Last updated: July 21, 2022
This COVID-19 Policy on vaccination, testing, and mask use applies to all employees of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and their affiliates.
Vaccination Requirement
Except as provided in this policy, all employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This vaccination requirement does not apply to employees that work remotely and do not have contact with other Chamber employees or third parties on behalf of the Chamber.
Employees are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after receiving the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Employees may request an exception from vaccination requirements (if applicable) if the vaccine is medically contraindicated for them or medical necessity requires a delay in vaccination. Employees also may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation if they cannot be vaccinated or wear a mask (as otherwise required by this policy) because of a disability, or if the provisions in this policy for vaccination, or testing for COVID-19, or wearing a face covering conflict with a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance. Requests for exceptions and reasonable accommodations must be initiated by the employee requesting the exception or accommodation and must be submitted to and approved by Talent Solutions.
Reporting of Vaccination Status
All employees are required to report their vaccination status and, if vaccinated, provide proof of vaccination to Talent Solutions. Proof of vaccination can be provided via this secure link: Dayforce Vaccination Submission
Acceptable proof of vaccination status is:
- The record of immunization from a health care provider or pharmacy;
- A copy of a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card;
- A copy of medical records documenting vaccination;
- A copy of immunization records from a public health, state, or tribal immunization information system; or
- A copy of any other official documentation that contains the type of vaccine administered, date(s) of administration, and the name of the health care professional(s) or clinic site(s) administering the vaccine(s).
An employee who is unable to produce one of these acceptable forms of proof of vaccination, despite attempts to do so (e.g., by trying to contact the vaccine administrator or state health department), can provide a signed and dated statement attesting to their vaccination status (fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated); attesting that they have lost and are otherwise unable to produce one of the other forms of acceptable proof; and including the following language:
“I declare (or certify, verify, or state) that this statement about my vaccination status is true and accurate. I understand that knowingly providing false information regarding my vaccination status on this form may subject me to criminal penalties.”
An employee who attests to their vaccination status in this way should to the best of their recollection, include in their attestation the type of vaccine administered, the date(s) of administration, and the name of the health care professional(s) or clinic site(s) administering the vaccine.
Employees must provide truthful and accurate information about their COVID-19 vaccination status and, if not fully vaccinated, their testing results. Employees who intentionally provide false or misleading information may be subject to discipline, which may include termination.
Supporting Employee Vaccinations
Employees may take up to four hours of paid time off per dose (or eight hours total for a two-dose regimen) to travel to a vaccination site, receive a vaccination, and return to work. Sick leave can be used to cover any additional time. If an employee is vaccinated outside of normal work hours, the employee will not be compensated.
Employees may use available sick leave to recover from any side effects from the COVID-19 vaccination. Employees who have no sick leave will be granted up to two days of additional sick leave immediately following each dose, if necessary.
Testing
Employees who are not fully vaccinated will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test as follows:
- Employees working in a Chamber office at least once a week must be tested for COVID-19 at least once a week.
- All other employees who are not fully vaccinated – e.g., employees who work remotely but plan to visit a Chamber office – must be tested within 72 hours prior to visiting a Chamber office.
The negative test results should be provided to Talent Solutions.
An employee who does not provide documentation of a COVID-19 test result as required by this policy will be denied entry to or removed from the workplace until the employee provides a test result.
Employees who have received a positive COVID-19 test or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 by a licensed healthcare provider are not required to undergo COVID-19 testing for 90 days following the date of their positive test or diagnosis.
Positive COVID-19 Test or Diagnosis
All employees, regardless of vaccination status, must promptly notify Talent Solutions when they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 by a licensed healthcare provider.
Employees who develop COVID-like symptoms, receive a positive COVID-19 test, or are diagnosed with COVID-19 while at work must immediately notify Talent Solutions and their supervisor and leave the office – either go home or seek medical care, as appropriate.
Employees who test positive for COVID-19 or are diagnosed with COVID-19 – whether at work or at home – must not return to work until satisfying one of the following:
- Receipt of a negative result on a COVID-19 PCR or other nucleic acid amplification test following a positive result on a COVID-19 antigen test if the employee chooses to seek a test for confirmatory testing; or
- Meeting the return to work criteria in CDC’s “Isolation Guidance”; or
- Receiving clearance to return to work from a licensed healthcare provider.
Before returning to work, employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are diagnosed with COVID-19 must work with Talent Solutions and provide any requested documentation (e.g., a negative test or doctor’s note).
Face Coverings
Wearing a mask is optional for employees and guests who are fully vaccinated in accordance with the most recent CDC guidance. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask in the office for any reason, please feel free to do so.
In the spirit of our Shared Purpose and to cultivate a safe and supportive environment, please be considerate of each other and demonstrate courtesy and respect for any colleagues who feel more comfortable wearing a mask.
For more information about mask wearing: Your Guide to Masks | CDC.
New Hires
All new employees are required to comply with the vaccination, testing, and mask requirements outlined in this policy as a condition of employment. Potential candidates for employment will be notified of the requirements of this policy prior to the start of employment. New employees must provide proof of vaccination to Talent Solutions prior to their first day in the office or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within seven days prior to their first day in the office.
Confidentiality and Privacy
All medical information collected from individuals, including vaccination information, test results, and any other information obtained as a result of testing, will be treated in accordance with applicable laws and policies on confidentiality and privacy.