Have questions? We’ve got answers. Union Pacific has received hundreds of COVID-19-related questions on topics such as potential exposure, commuting to work in areas with “shelter in place” orders and child care resources.

Q: What is considered a possible COVID-19 exposure?

A: The CDC states a possible risk for exposure includes living with an individual who tested positive or spending a minimum of 10 minutes or more within 6 feet of an infected individual. Unless meeting the above criteria, the following examples are not considered exposure:

Walking through a public area or being in a building where an individual with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis has been.Attending the same public event, such as a sporting event, concert or large group gathering, that an infected individual also attended.Q: A co-worker was quarantined because a family member has COVID-19; if I worked with him yesterday, should I quarantine?

A: If the co-worker is not symptomatic and is being quarantined, employees who worked with him can continue working unless instructed otherwise by the local health department or UP’s Health and Medical Services Department.

Q: Should my work unit be doing a bio-hazard deep cleaning of facilities and equipment?

A: UP has a cleaning process in place for facilities and equipment, including specialized cleaning procedures for COVID-19 exposures. Nevertheless, employees are encouraged to wipe down frequently used contact surfaces such as tabletops and locomotive armrests.

Q: How do I return to work after quarantine or recovery?

A: An Occupational Health Nurse or Health and Medical Services Department (HMS) representative will complete with you a short questionnaire. If your responses meet criteria, HMS may authorize your return to work. UP’s chief medical officer will have final decision-making authority in all return-to-work decisions.

Q: What if I’m stopped while commuting to work and local authorities do not honor the Union Pacific and Department of Homeland Security Travel Exemption document?

A: Employees should call UP’s Response Management Communications Center (RMCC) at 1-888-UPRRCOP (877-7267). The RMCC will then connect UP’s Police Department with local authorities.

Q: With many schools and daycares closed, does UP offer any child care resources?

A: Available to all employees, the Bright Horizons Care Advantage provides access to the largest self-select online database of caregivers, vetted with basic background checks. One component is Sittercity, a comprehensive online database of babysitters and nannies. UP provides this resource free of charge (unless selecting the ‘Premium’ membership); employees are responsible for arranging for, screening and paying for care. Care Advantage also includes similar resources for eldercare through Years Ahead.

In Omaha, UP’s Child Development Center remains available to nonagreement employees whose children are currently enrolled. Additionally, UP made special arrangements for on-site employees in need of child care services to take advantage of the center, which can accommodate infants and children under age nine. Employee questions and interested families should visit the UP Child Development Center webpage for registration information and call (402) 544-5439.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, UP continues exploring child care resources to support systemwide employees as they work on the front lines moving freight.