Gouldsboro selectmen grapple with COVID-19 protocol
GOULDSBORO — Should town employees risk losing workers’ compensation benefits if they opt not to be vaccinated and test positive for COVID-19? Must they sign waivers before traveling out of state, and self-quarantine unpaid for 10 days, if they come down with the coronavirus before their return? Should they lose their job or be suspended without pay if they fail to mask and socially distance when away from their workspace after repeated warnings?
These are possible rules, as part of a COVID-19 policy, that the Gouldsboro Board of Selectmen has wrestled with since the federal Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) expired Dec. 31, 2020. Under that law, both part-time and full-time employees catching the virus were entitled to paid emergency sick leave for two weeks and continued health insurance. They qualified for the emergency leave if ordered or advised to self-quarantine due to virus-related concerns or were experiencing symptoms and awaiting medical diagnosis. Caring for a child whose school or daycare had closed or for an individual who was required to isolate were among other qualifying circumstances.