Requiring daily temperature checks is deemed an acceptable workplace practice due to the severity of COVID-19.  However, employers must be aware that not all those with a fever have COVID-19 and not all of those with COVID-19 have a fever. Accordingly, in this situation where an employee advises you that an elevated body temperature is a side effect of medication and unrelated to COVID-19, you can request verification of this fact from a treating healthcare provider.

Indeed, this issue can come up in many ways in connection with daily health screenings, which are legally required in some cities and states and recommended in many as well. You should not under any circumstances disclose to co-workers information about another employee’s medical condition. You need to ensure that any medical documentation that you are provided is kept in a secure and confidential file, separate from the employee’s general personnel file.