Walgreens Boots Alliance has recently changed their attendance policy to allow employees to receive paid sick time if they have a confirmed case of Covid-19.

While this policy does look good for employees, it ignores the reality that the majority of the public including all Walgreens employees can not receive Covid-19 tests in most states due to test shortages, test rationing, or tests only being used for hospitalized patients or hospital staff.  

The policy needs to be amended to allow employees with Covid-19 symptoms without a laboratory confirmed test to also be eligible for Covid-19 sick pay and time off. This is essential for public safety, the safety of the workplace, and for the financial well-being of the employee. Without amendment to the policy it encourages employees with possible covid-19 to continue working therefore spreading this virus further to the public, to their co-workers, and to anyone else they come in contact with.