City officials voted unanimously Monday to extend the sick leave policy for those have been exposed to COVID-19.

The existing policy ran out on Dec. 31, 2020, which granted employees 10 days of paid leave from their job if the need to self-quarantine or isolate after being exposed or testing positive for the coronavirus.

The leave days are in addition to the employee’s regular sick or vacation time.

Nicholasville Human Resources Director Kathy Rhineheimer told the Nicholasville City Commission Monday that some citied extended their orders through the end of March. The commissioners though decided to extend it further.

“I think that timeline is a little short,” Commissioner Patty Teater said, before suggesting running it through the middle of May.

“I think the end of May will be fine,” Nicholasville Mayor Pete Sutherland said.

“I think it’s something we need to do for our employees,” Commissioner Alex Carter said.

According to the order, employees taking COVID leave will have to provide documentation of their diagnosis and isolation, and return to work without restrictions from their medical providers.

If the quarantine exceeds the allotted time, employees would have to use their sick or vacation time.

In other action Monday, the commission approved a $108,427 bid for cameras for the new Nicholasville Police Department and a proclamation making Feb. 15-19 Random Acts of Kindness Week.