New CDC guidance could spike absenteeism.

Coronavirus guidance published by the CDC last month could trigger a fresh wave of absences by employees who must self-quarantine.

Previously, the CDC said "close contact" meant being within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 or more continuous minutes. Now it defines close contact as being "within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (individual exposures added together over a 24-hour period)."

This isn't just limited to exposures within your workplace. It also applies to employees' activities outside work and to their kids who come in "close contact" with infected people at school. This loosened definition will result in more people meeting the close contact definition and, therefore, having to quarantine for 14 days after an...