Mississippi Administrative Code
Title 27 - Personnel
Part 120 - Mississippi State Employee Handbook
Chapter 3 - HOLIDAYS AND LEAVE
Section 27-120-3.3 - PANDEMIC POLICY

Preventing the Spread of the Illness in the Workplace

State employees are encouraged to cooperate in taking steps to reduce the transmission of both seasonal and novel strains of illness in the workplace. The best strategy for reducing the transmission of viruses is frequent hand washing with warm, soapy water, covering mouths with tissues whenever you sneeze, discarding tissues used when sneezing. Agencies are also encouraged to install alcohol-based hand sanitizers throughout the workplace and in common areas.

Staying Home When Ill

Many times, with the best of intentions, employees report to work even though they feel ill. State employees are provided with paid medical leave to compensate employees who are unable to work due to illness. During flu season, an influenza pandemic, and/or other pandemic, it is critical that employees do not report to work while they are ill and/or experiencing the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. Employees who report to work ill will be sent home in accordance with these health guidelines. Employees who are sent home under this policy will be required to utilize leave in accordance with Section 3.2 Leave.

Reporting to Work When Not Ill

A pandemic could result in a significant level of absenteeism. State employees may be unable to work if they become ill due to the virus while others may need to remain home to care for ill family members or simply to provide care for children during school closings. During this time, unless otherwise notified, attendance and leave policies will remain in place. Individuals who believe they may face particular challenges reporting to work during a severe pandemic should take steps to develop any necessary contingency plans.