COVID leave FAQs
This page is meant to be a helpful “what if” guide outlining COVID-19 related leaves of absence for district employees.
If you have any questions, please contact us at humanresources@albany.k12.ny.us
What if I independently decide to quarantine - can I take COVID-19 quarantine leave?
No. This new law only provides benefits in cases where an individual is under an order of quarantine – either mandatory or precautionary. Entities that may issue an “order” include the State of New York, New York State Department of Health, local Board of Health or any government entity authorized to issue such order.
My child’s school is closed due to COVID-19. Can I take COVID-19 quarantine leave to stay home with them?
No. School closures are not a qualifying reason for the NYS COVID-19 quarantine leave, as these benefits are only available when you are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation issued by the State, department of health, local board of health, or government entity.
Am eligible for benefits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)?
No. The mandatory leave required under FFCRA expired on 12/31/2020.
When am I eligible for COVID-19 quarantine leave?
Leave will be granted to those employees who are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation issued by the State of New York, the Department of Health, local board of health or any government entity duly authorized to issue such order due to COVID-19.
Am I eligible for COVID-19 quarantine leave for a second or subsequent quarantine?
An employee who subsequently tests positive for COVID-19 following a period of mandatory quarantine or isolation or who continues to test positive for COVID-19 after the end of a period of quarantine or isolation shall be deemed to be subject to a mandatory order of isolation from the Department of Health and shall be entitled to the NYS COVID-19 quarantine leave. The employee must submit documentation from a licensed medical provider or testing facility attesting that the employee has tested positive for COVID-19. If the positive test was administered by the employer, then the employee does not need to submit documentation to that employer to receive COVID-19 paid sick leave benefits.
Am I eligible for COVID-19 quarantine leave if my employer mandates I remain out of work due to exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19 but I am not under an order of quarantine or isolation?
If an employer mandates that an employee who is not otherwise subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation remain out of work due to exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19, regardless of whether the exposure was in the workplace, the employer must continue to pay the employee at the employee’s regular rate of pay.
How many times am I able to qualify for COVID-19 quarantine leave?
Employees may qualify for COVID-19 quarantine leave for up to three orders of quarantine or isolation. The second and third orders of quarantine or isolation must be based on a positive COVID-19 test.
How will I remain in paid status if I am unable to come to work?
Employees who are unable to report to work due to COVID-19 will have access to their paid leave time.
