COVID-19 AND WORKPLACE HEALTH SAFETY

Since we have all heard so many varying media reports regarding the Coronavirus
(or COVID-19), we wanted to take a moment to outline FACTS you should know, and how it relates to workplace safety.

THE TOP 15 FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW:

1. The Coronavirus is not a new virus; however, the COVID-19 strain of the virus is new.
    
2. The virus presents itself as a respiratory disease, and symptoms occur 2-14 days AFTER exposure.
    
3. Symptoms (present ranging from mild to severe) to watch for include:
   -  Fever
   -  Cough
   -  Shortness of Breath
    
4. Facemasks are unnecessary unless you are the person with the virus.  A facemask will NOT help you if you have not been infected or if you are well.
    
5. COVID-19 has a 2% fatality rate.
    
6. COVID-19, at the time of this article, was detected in 60 international locations, and the numbers are climbing.
    
7. The spread of this virus is community-based, and an infected person often has been infected prior to showing any symptoms.
    
8. The elderly and those with underlying health conditions like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, among others, are at a greater risk.
    
9. The current risk level in the United States is LOW, according to the CDC.
    
10. At this time, there is no available vaccine to protect against COVID-19 and no medications are approved to treat it.
     
11. As of February 2nd, 2020, all travel from foreign nationals who visited China in the past 14 days has been suspended.
     
12. As of February 29th, 2020, all travel from foreign nationals who visited Iran in the past 14 days has been suspended.
     
13. People who test positive for COVID-19 with mild symptoms can isolate themselves at home to prevent the spread.
     
14. The CDC still recommends getting a flu vaccine to stop the spread of additional illnesses.
     
15. This situation will likely become worse, so it is up to everyone to do their part in controlling the spread of this and other viruses.

WORKPLACE SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Exercise caution.  If you feel unwell and present a fever, isolate yourself at home.
   
• Ramp up housekeeping measures and practices to be proactive:
  
  -  Clean and disinfect surfaces daily and/or routinely utilizing disinfectant
     cleaners which combat the Coronavirus.
  
  -  Clean “high touch” surfaces, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs,     
      bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and bedside 
      tables.
  
  -  Clean any surfaces that may have blood, body fluids, and/or secretions
      or excretions on them.
  
  -  Follow cleaning product guidelines and recommendations.
  
  -  Wash laundry thoroughly, using the warmest temperatures
      recommended on the clothing label.

• Limit congestive public settings as much as possible.
   
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
   
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
   
• Stay home when you are sick.
   
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
   
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60% to 95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. 
   
• Monitor your own health for signs and symptoms and call your provider before going to a hospital or clinic to describe your symptoms and let them know that you may have come in contact with someone with COVID-19.

SUMMARY:
The purpose of this document is to inspire and guide employers to exercising proactive practices in maintaining a safe and healthful workplace which minimizes risk of exposure to viruses such as the Coronavirus to employees. 

Safety Resources, Inc. and its employees are not licensed medical care providers; therefore, this material shall only be referenced as guidance and not as fact. If there is valid concern in the workplace, professional medical assistance shall be sought. 

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