Ocoee weighing future of COVID-19 callouts as cases spike

OCOEE, Fla. — The city of Ocoee is trying to figure out what to do about COVID-19 callouts.

Ocoee ended the benefits earlier in the year, before the delta variant took hold of the community.

The fire union said they are still at risk, and that the city should allow first responders to call in sick without using personal time.

READ: Orange County mayor declares local state of emergency, urges all to wear masks indoors

However, these callouts are expensive, and there is a question about how long this could go on.

In February, the Ocoee City Council decided they would pick up the tab for employees who had been exposed to COVID-19. That means employees didn’t have to go unpaid or use vacation time.

READ: More time, data needed before making decision on masks this school year, OCPS says

Commissioner made the decision because, up until that point, the Federal Cares Act covered employees’ time off, costing the city about $15,000 a month. That ended on April 30.

The city said they will be meeting with emergency management teams to discuss the issue.

READ: Ocoee firefighter fights city over discipline related to calling in sick during pandemic

Video: Ocoee firefighter concerned over discipline over sick time from COVID concerns A firefighter in Ocoee is concerned over discipline from sick days taken due to COVID-19 concerns. (WFTV)

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