In light of the Coronavirus – before allowing applicants to come in for an interview, would it be a violation of any laws so ask the following –
- Have you traveled to the following countries in the last 14 days: China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Japan
- Do you live with someone who has been to any of those countries in the last 14 days
- Do you personally feel sick or have you have been exposed or living with someone who is sick- with flu like or respiratory symptoms?
Rita Risser Chai Replies:
For initial interviews, rather than asking any of these questions, we recommend doing interviews by phone, Skype, Zoom or other remote meeting service. When it gets down to the final candidates, you could send them an email that reflects your company policy, which should be along these lines:
“Our company policy prohibits anyone to come to the premises who has traveled to or lives with someone who has traveled to a WHO-defined Level 3 country or area in the last 14 days. At the time of this email, Level 3 countries and areas are: ____. We also prohibit anyone to come to the premises who currently has or lives with someone who currently has, flu-like or respiratory symptoms. If you meet one of these criteria, please let us know and we will conduct the interview remotely.”
This policy should be consistently enforced among current employees, clients, visitors, vendors and others who come to your premises.
You should also decide how to greet people when they do arrive for interviews. Hand shakes are not recommended. Some people suggest elbow bumps, but those same people recommend sneezing in the elbow! We suggest holding up your hand while saying hi.
Posted 03-09-2020
Information here is correct at the time it is posted. Case decisions cited here may be reversed. Please do not rely on this information without consulting an attorney first.