After consultation with NYPD executives, the DEA has been made aware of new policy regarding working from home for members with underlying health conditions at risk to contract COVID-19. The below procedure was issued by the Department for such cases.
The DEA urges all members to be especially careful when determining if they qualify to work from home due to health conditions. Please do not take any risks with your health.
If you follow the below directive and have any concerns, please contact your Delegate, Trustee or the DEA office.
Procedure:
What should an employee do if he or she has underlying health issues? Any employee who believes he or she is in a vulnerable population and would like to request a reasonable accommodation should confer with his or her Commanding Officer (Captain or above). If the member’s Commanding Officer approves the request, the Commanding Officer shall call the Equal Employment Opportunity Division at (646) 610-5330 or email [email protected] for a log number. If the Commanding Officer denies the request, the requesting member can contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Division at (646) 610-5330 for further review. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case by case basis.
Based upon available information to date, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include the following:
- People aged 65 years and older
- Other high-risk conditions could include:
- People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
- People who have serious heart conditions
- People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment
- People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html
What should I do if I am pregnant?
People who are pregnant should be monitored by their physician since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk.
Any pregnant employee who would like to request a reasonable accommodation should confer with his or her Commanding Officer (Captain or above). If the member’s Commanding Officer approves the request, the Commanding Officer shall call the Equal Employment Opportunity Division at (646) 610-5330 for a log number. If the Commanding Officer denies the request, the requesting member can contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Division at (646) 610-5330 for further review. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case by case basis.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html
These are unprecedented times. Take all precautions necessary to safeguard your health and safety. Please also make the health of your family and loved ones a priority.
The DEA will always be in your corner, fighting for the your rights and safety. In unity there is strength.
Fraternally,
Paul DiGiacomo, President
