Taking Medical Leave Due to Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a viral disease typically lasting for 2-4 weeks which requires infected individuals to isolate to minimize the potential spread of the illness. According to Dr. Christopher Ohl, professor of infectious diseases at the School of Medicine, monkeypox poses a very low risk to the Wake Forest community at this time.
Faculty and staff who do become infected with monkeypox should isolate immediately at the onset of symptoms. They should also contact Human Resources to discuss medical leave options, just as they would with any other medical event such as recovery from surgery or a sudden injury.
Understanding the Medical Leave Process
If you are experiencing a medical event that requires you to be away from work for more than five days, contact Human Resources by emailing absence@wfu.edu to discuss which of the following options you may be eligible for:
- Short-Term Disability: Paid Time Off (PTO)* is used for the first five days of leave, followed by salary continuation at 60% base pay. PTO must be used to supplement pay while on short-term disability unless the employee has five or fewer days remaining in their PTO bank.
- PTO and Unpaid Leave: Staff who are not eligible for short-term disability but are eligible for PTO will use their PTO during the medical leave. Once PTO has been exhausted, the employee is placed on unpaid leave.
- Unpaid Leave: Staff who are not eligible for short-term disability or PTO would be placed on unpaid leave.
*Staff who use PTO to supplement or continue their pay while on a medical leave may use any PTO available in their PTO bank, including regular PTO hours, the one-time PTO Leave Bank, or the Sick Leave Reserve bank.
Staff who are eligible for PTO but do not have enough available in their PTO bank to supplement short-term disability pay or cover a medical leave may be eligible to receive PTO donations. The donation and receipt of PTO is completely voluntary and kept confidential. View the Voluntary Shared PTO Leave Policy for more information. The Chaplain’s Emergency Fund may also be available to those experiencing a temporary financial hardship due to a medical event.
Once a faculty or staff member has been approved for a medical leave, HR will notify their manager or department chair. It is important to note that the medical reason for the leave will remain confidential. Managers and department chairs should not ask HR or the individual about the nature of their illness.
Questions? Call Human Resources at 336.758.4700 or email absence@wfu.edu.