ADA

Temperature screening and the ADA: What you need to know

Published Updated 1 Min Read

Bloomberg News

Employers have a lot to consider when going back to work. But, for some employees, considerations are more complicated because of pandemic-related accommodations needed under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

In March, 31% of employees worked from home out of concerns surrounding the coronavirus. In May, this number had risen to 62%, according to Gallup. Now, employers like Google and Business Insider are not expecting a full return to work until next summer. But while this seems like a long way off, now is the time for employers to educate themselves about the ADA regulations regarding a workplace return.

The prior Equal Opportunity Employment Coalition (EEOC) regulations about checking employee temperature addressed the H1N1 virus and the flu, but have been modified to accommodate the current pandemic environment.

Because the CDC, state and local authorities have acknowledged community spread of COVID-19, temperature screening is appropriate for employers, according to updated EEOC guidance.

Maddy Simpson
Reporter

Maddy Simpson is a reporter for Employee Benefit News and Employee Benefit Adviser. Contact her at madeline (dot) simpson (@) arizent (dot) com.


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