COVAL Leave

county seal

A message from:
Board of Supervisors
Susan S. Muranishi, County Administrator

June 12, 2020

We again extend our deep appreciation for your continued commitment to public service and to our communities during the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency. Please know that your dedication and hard work are changing the lives of so many in our communities and helping our County remain resilient in the face of unprecedented health and economic challenges.

As you may recall, on March 17, 2020, the Board of Supervisors took unprecedented steps to help address the impact of employee absences related to COVID-19. The directive from the Board was for employees to remain in paid status, notwithstanding the impacts of the Health Officer’s "Shelter In Place" Order and school closures. Those employees who were not able to work due to health, school closures, severe family concerns, or who chose to shelter in place for other reasons, remained in paid status from March 17 through April 7, 2020.

At the same time, to promote equity among employees who were paid while not working and sheltering in place, and those who worked during the period between March 17, 2020 through April 7, 2020, the Board awarded COVAL leave to those who worked. The Board authorized the COVAL leave earned to be granted at a future date.

This confirms that for those employees who accrued COVAL leave during the period noted above, the COVAL hours can be used for leave dated June 14, 2020 or later. Use of COVAL leave must be requested and approved in advance in accordance with your Agency/Department procedures for taking scheduled time off as well as any applicable MOU leave use requirements.

The Board of Supervisors and County executive leadership team extend our deepest gratitude to our valued employees for your commitment to serving our communities and helping save lives.