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COVID Absences: 2024-25

The DOE issued Personnel Memorandum No. 3, 2024-25 regarding COVID-related absences for this school year, which took effect on Nov. 1, 2024. While most policies remain the same, including the number of excused absence days, as of Nov. 1, DOE employees no longer receive paid release time to receive COVID vaccine or booster doses. Individuals who have side effects from a vaccine dose which cause them to be absent must use their own CAR days as of Nov. 1. 

Policies in Personnel Memorandum No. 1, 2023-24were in effect prior to Nov. 1.  

See our FAQ below and relevant DOE documents regarding COVID-related absences for the 2024-25 school year: 

DOE memorandums


If I test positive for COVID-19, how many days will I be paid without having to use my own sick days this school year?

If you test positive for COVID-19, you will receive five paid days of excused absences without having to use CAR days. If you are still sick after five days, you may continue to be paid for up to two weeks, but you may be asked for medical documentation of any ongoing symptoms that prevent you from working. COVID-19 excused leave at full pay is cumulative and may not exceed a total of two calendar weeks (10 workdays) over the school year.

If I have symptoms of COVID-19 but have not tested positive, must I use CAR days if I am absent?

You may take an excused absence at full pay while symptoms persist, but must also provide documentation that you have symptoms of COVID-19 and are seeking diagnosis with a COVID-19 test within three days after you exhibited symptoms. You must use your own sick time for any time taken after you receive a negative test result or if you do not seek COVID-19 testing.

Do I still have to isolate at home for five days if I test positive?

The CDC updated its guidance on COVID-19 on March 1, 2024 to eliminate the requirement that people who test positive for COVID-19 isolate at home for five days before returning to work or school. However, UFT members may still use COVID days if they test positive for COVID, even though DOE employees no longer are required to isolate for five days.

What type of documentation am I required to submit for a COVID-related absence?

DOE employees must be able to provide documentation, if requested, to support their request for an excused absence due to COVID-19. In addition to a positive COVID test result, additional documentation could be from a health care provider and/or governmental order, as applicable. Extended absences may be subject to further medical review by DOE.

What types of COVID-19 tests are accepted by the DOE?

Acceptable forms of COVID-19 tests include: a NAAT or molecular test, such as PCR; or, a lab-based antigen test; or, an at-home FDA-authorized antigen diagnostic "rapid" test.

If a member has COVID-19 and needs hospital care, how long will they continue to be paid?

If you are hospitalized or in a rehabilitation facility due to a COVID-19 illness, you will be paid in full during such care and will continue to receive excused leave at full pay until 10 working days after you have been released to convalesce at home.

Will I be paid if I am required to care for a family member who has tested positive for COVID-19?

Members can use CAR days or sick days over the existing limit of three such days per year if they must care for a family member who is home and has a documented COVID-19 illness, or to care for their child whose school or place of care has been closed for reasons related to COVID-19. Use of CAR or sick time in this case must not exceed more than 12 weeks total per school year. 

I have tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time this school year. How much total excused leave time at full pay can I use before I need to use my CAR days?

Members receive a total of two weeks (10 workdays) of paid excused leave for COVID-related absences without charges to your CAR bank throughout the school year. After you have used up the maximum amount of two weeks, any additional time needed will be charged to your CAR balance. 

Would I be eligible for an excused leave at full pay if I test positive again for COVID-19 within three months?

Individuals who test positive within three months after recovering from your first COVID-19 infection will not receive COVID-excused leave during that three-month period unless you are exhibiting new COVID-19 symptoms.

Will staff get time off to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or a booster? 

As of Nov. 1, 2024, staff will not receive paid release time to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose. 

If I have side effects after taking a COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose and feel sick, am I entitled to paid time off?

As of Nov. 1, 2024, staff will not receive paid time off for vaccine or booster side effects and must use their own CAR days if side effects cause them to be absent. 

Do part-time employees qualify for excused leave due to COVID-19? 

Part-time employees may receive excused leave for absences due to COVID-19 equal to either the total number of hours that they are expected to work in a two-week period, or the average number of hours they have worked in a two-week period for the last six months preceding their leave.

Will masks continue to be optional for all students and staff?

Masking will be optional for students and staff at all grade levels. Masking is strongly encouraged for anyone recently exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 for a period of 10 days from the date of exposure and for those returning to school during days 6-10 after testing positive.

Will there be a requirement for visitors to school buildings to show proof of vaccination?

Visitors to school DOE school buildings are no longer required to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccine before entry.

How can I improve ventilation in my classroom to help minimize the spread of COVID-19?

In each classroom, it is advisable to keep two to four top windows open with an opening of approximately three inches each. Ensure that your radiator is clear of items on top and directly in front of it so your room can be heated effectively. Schools that have a modern HVAC system and/or a supply air system (blowers) do not need to rely on their windows for ventilation. In these schools, ensure that you are not blocking any vents and radiators.

Are COVID-19 tests covered by city/DOE insurance plans?

COVID-19 tests administered at medical facilities are covered but may be subject to co-payments or deductibles, depending on your plan. After the federal COVID-19 health emergency order expired last May, insurance plans no longer cover self-administered rapid tests. COVID-19 tests at city-run facilities remain free of charge. Learn more or make an appointment. 

Do my COVID-19 rapid tests expire on the date listed on the package? Will results be valid if I use them after the deadline?

In many cases, the FDA has extended the expiration dates beyond the deadlines listed on rapid test packages. An extended expiration date means the manufacturer provided data showing that the shelf-life is longer than was known when the test was first authorized. For more information about how the expiration date is determined and why it may be extended, see the FDA's FAQ. You can also go to the FDA website to see if the expiration date for your brand of rapid test has been extended.