COVID-19 Employer Information Session

COVID 19 Epidemic

STATE EPIDEMIOLOGIST, UTAH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

COVID-19:

- Coronaviruses are common (including common cold)

- This is new because it is a previously unseen virus, likely from an animal and mutated enough to enter a human host

- Live animal markets act as reservoirs—prolonged contact, 1st case early December 2019 - Incubation 2–14 days

- Symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath à pneumonia, bronchitis

The COVID-19 virus is spread by droplets (likely).

How are we going to stop the spread?

u Prevention

u Identification

u Isolation / Quarantine

u Contact Tracing

Prevention

u Frequent cleaning

u Prepare occupational health clinics

u Use technology solutions

u Stagger shifts

u Cancel work-related travel to affected areas

Level 3: China, Korea, Iran, Italy

Level 2: Japan

Identify employees at risk for COVID-19

Risk = Exposure + Symptoms

1. Fever OR respiratory symptoms AND close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19

2. Fever AND respiratory symptoms AND travel to Level 3 or 2 country

3. Severe respiratory illness (e.g., no pneumonia) with no other explanation

Who will be isolated?

u + COVID-19

u Until they test negative

u Testing for COVID-19

u Until test results come back

u Close contacts of a person with COVID-19 u 14 days from last exposure

You can help employees adhere to isolation.

u Flexible work policies

u Evaluate leave polices

u Protect privacy

u Provide support

You should prepare.

u Think:

u Mass gathering cancellations

u 50% absenteeism

u Supply chain interruptions

u Prepare:

u Cross-train employees u Temp agencies u Technology solutions

Day-to-Day Guidance for Businesses

- Sick employees should stay home and not return until 24 hours without fever, signs of a fever, and any other symptoms—publicize these guidelines with posters

- Encourage, normalize, and facilitate frequent handwashing or hand sanitization (60–95% alcohol) practices

- Perform routine environmental cleaning

- Do not require a medical provider note for absences; flexibility is paramount

- Employees with a sick family member should conduct a selfassessment of their potential exposure and notify their manager if necessary

Planning for Businesses

- Closures of schools and childcare may result in absenteeism

- Identify the most essential functions required to maintain operation

- Cross-train employees as needed to maintain functionality

- Establish flexible work sites, work hours, or staggered shifts

- Establish communications processes (e.g., timing and distribution system for COVID-19 updates)

- Work closely with your local health department since protocols may be geographically specific

- General good public health practice applies:

- Wash hands frequently

- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands haven’t been washed

- Disinfect surface areas when possible

- Stay away from sick people

- Don’t go to areas with large groups of people (e.g., work, school) if you are sick

- People who are well don’t need to wear a face mask

- Quit shaking hands (fistbumps, elbow/foot taps encouraged)

Employer’s can help stop the spread of COVID-19.

u Increase cleaning

u Flexible work and leave policies

u Educate employees

u Prepare for the health of your employees and your business

Common Misconceptions

u This not a natural disaster

u No need to buy water and toilet paper

u Public should prepare for possible isolation/quarantine

u The virus is not that scary for most

u Most cases are asymptomatic/mild

u Older adults / medically fragile are at high risk

u Not everyone needs to be tested

u No specific treatment

u All people with respiratory symptoms should isolate themselves from others while ill

Common Questions

u Can the COVID-19 virus live on surfaces?

u What if you have an employee with symptoms?

u What will happen if an employee is asked to isolate at home?

u How can people get tested?

u When will mass gatherings be cancelled?

u Coronavirus.Utah.gov

u CDC Guidance for Businesses and the Workplace

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/specific-groups/guidance-businessresponse.html

u Johns Hopkins case map: https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdash

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