YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Mercy Health has announced changes to its return to work guidelines.

The new guidelines allow for Mercy Health employees that are COVID-19 positive to return to work if they are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Employees are now allowed to return if they feel well enough to fulfill their roles.

Mercy Health says they are experiencing a severe strain on their staff and facilities, leading to the update.

The changes are in line with the CDC's contingency plan that allows COVID positive health care workers to work in the event of severe staffing shortages.

Similar return to work changes have been made in other areas around the world.

The California Department of Public Health issued new guidelines Saturday allowing health care workers who test positive for COVID-19 to return to work if they are asymptomatic.

According to The Hill, France recently announced that some health care workers who test positive for COVID-19 will be allowed to return to work if they have little to no symptoms if staffing shortages are severe.

Mercy Health officials say the updated return-to-work guidelines are optional for those who are comfortable to return and feel they can perform their duties.

Symptomatic employees that feel they cannot return to work should call off and stay home until they are better.

COVID positive employees that are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms are required to wear an N95 mask at all times for a minimum of 10 days from symptom onset and are to stay away from co-workers and patients if they are not wearing a mask.

Positive employees will have to take breaks or meals away from the hospital in cars or other areas.

Mercy Health says COVID positive employees will not work with immunocompromised patients.