not need to submit a negative COVID-19 test next week.
SUSPENDED: The section requiring contractors working on MSD property who are not fully vaccinated to submit weekly COVID-19 tests. Beginning next week, these workers will not be required to submit weekly tests until further notice.
ADDED: A section giving the Executive Director the authority to reinstitute the Mandatory Testing Program on an emergency basis

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 whether through the mandatory testing program or otherwise are still required to report those tests per current policy and follow the return to work guidelines on page 3 of the MSD COVID-19 Measures document, which has been revised to reflect the changes to the Mandatory Testing Policy.

MASKING POLICY IS NOT DEPENDENT ON OR RELATED TO SOCIAL DISTANCING POLICY

As the recently revised MSD COVID-19 Measures document outlines, all employees are required to both maintain six feet of distance AND wear masks indoors when meeting with other people. These two policies are separate and are in no way related.

Abiding by the social distancing policy does NOT exempt employees from the mask policy – employees must wear a mask indoors when meeting with other people regardless of distance.

Wearing a mask does NOT exempt employees from the social distancing policy – employees must maintain six feet of distance (to the extent that it is possible) regardless of whether they are wearing a mask.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: SENIOR MANAGEMENT REVISED MEASURES DOCUMENT

As we announced last Friday, MSD’s senior management updated the MSD COVID-19 Measures document considering new guidelines issued by the CDC. Revisions included:

Removing indoor mask requirements except when meeting with other people (this includes formal meetings as well as informal discussions in hallways and cubicles).
Allowing MSD-sponsored or organized events held outside. Indoor events are still prohibited.
Removing return to work guidelines for potential exposure.
Requiring non-vaccinated and non-boosted employees to wear a mask indoors for 10 days after known exposure to COVID-19. Boosted employees are not subject to additional masking.

Revised sections are marked with a green arrow, and new sections are marked with an orange arrow. Please review the document here or at www.msdprojectclear.org/msdcorona.

NO NEW INFECTIONS AMONG MSD EMPLOYEES THIS WEEK

We are happy to announce that as of the time this email was sent, we have no new reports of infections among employees. Thank you all for doing your part to stay healthy so we can all work together to promote a safe workplace and to continue to provide our customers with an essential service.

In the spirit of continued transparency, please find below a table outlining COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Timeframe	New COVID-19 Cases	Total COVID-19 Cases
2020 (Mar – Dec)	75	75
2021 (Jan – Dec)	126	201
Jan 2022	107	308
Feb 2022	9	317
Mar 2022	3	320
April 2022	1	321

The trending graph is available here.

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - April 8, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT April 8, 2022, 11:55 a.m.

WHAT’S NEW

Senior management revised MSD’s COVID-19 Guidelines effective today. Revisions include changes to masking requirements, MSD-sponsored events, and return to work guidelines after potential and known exposures. For more information, see “MSD’s COVID-19 Guidelines revised” below.
The Board of Trustees will consider possible changes to the Mandatory Testing Policy on April 14. There are no changes to that policy at this time. For more information, see “Board of Trustees to Consider changes to Mandatory Testing Policy…” below.
There was one new COVID-19 infection among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “One Employee Tested Positive…” below.

—–

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MSD’S COVID-19 GUIDELINES REVISED

MSD’s senior management updated the MSD COVID-19 Measures document, effective today, considering new guidelines issued by the CDC. Revisions include:

Removing indoor mask requirements except when meeting with other people (this includes formal meetings as well as informal discussions in hallways and cubicles).
Allowing MSD-sponsored or organized events held outside. Indoor events are still prohibited.
Removing return to work guidelines for potential exposure.
Requiring non-vaccinated and non-boosted employees to wear a mask indoors for 10 days after known exposure to COVID-19. Boosted employees are not subject to additional masking.

Revised sections are marked with a green arrow, and new sections are marked with an orange arrow. Please review the document here or at www.msdprojectclear.org/msdcorona.

There are no changes to the Mandatory Testing Policy at this time.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO CONSIDER CHANGES TO MANDATORY TESTING POLICY ON APRIL 14

The Board of Trustees will consider possible revisions to the Mandatory Testing Policy at their next meeting on Thursday, April 14. There are no changes to the Mandatory Testing Policy at this time.

ONE EMPLOYEE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 321 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

In the spirit of continued transparency, please find below a table outlining COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Timeframe	New COVID-19 Cases	Total COVID-19 Cases
2020 (Mar – Dec)	75	75
2021 (Jan – Dec)	126	201
Jan 2022	107	308
Feb 2022	9	317
Mar 2022	3	320
April 2022	1	321

The trending graph is available here.

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - April 1, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT April 1, 2022, 11:56 a.m.

WHAT’S NEW

Senior management will discuss potential revisions to MSD’s COVID-19 updates with the Board of Trustees next week. Any revisions will be announced in next week’s regular Friday update. For more information, see “Senior management, Board of Trustees to discuss possible COVID-19 policy revisions…” below.
The CDC has updated its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations to include a second booster dose for certain people. The COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses are covered at 100% by MSD’s Cigna insurance. For more information, see “CDC recommends additional booster dose for certain people” below.
There were no new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees this week. For more information, see “No new infections…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE COVID-19 POLICY REVISIONS NEXT WEEK

Senior management will discuss possible revisions to MSD’s COVID-19 policies with the Board of Trustees next week. Any revisions will be announced in next week’s regular Friday update. There are no changes to MSD’s COVID-19 policies at this time.

CDC RECOMMENDS ADDITIONAL BOOSTER DOSE FOR CERTAIN PEOPLE

Following the FDA’s authorization of a second booster for certain people, the CDC updated its recommendations to allow certain immunocompromised people and adults 50 and older who received their initial booster dose at least 4 months ago.

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses are covered at 100% by MSD’s Cigna insurance. MSD does not require eligible employees to receive a second booster.

NO NEW INFECTIONS AMONG MSD EMPLOYEES THIS WEEK

In the spirit of continued transparency, please find below a table outlining COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Timeframe	New COVID-19 Cases	Total COVID-19 Cases
2020 (Mar – Dec)	75	75
2021 (Jan – Dec)	126	201
Jan 2022	107	308
Feb 2022	9	317
Mar 2022	3	320

The trending graph is available here.

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - March 25, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT March 25, 2022, 11:58 a.m.

WHAT’S NEW

Human Resources recommends that employees who received a letter regarding COVID-19 testing from Cigna refrain from signing the attestation statement at this time. There are no changes to the mandatory testing program, and employees will not be responsible for testing costs for the Mandatory Testing Program until further notice. For more information, see “In case you missed it: Cigna letter on testing coverage” below.
There were two new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “Two Employees Tested Positive…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: CIGNA LETTER ON TESTING COVERAGE

As Tracey Coleman, Director of Human Resources, mentioned in an email earlier this week, many employees received a letter from Cigna stating that they will no longer cover COVID-19 tests for employment or work-related reasons.

Human Resources is in discussion with Cigna and recommends that employees do not sign the requested attestation statement in that letter at this time.

Please note that:

There are no changes to MSD’s mandatory testing program.
There are no changes to Cigna’s testing coverage for non-employment-related reasons.
Until further notice, the employee will not be responsible for the cost of testing for MSD’s mandatory testing program.

TWO EMPLOYEES TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 320 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

In the spirit of continued transparency, please find below a table outlining COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Timeframe	New COVID-19 Cases	Total COVID-19 Cases
2020 (Mar – Dec)	75	75
2021 (Jan – Dec)	126	201
Jan 2022	107	308
Feb 2022	9	317
Mar 2022	3	320

The trending graph is available here.

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - March 18, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT March 18, 2022, 12:04 p.m.

WHAT’S NEW

MSD organized activities such as skeet shoots, MSD golf league and scramble, and retirement celebrations remain prohibited. Senior staff and the Board of Trustees will discuss this and other possible revisions in early April. Any potential changes will be communicated to employees no later than Friday, April 8. For more information, see “MSD organized activities are still prohibited…” below.
There were no new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “No new infections…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MSD ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES ARE STILL PROHIBITED; NO CHANGES TO COVID-19 MEASURES THIS WEEK

While last week’s updates to the MSD COVID-19 Measures document allow all employees to participate in outside activities, MSD organized activities are still prohibited. This includes but is not limited to Skeet Shoots, MSD Golf league or scramble, and retirement celebrations.

As we’ve mentioned in recent updates, senior staff and the Board of Trustees will meet in early April to discuss possible revisions to MSD’s COVID-19 policies and guidelines, including this measure. We will communicate any new changes to employees no later than Friday, April 8.

There were no updates to MSD’s COVID-19 guidelines this week.

NO NEW INFECTIONS AMONG MSD EMPLOYEES THIS WEEK

We are happy to announce that as of the time this email was sent, we have no new reports of infections among employees. Thank you all for doing your part to stay healthy so we can all work together to promote a safe workplace and continue providing our customers with an essential service.

In the spirit of continued transparency, please find below a table outlining COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Timeframe	New COVID-19 Cases	Total COVID-19 Cases
2020 (Mar – Dec)	75	75
2021 (Jan – Dec)	126	201
Jan 2022	107	308
Feb 2022	9	317
Mar 2022	1	318

The trending graph is available here.

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - March 11, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT March 11, 2022, 11: 51 a.m.

WHAT’S NEW

Senior management updated MSD’s COVID-19 Measures document, effective today. Staff and the Board of Trustees will discuss additional revisions in early April. Any potential changes will be communicated to employees no later than Friday, April 8. For more information, see “MSD’s COVID-19 guidelines revised…” below.
Please continue to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. A list of symptoms is available below. For more information, see “Continue to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms” below.
There was one new COVID-19 infection among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “One Employee Tested Positive…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MSD’S COVID-19 GUIDELINES REVISED; ADDITIONAL REVISIONS NOT PLANNED UNTIL APRIL

MSD’s senior management updated the MSD COVID-19 Measures document, effective today, considering new guidelines issued by the CDC. Revisions include:

Removing outdoor mask requirements
Allowing all employees to participate in outside meetings and activities if they meet and/or follow all of the event’s COVID-19 policies
Removing quarantine requirements after potential exposure to COVID-19
Removing close contact notifications for symptomatic employees (employees will still be notified if they are in close contact with an employee who tests positive)
Removing quarantine requirements after participating in risky activities or requesting time off for vacation

Revised sections are marked with a green arrow, and new sections are marked with an orange arrow. Please review the document here or at www.msdprojectclear.org/msdcorona.

As we mentioned last week, senior staff and the Board of Trustees will discuss additional revisions in early April. Any new changes will be communicated to employees no later than Friday, April 8.

CONTINUE TO MONITOR FOR COVID-19 SYMPTOMS; STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK

The updated MSD COVID-19 Measures do not require quarantine after potential exposure, travel, or risky activities; however, MSD employees are still required to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if they are sick.

The CDC currently lists the following as potential COVID-19 symptoms:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Before returning to work, employees who experience any of the above symptoms must:

Demonstrate a negative COVID-19 test, OR
Remain symptom-free for 10 days, OR
Produce a doctor’s release

ONE EMPLOYEE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 318 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

In the spirit of continued transparency, please find below a table outlining COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Timeframe	New COVID-19 Cases	Total COVID-19 Cases
2020 (Mar – Dec)	75	75
2021 (Jan – Dec)	126	201
Jan 2022	107	308
Feb 2022	9	317
Mar 2022	1	318

The trending graph is available here.

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - March 4, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT March 4, 2022, 11: 56 a.m.

WHAT’S NEW

There are no planned updates to the COVID-19 guidelines until April. After initial discussions this week, senior staff and the Board of Trustees have deferred further discussions on MSD’s COVID-19 protocols to early April. Any potential changes will be communicated to employees no later than Friday, April 8. For more information, see “No planned updates to MSD’s COVID-19 Guidelines until April” below.
There were no new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees this week. For more information, see “No new infections…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NO PLANNED UPDATES TO MSD’S COVID-19 GUIDELINES UNTIL APRIL

Senior staff met with the Board of Trustees earlier this week to discuss MSD’s current COVID-19 protocols considering new public health guidelines and the current COVID-19 climate. After these initial discussions, they have decided to defer further discussions and any potential updates until early April. MSD’s senior staff will once again meet with the Board of Trustees at that time to discuss possible updates. Any changes will be communicated to employees no later than Friday, April 8.

One of the items discussed earlier this week was a look MSD’s status as it pertains to the CDC’s current recommendations. Currently:

CDC Recommendations	MSD’s Guidelines
The CDC’s newest mask recommendations do NOT require masking indoors in areas where COVID-19 is posing a low or moderate threat to hospitals. You can search by County on the CDC’s website.	MSD’s current COVID-19 Guidelines are AHEAD of the CDC’s recommendations as we still require masking indoors when not alone at your desk.
The CDC recommends getting tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms.	MSD’s current COVID-19 guidelines are ON TARGET with the CDC’s recommendations to get tested if you experience COVID-19 symptoms.
The CDC recommends that all who are eligible stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster doses.	Based on reported initial and booster doses, MSD employees are BEHIND the CDC’s recommendations to stay up to date on vaccinations. Approximately 85% of employees are fully vaccinated and 18% have reported having received a booster dose.

Senior staff and the Board of Trustees also discussed local COVID-19 guidelines and conditions. Currently, the County has discontinued its mask mandate; however, the St. Louis County Public Health Department still recommends wearing a mask indoors. The City of St. Louis’ mask mandate is still in place but is set to expire this Sunday, March 6. Further, while COVID-19 viral load in wastewater has been on the decline for several weeks, this past week’s data indicated a slight increase, most likely in part due to the new Omicron B.a2 variant.

The above conditions helped influence the decision to postpone potential changes to MSD’s COVID-19 guidelines until early April.

NO NEW INFECTIONS AMONG MSD EMPLOYEES THIS WEEK

In the spirit of continued transparency, we have put together a graph showing employees who have reported testing positive for COVID-19 since March of 2020. The blue bars show the total number of employees who tested positive for COVID-19 each month, and the orange line shows the accumulated total number of employees who have tested positive over time.

STAY INFORMED

As always, please find the most up-to-date information on the website at www.MSDProjectClear.org/MSDCorona. There you will find the most recently updated MSD COVID-19 Guidelines, the most recently updated FAQ document, all COVID-19 emails, and a list of printable resources. If you have additional questions, please send them to MSDCorona@stlmsd.com.

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - February 25, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT February 25, 2022, 12:06 p.m.

WHAT’S NEW

St. Louis County will drop its mask mandate next Monday, February 28. The County Department of Public Health and CDC still recommend wearing masks when in public indoor places. This does not change MSD’s COVID-19 guidelines. For more information, see “County to replace mask mandate with mask advisory…” below.
Changes to CDC guidelines do not affect MSD’s current COVID-19 policies. Senior management plans to discuss possible updates to MSD’s guidelines with the Board of Trustees in early March. There are no changes to MSD’s policies or guidelines at this time. For more information, see “Changes to CDC guidelines do not affect MSD…” below.
There was one new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “One Employee Tested Positive…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COUNTY TO REPLACE MASK MANDATE WITH MASK ADVISORY FEBRUARY 28

St. Louis County has announced it will drop its mask mandate next Monday, February 28 due to the recent decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The mandate will be replaced with a public health advisory from the County Department of Public Health strongly recommending the wearing of masks in public indoor places. The CDC also still recommends wearing a mask in public indoor places.

This change does not affect MSD’s COVID-19 guidelines. Employees are still required to wear masks indoors when not alone at their desks and outdoors when distancing is not possible.

CHANGES TO CDC GUIDELINES DO NOT AFFECT MSD COVID-19 POLICIES; SENIOR MANAGEMENT, BOARD TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE UPDATES IN EARLY MARCH

Several news outlets have reported that the CDC may announce updates to its guidelines for masks public indoor places. These changes will not alter MSD’s current guidelines.

As we stated last week, MSD’s senior management is monitoring changing guidelines from public health leaders and plans to discuss possible changes with the Board of Trustees in early March. There are no changes to MSD’s policies or guidelines at this time.

If there are policy or guideline changes, they will likely take effect no earlier than mid to late March. As always, we will communicate any policy or guideline changes to employees through our regular channels.

ONE EMPLOYEE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 317 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

In the spirit of continued transparency, we have put together a graph showing the number of employees who have reported testing positive for COVID-19 since March of 2020. The blue bars show the total number of employees who tested positive for COVID-19 each month, and the orange line shows the accumulated total number of employees who have tested positive over time.

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - February 18, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT February 18, 2022, 11:38 a.m.

WHAT’S NEW

Senior management is monitoring changing COVID-19 guidelines from public health officials and plan to discuss possible updates to MSD’s guidelines with the Board of Trustees in early March. There are no changes to MSD’s policies or guidelines at this time. For more information, see “Senior management, Board to discuss possible updates…” below.
There were two new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “Two Employees Tested Positive…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT, BOARD TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE UPDATES TO MSD’S COVID-19 POLICIES AND GUIDELINES IN EARLY MARCH; NO CHANGES AT THIS TIME

MSD’s senior management is monitoring changing guidelines from public health leaders. There are no changes to MSD’s policies or guidelines at this time, but senior management plans to discuss possible changes with the Board of Trustees in early March.

TWO EMPLOYEES TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 316 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - February 11, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT February 11, 2022, 12:11 p.m.

WHAT’S NEW

The rate of new COVID-19 cases among MSD employees has decreased in the last few weeks. This decline is also reflected in regional data from area heath officials. Please continue to follow MSD’s COVID-19 guidelines to protect your fellow employees and help these trends continue. For more information, see “County Department of Public Health addresses common COVID-19 questions” below.
REMINDER: Anyone may request four at-home COVID-19 tests through covidtests.gov. Cigna members can also request reimbursement for purchases of over-the-counter rapid tests. At-home tests do not meet requirements for Mandatory Testing Policy but are an additional tool to help reduce transmission. For more information, see “REMINDER: Free at-home tests available through covidtests.gov…” below.
There were twelve new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees since the last update (January 28, 2022). For more information, see “Twelve Employees Tested Positive…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEW COVID-19 CASES AMONG EMPOYEES, ACROSS REGION DECLINE

The rate of new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees has begun to decline over the last few weeks following a significant surge during the Omicron wave. During the last two months, MSD recorded half of all COVID-19 infections among employees. Since the start of February, only six MSD employees have tested positive for COVID-19

These trends mirror similar trends across the St. Louis region and throughout the nation. The City of St. Louis and St. Louis County have reported declines in new COVID-19 cases, and the Missouri Sewershed Surveillance Project, in which MSD participates, has reported significant declines in COVID-19 particles in the St. Louis region’s wastewater.

Thank you all for doing your part to help COVID-19 trends move in a good direction. While current trends are promising, please remember that the virus is still here. Please continue to follow MSD’s COVID-19 guidelines and practice healthy habits to keep your community, your coworkers, and yourself safe.

REMINDER: FREE AT-HOME TESTS AVAILABLE THROUGH COVIDTESTS.GOV, CIGNA REIMBURSEMENT; HOME TESTS DO NOT MEET TESTING POLICY REQUIREMENTS

Anyone may request four free rapid test kits per household through covidtests.gov. The first tests will ship by the end of January, so interested employees should order tests before they meet federal guidelines for requiring a test.

Additionally, employees on MSD’s Cigna plan are eligible for reimbursement of up to 8 individual over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month for each person enrolled in the plan. This limit does not apply if tests are ordered or administered by a health care provider following a clinical assessment. To receive reimbursement, download and print a COVID-19 Over-the-Counter (OTC) Test Kit Claim Form and mail it along with your receipt to the address on the back of your insurance card. Forms can also be faxed to 859-410-2422. Please review the claim form before purchasing to ensure your test kit is eligible for reimbursement.

Please note at-home test kits DO NOT meet the requirements for the Mandatory Testing Policy and CANNOT be submitted as proof of negative test. Rather, these are additional tools along with masking, vaccination, and social distancing to help reduce transmission and promote a healthy work environment.

TWELVE EMPLOYEES TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 314 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

As we mentioned in separate emails, twelve additional employees tested positive for COVID-19 since the last weekly email (January 28, 2022). This brings the total number of employees who have tested positive to date to three hundred fourteenn (314).

While masks are not required when employees are alone at their desks, with the high positivity rate at MSD, we encourage all employees to wear masks at all times while working. Similarly, with the high positivity rate in the region, we also encourage employees to be especially vigilant during their free time.

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

There was no update on February 4, 2022

MSD COVID-19 Update - January 28, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT January 28, 2022, 12:04 p.m.

WHAT’S NEW

The County Department of Public Health addressed several COVID-19 questions in a new video, which can be seen at https://youtu.be/Gydg0Pa65E0. For more information, see “County Department of Public Health addresses common COVID-19 questions” below.
MSD has proudly been helping public health leaders track COVID-19 trends as part of the Sewershed Surveillance Project. COVID-19 in the wastewater is no longer viable and poses no threat of infection. For more information, see “MSD Project Clear has been helping public health leaders…” below.
REMINDER: Anyone may request four at-home COVID-19 tests through covidtests.gov. Cigna members can also request reimbursement for purchases of over-the-counter rapid tests. At-home tests do not meet requirements for Mandatory Testing Policy but are an additional tool to help reduce transmission. For more information, see “REMINDER: Free at-home tests available through covidtests.gov…” below.
There will be no weekly update next Friday, February 4. The next regular update will be on Friday, February 17. For more information, see “No weekly update next Friday, February 4” below.
There were eight new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “Eight Employees Tested Positive…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH ADDRESSES COMMON COVID-19 QUESTIONS

To address confusion in the community surrounding new guidelines for quarantine, isolation, and other protocols, the St. Louis County Department of Public Health has produced a video, which can be seen at https://youtu.be/Gydg0Pa65E0

Recognizing that changing public health guidelines in response to new discoveries and changing circumstances can create confusion, the Department of Public Health also highlighted several things those in the St. Louis region should know:

Staying up to date on your vaccinations will help prevent severe illness and keep you out of the hospital. The majority of cases and hospitalizations, including those among children, are among those who are unvaccinated. In addition, if you are eligible, please get the booster. Given the current high levels of transmission and the new variant, the booster will offer additional protection. It is also likely that this will protect you from possible long-term effects of COVID-19.
The best protection of all is staying home as much as possible; if you are not around others, you can’t be exposed. When you must leave home for essential activities, masking and social distancing will help prevent you from getting COVID-19 if you’re exposed. Wear a well-fitting mask while indoors or in large crowds and try to keep at least 6 feet of distance from others when possible. Any mask is better than no mask, but some masks protect you more than others. This is especially important at a time when so many people are sick, so your risk of exposure is high. The most protective masks are N95s and KN95s, then surgical masks, then cloth masks.
Isolation and quarantine are essential to preventing the spread of Covid-19 and reducing the impact on the healthcare system. If you test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate. If you are an unvaccinated close contact of someone who has COVID-19, please quarantine. You can learn more about how to isolate and quarantine here. If you have any symptoms at all, please stay home from work and school until you can get a COVID test. The CDC recently updated its isolation and quarantine guidelines, and you can learn more about that here. Please also follow all applicable policies from your workplace or school.

MSD PROJECT CLEAR HAS BEEN HELPING PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERS IDENTIFY COVID-19 TRENDS THROUGH WASTEWATER TESTING – RECENT BLOG POST

As we shared in a recent employee blog post and through several media partners (KSDK, KTVI, KMOV), MSD Project Clear has proudly collaborated with agencies across the state to provide public health authorities with a valuable tool for monitoring COVID-19 trends in our region since May of 2020 as part of the Missouri Sewershed Surveillance Project.

Wastewater testing involves collecting samples from treatment plants, filtering and processing the samples, and measuring trace levels of COVID-19 genetic materials. While this testing detects COVID-19 levels, studies conducted by the University of Missouri-Columbia find that COVID-19 in the wastewater is no longer viable and poses no risk of infection, which is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) having no reported cases of COVID being spread via wastewater.

Using wastewater treatment to protect the public health is certainly not new to MSDPC. In fact, we can thank the 1849 cholera epidemic for bringing modern sewer systems to St. Louis. Much of the infrastructure for this program was also in place as MSDPC provides wastewater samples to state agencies for environmental regulations.

Find out more on the employee blog.

NO WEEKLY UPDATE NEXT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4

There will be no weekly COVID-19 update next Friday, February 4. The next regular weekly update will be on Friday, February 17. We will continue to send updates if additional employees test positive, and if there are any major changes before February 17, we will share them in a special update.

REMINDER: FREE AT-HOME TESTS AVAILABLE THROUGH COVIDTESTS.GOV, CIGNA REIMBURSEMENT; HOME TESTS DO NOT MEET TESTING POLICY REQUIREMENTS

EIGHT EMPLOYEES TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 304 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

As we mentioned in separate emails, eight additional employees tested positive for COVID-19 since the last weekly email. This brings the total number of employees who have tested positive to date to three hundred four (304).

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - January 21, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT January 21, 2022, 11:59 a.m.

WHAT’S NEW

The Public Health Emergency Act was extended through April 16, supplying both diagnostic and non-diagnostic COVID-19 tests under federal and private medical insurance. For more information, see “Public Health Emergency Act extended through April 16” below.
Employees may request four at-home COVID-19 tests through covidtests.gov. Cigna members can also request reimbursement for purchases of over-the-counter rapid tests. At-home tests do not meet requirements for Mandatory Testing Policy but are an additional tool to help reduce transmission. For more information, see “Free at-home tests available through covidtests.gov…” below.
There were twenty-five new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “Twenty-Five Employees Tested Positive…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY ACT EXTENDED THROUGH APRIL 16

The Public Health Emergency (PHE) Act was extended on January 14, 2022. The new deadline is April 16, 2022.

The PHE act will continue to supply non-diagnostic and diagnostic COVID Tests under federal and private medical insurance.

FREE AT-HOME TESTS AVAILABLE THROUGH COVIDTESTS.GOV, CIGNA REIMBURSEMENT; HOME TESTS DO NOT MEET MANDATORY TESTING POLICY REQUIREMENTS

TWENTY-FIVE EMPLOYEES TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 296 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

As we mentioned in separate emails, twenty-five additional employees tested positive for COVID-19 since the last weekly email. This brings the total number of employees who have tested positive to date to two hundred ninety-six (296).

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - January 14, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT January 14, 2022, 12:54 p.m.

WHATS NEW

CEO Brian Hoelscher addresses employees after the recent surge in infections. For more information, see “Message from CEO Brian Hoelscher…” below.
Senior management has updated the MSD COVID-19 Measures document in light of new guidance from the CDC. Please review those updates here. For more information, see “MSD COVID-19 Measures revised…” below.
Thursday’s US Supreme Court decisions do not change MSD’s Mandatory Testing Policy. Employees are still required to submit proof of vaccination or weekly negative COVID-19 tests. For more information, see “Recent court decisions to not change MSD’s Mandatory Testing Policy,” below.
There were twenty-five new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees since the last update. For more information, see “Twenty-Five Employees Tested Positive…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MESSAGE FROM CEO BRIAN HOELSCHER REGARDING INFECTION SURGE

Employees,

I am sure that many of you have questions and concerns about the surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant. I plan to address those questions, but I’d like to start by saying thank you.

While the surge in COVID-19 cases makes this an especially challenging and stressful time, because of the tremendous effort our entire MSD team continues to put in, our customers have seen no service disruptions. We provide an essential public health service to our community, and I appreciate your dedication to serving our customers and the St. Louis region.

I would also like to thank all of you for your commitment to promoting a healthy and safe work environment. Over the last few weeks, we have seen an exponential increase in COVID-19 infections across the country, here locally, and among our employees. This month alone, 70 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and more than 100 employees have tested positive in the last three weeks.

While this is a startling increase, our protective measures continue to prove effective; Of the 271 instances of MSD employees testing positive since the pandemic began, we have had only seven cases with evidence of possible workplace spread. A vast majority of employees who tested positive have been able to identify when and where they became infected, and nearly all of these instances occurred outside of work.

This low transmission rate is only possible because of your dedication to following our COVID-19 protocols, and I couldn’t be prouder of our entire team. But it is essential that we not let our guard down. We know that Omicron is more transmissible than previous variants and that, as of last week, it is the dominant variant in the region. With that in mind, I ask that each of you continue to:

Wear a mask at all times if possible, but especially when you are not alone at your desk
Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if you are sick
Maintain six feet of physical distance at all times
Practice good hygiene

Make no mistake: our public health leaders have assured us that we are in a much better place than we were a year ago. We have a better understanding of how to protect ourselves. And we have free, safe, and widely available vaccines that medical experts believe will prevent serious illness. The progress we have made will not be lost—especially not if we take steps to get vaccinated and to control the spread of the virus through regular testing and wearing masks.

I am happy to report that 84% of MSD employees are fully vaccinated, and nearly 12% have voluntarily reported that they have received a booster dose. Vaccines are free, safe, and widely available. I encourage all employees to get vaccinated and those who are eligible to get boosted. As a reminder, employees may use up to four hours of COVID-19 sick leave to receive their initial vaccinations and up to two additional hours of COVID-19 sick leave to receive a booster dose.

Throughout the pandemic, we have followed the advice of public health experts to stay ahead of the curve and keep our workplace as safe as possible, and I’ve been proud of your response at every phase. The Omicron variant calls on us to renew our commitment to a healthy workplace, and I’m confident we will meet this call together.

Brian Hoelscher, P.E.
Executive Director & CEO

MSD COVID-19 MEASURES REVISED AFTER NEW CDC GUIDANCE

MSD’s senior leadership updated the MSD COVID-19 Measures document considering new guidelines issued by the CDC. Revisions include defining and outlining specific measures for boosted employees, updating quarantine and testing intervals after exposure, and extending several provisions and benefits.

Revised sections are marked with a green arrow, and new sections are marked with an orange arrow. Please review the document here or at www.msdprojectclear.org/msdcorona.

RECENT COURT DECISIONS DO NOT CHANGE MSD’S MANDATORY TESTING POLICY

Yesterday’s US Supreme Court decisions regarding federal vaccination mandates do not affect MSD’s Mandatory COVID-19 Testing Policy. Employees are still required to submit proof of vaccination or a weekly negative COVID-19 test. MSD will inform employees if any future actions affect our guidelines.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: COVID-19 TOOLBOX TALKS AVAILABLE ON THE LEARNING DISTRICT

The St. Louis Construction Cooperative has published a series of “Toolbox Talks” about COVID-19 featuring Dr. Patrick Mazi, fellow with the Division of Infectious Diseases at Washington University School of Medicine. The talks cover several COVID-19 related topics, including how vaccines work, how vaccines were developed, and COVID-19 transmission.

The Toolbox Talks are available online through Construction Forum or on the Learning District by searching for “Dr. Mazi ToolBox Talks.” While this is not a required course, we encourage all employees to watch these videos to learn more about COVID-19.

TWENTY-FIVE EMPLOYEES TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 271 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

MSD COVID-19 Update - January 7, 2022

A regular weekly update from Bess McCoy.

EMAIL SENT January 7, 2022, 11:59 a.m.

WHATS NEW

New CDC guidelines regarding quarantine and isolation do not change MSD’s policies. Senior leadership will discuss the CDC guidelines next week and publish any revisions to MSD’s policies next Friday. For more information, see “CDC issues new guidelines for isolation and quarantine…” below.
Please review the frequently asked questions regarding MSD’s quarantine guidelines. For more information, see “Quarantine guidelines frequently asked questions” below.
St. Louis County issued a new mask order. There are no changes to MSD’s mask requirements. For more information, see ” St. Louis County issues new mask order…” below.
The St Louis Construction Cooperative has published a series of COVID 19 “toolbox talks.” Employees are encouraged to review these videos. For more information, see “COVID-19 Toolbox Talks available on the Learning District.
TOMORROW: MSD will host a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination event tomorrow, January 8. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information, see “TOMORROW: MSD to host Pfizer COVID-19 booster event…” below.
There were seventy-nine new COVID-19 infections among MSD employees since the last update (December 17, 2021). For more information, see “Seventy-nine Employees Tested Positive…” below.

Colleagues,

Please find the most recent updates regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CDC ISSUES NEW GUIDELINES FOR ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE; DIRECTORS TO CONSIDER CHANGES TO MSD GUIDELINES NEXT WEEK

The CDC recently issued new guidelines regarding quarantine and isolation recommendations for the general public. There are no changes to MSD’s COVID-19 policies or guidelines at this time.

Senior leadership will discuss these new guidelines at their regularly scheduled meeting next week. We will share any changes to MSD’s guidelines in next week’s regular COVID-19 update.

QUARANTINE GUIDELINES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We have received several questions about MSD’s quarantine requirements in the last few weeks. To provide further clarification, please review the frequently asked questions below.

Q: If I am exposed to the coronavirus at work and am vaccinated, what are my options?

A: MSD will provide opportunities for you to keep working while you await the results of your test. These may consist of isolated work locations at MSD or possibly working from home as approved by the Department Directors. You do not have the option to take COVID sick leave; however, you can request vacation or comp time off if you wish.

Q: If I am exposed to the coronavirus at work and am unvaccinated, what are my options?

A: Your only option is to use COVID-19 sick leave until the results of your test are available. You may not work from home or at an isolated location at work.

Q: What if an outside entity such as a doctor or a public health official requires me to quarantine because of a COVID exposure?

A: MSD will abide by this request. The employee can use as COVID-19 sick leave or any other kind of paid leave.

Q: What if an outside entity such as a doctor or a public health official requires a family member that I care for to quarantine?

A: Various family leave options may be available to you, depending on the exact circumstances. It is best to contact your supervisor and HR to discuss.

LOUIS COUNTY ISSUES NEW MASK ORDER; NO CHANGES TO MSD GUIDELINES

Earlier this week, St. Louis County issued a new mask order requiring face coverings in all public indoor places. MSD’s current mask policy is in compliance with this order, and as such, there are no changes to MSD’s policies at this time. Employees are still required to wear masks indoors at all times unless they are alone at their desks. With the increased rate of COVID-19 spread in the region, we encourage employees to wear masks at all times when indoors.

COVID-19 TOOLBOX TALKS AVAILABLE ON THE LEARNING DISTRICT

TOMORROW: MSD TO HOST PFIZER COVID-19 VACCINE EVENT ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

As Human Resources announced in previous emails, MSD will hold a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination event on Saturday, January 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Market Street Office.

This event is open to MSD employees, their families, and their friends to receive the following vaccines:

1st Dose
2nd Dose – Previous dose can be from another location.
Booster Dose – For those who qualify per CDC Guidelines (now available to those age 16 and older)

Participants are encouraged to register in advance, but walk-in appointments will be accepted. Register here (Google Chrome recommended).

The CDC now recommends COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for all adults, and MSD encourages all employees who are eligible to get boosted. Please find eligibility information in the chart below.

SEVENTY-NINE EMPLOYEES TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; 245 TOTAL CASES TO DATE

As we mentioned in separate emails, seventy-nine additional employees tested positive for COVID-19 since the last weekly email (December 17, 2021). This brings the total number of employees who have tested positive to date to two hundred forty-five (245).

While masks are not required when employees are alone at their desks, with the high positivity rate at MSD, we encourage employees to wear masks at all times while working. Similarly, with the high positivity rate in the region, we also encourage employees to be especially vigilant during their free time.

STAY INFORMED

Until next Friday,

Bess McCoy
Public Affairs Specialist

2021 Updates

2020 Updates