What to do When an Employee Gets COVID

The Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (OACCT) reports they are getting questions on what employers should do when an employee tests positive for COVID-19. In their November 3 edition of the Tuesday Talk e-newsletter, the chamber says, "An increasing number of questions are coming in to the Chamber from employers dealing with workers who have COVID or think they might..."

The chamber is directing those with concerns to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Luckily, you're not the first to deal with this scenario. Every business has differences to their plans, but here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers."

You can find answers to questions on how to handle when an employee has or suspects they have been exposed, how long they should stay away from work, and how allergy symptoms difference from those associated with the coronavirus.

The OACCT shared several member news releases, including

• Steele County Highway Department reports that Oak Avenue from Bridge Street to Broadway Street was closed, starting November 3 for utility work. It should reopen after about a week.
• Brick-Meger Funeral Home welcomes home Brett Meger who has joined their staff. Owner Glen A. Meger said, "We are pleased to have our son join js as we continue to serve the families in the Steele County area with both traditional funerals as well as cremation services."
• Little Theatre of Owatonna announces the cast for the production of "A Tuna Christmas." Show dates are December 4,5, 11, and 12 at 7:30 pm and December 6 and 13 at 2 pm. Ticket sales begin November 21 online and at Tri-M Graphics.

The next Business After Hours is Tuesday, November 17. The United Way of Steele County hosts the gathering at Torey's Restaurant in downtown Owatonna.