Important information regarding COVID-19

 

On March 11, 2020, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was designated a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

While efforts continue to better understand the pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states:

·         Close contact

Spread from person-to-person most likely occurs during close (within 6 feet) contact with an infected person.

·         Respiratory

Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via droplets of respiratory secretions produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets are believed to enter the mouths and noses of people nearby, and can be inhaled into the nose and lungs.

·         No symptoms

There is evidence of transmission risk from infected persons without symptoms or before the onset of recognized symptoms.

·         Touching

Transmission can also occur by touching contaminated surfaces or objects contaminated, followed by touching the mouth, nose, or possibly eyes.

 

Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19

People with COVID-19 can experience mild to severe respiratory illness. Those with the following symptoms or combinations of symptoms listed below may have COVID-19:

·         Fever or chills

·         Cough

·         Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

·         Fatigue

·         Muscle or body aches

·         Headache

·         New loss of taste or smell

·         Sore throat

·         Congestion or runny nose

·         Nausea or vomiting

·         Diarrhea

 

The emergency warning signs and symptoms of COVID-19 below may suggest that you need urgent medical attention:

·         Trouble breathing

·         Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

·         New confusion

·         Inability to wake or stay awake

·         Bluish lips or face

 

Please note: These lists are not all-inclusive. Consult your healthcare provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

 

What should I do if I think I have been exposed to or infected with COVID-19?

Isolate yourself and alert your healthcare provider immediately if you think you may be infected with COVID-19. If you are experiencing symptoms, tell your healthcare provider about any suspected exposures you may have had.

If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 on the job, alert your supervisor or occupational health clinic immediately.

 

Control and Prevention

Regardless of specific exposure risks, the following good hand hygiene practices can help you stay healthy year round. 

·         Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and running water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands that are visibly soiled.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

·         Practice good respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.

·         Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·         Stay home if sick.

·         Recognize personal risk factors. According to the CDC, certain people, including older adults and those with underlying conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19.

 

Environmental Cleaning and Decontamination

Early information from the CDC, the National Institutes of Health, and other study partners suggests that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can survive on certain types of surfaces, such as plastic and stainless steel, for 2-3 days.

Practice routine cleaning, such as wiping down surfaces after being touched, and other housekeeping using EPA-registered disinfectants with label claims of effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2.

Workers who conduct cleaning tasks must be protected from exposure to hazardous chemicals used in these tasks.

Do not use compressed air or water sprays to clean potentially contaminated surfaces, as these techniques may aerosolize infectious material. More information about protecting environmental services workers is included in the worker-specific section, below.

 

Wearing a mask

By wearing a surgical mask, a person will help to limit the spread of their potentially infectious respiratory secretions. The surgical mask acts to contain potentially infectious respiratory secretions at the source (i.e., the person's nose and mouth).

 

Your employer will continue to monitor public health communications about COVID-19 recommendations and ensure that you have access to the most recent information.