In order to help limit the exposure of the novel H1N1 virus this fall, Duke has introduced a temporary policy to help provide continuous pay up to a designated maximum for staff who have exhausted their accrued leave so they are allowed to remain away from work if they become sick with the flu.

Staff who have flu-like symptoms (distinguished by a fever of 100 degrees or more) and have exhausted their accrued time can receive a one-time advancement of wages equivalent to up to 3 days of Sick Leave or Paid Time Off (short-term bank) based on their regular daily work schedule. Advanced time off will be deducted from a staff member's subsequent pay period accrual for Sick Time or PTO (short-term bank) until the balance returns to zero.

The temporary policy will be effective from September 1, 2009, through March 31, 2010. The policy will be reevaluated next spring to determine if it should be extended.

The policy, which includes details regarding eligibility and procedures, as well as a questions-and-answers document are now available on the Human Resources website.

For complete information about guidelines for staff who experience flu-like symptoms and the procedures for returning to work, please visit Duke's "Fight the Flu" website.