COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVISORY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BUSINESSES DURING REOPENING AND RECONSTITUT

CITY OF VALLEJO COVID-19 Health and Safety Advisory Recommendations For Businesses During Reopening And Reconstitution AND COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Places of Worship and Providers of Religious Services and Cultural Ceremonies Updated: June 19, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction

1

Recommended Steps for Business Reopening

2

Solano County Roadmap to Recovery

3

Guidance for Businesses

4

Restaraunts, Bars & Lounges

11

Banquets & Catered Events

13

Gyms & Hotels

14

Care Facilities

15

Appendix • State Issued Guidelines on Guidance for Places of worship (Issued 5/25/20) • City of Vallejo, Emergency Order, Mandatory face-mask order while in public spaces • Considerations for Aquatic Facilities and Lifeguarding

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The City of Vallejo recognizes the real need for our community to re-open for business. The City recognizes the need for physical and economic health and wants to support its residents and businesses with these recommendations to keep us safe and healthy. City of Vallejo staff will continue to provide on-site and online support to businesses and residents until we resume to full time in-person, regular business hours.

This document contains recommendations which are not necessarily regulatory, unless specifically required by a local, County, State or Federal agency. The City of Vallejo is closely monitoring government policy changes, Center of Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, government mandates, and Public Health directives. The City will continue to adjust as necessary or appropriate to these recommended procedures and work to support businesses and residents during this difficult time.

Please check the City’s website for further updates: https://www.cityofvallejo.net/NCOV City of Vallejo COVID-19 Business Resources: https://www.cityofvallejo.net/cms/One. aspx?portalId=13506&pageId=16552833 Solano County Roadmap to Recovery: Steps to Lifting Order of the Health Officer http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/ph/default. asp Solano County Shelter at Home Order of the County Health https://www.solanocounty.com/news/displaynews. asp?NewsID=2291&TargetID=1

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RECOMMENDED STEPS FOR BUSINESS REOPENING

California Governor Gavin Newsom outlined a detailed business reopening plan for the California economy. The City of Vallejo plans to review State and County directives and apply them locally.

1. As the City receives State direction, we recommend businesses begin the process of determining how to best reduce occupancy, encourage and ensure physical distancing measures are in place and prevent any large gatherings (as defined by the State).

2. Patrons and business occupants must consider the practice of wearing facial coverings or masks and implementing temperature checks where feasible. Wearing a facial mask may be uncomfortable; however, it will allow our economy to reopen faster and may protect us from further spread of the coronavirus.

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3. The City is closely monitoring benchmarks set forth by Federal, State and County governments. Provided those benchmarks are achieved, the City may begin the process of reopening businesses with extensive safety measures in place.

4. The City will continue to closely monitor the data each day and continue to inform our Community. Businesses should remain prepared to incrementally restrict or increase businesses practices, based on COVID-19 updates and data.

5. The City is creating an administrative permit program for restaurants to permit dining outdoors, outdoor waiting areas, and parklet areas. Businesses must receive a permit that requires proof of insurance, proof of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) license if applicable, Proof of Business License, and indemnification of the City if business operations are on City property.

GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES

Businesses should review state guidance and develop their protocols and procedures to reopen safely.

SIGNAGE TO REMIND STAFF AND CUSTOMERS ABOUT PHYSICAL DISTANCING • Practice Physical Distancing (English, Spanish, Tagalog) • CDC Stop the Spread of Germs (English) (Spanish) (Tagalog) (combined languages) ADDITIONAL INDUSTRY GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND HERE: https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/ NEW Personal Care Services (nail salons, tattoo parlors, esthetician services and massage therapy) (can reopen starting June 19, 2020) • State guidance • Local guidance NEW Professional Sports without Live Audience (See state guidance on professional sports) (can reopen starting June 16, 2020) • State guidance • Local guidance NEW Campgrounds, RV Parks and Outdoor Recreation (can reopen starting June 12, 2020) • State guidance • Local guidance NEW Day Camps (can reopen starting June 12, 2020) • State guidance • Local guidance NEW Satellite Wagering Facilities and Racetracks (can reopen starting June 12, 2020)

• State guidance • Local guidance NEW Schools & School-Based Programs (can reopen starting June 12, 2020) • State guidance (interim) Family entertainment centers (can reopen starting June 8, 2020) • State guidance • Local guidance Museums, galleries and zoos (can reopen starting June 8, 2020) • State guidance • Local guidance Gyms and fitness centers (can reopen starting June 8, 2020) • State guidance • Local guidance Hotels, lodging and short-term rentals (can reopen starting June 8, 2020) • State guidance • Local guidance Campgrounds and outdoor recreation (please wait for more info on reopening date) • State guidance • Restaurants, bars and wineries (bars and wineries can reopen starting June 8, 2020) • State guidance • Local guidance • Cal/OSHA checklist for dine-in restaurants • Solano County requirements for dine-in restaurants (Appendix C-1) • Stop the Spread of Germs Sign • Written Plan Entrance Sign

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• Stay Healthy Entrance Sign • CDC Stop the Spread of Germs Sign Hair salons and barbershops • State guidance • Written Plan Entrance Sign • CDC Stop the Spread of Germs Sign • Solano County Requirements for Hair Salons & Barbershops (Appendix C-2) Places of worship • State guidance • Social distancing protocol to be posted at facility’s public entrance Destination retail including shopping malls and swap meets • State guidance • Cal/OSHA checklist for shopping malls and swap meets • Social distancing protocol to be posted at facility’s public entrance Retail stores (in-store shopping) including bookstores, jewelry stores, toy stores, clothing and shoe stores, home and furnishing stores, sporting good stores and florists • State guidance • Cal/OSHA checklist for retail stores • Social distancing protocol to be posted at facility’s public entrance Restaurants (in-dining services) • State guidance • Cal/OSHA checklist for dine-in restaurants • Solano County requirements for dine-in restaurants (Appendix C-1) • Stop the Spread of Germs Sign • Written Plan Entrance Sign • Stay Health Entrance Sign PAGE 4 OF 17 | CITY OF VALLEJO COVID-19 BUSINESS REOPENING

• CDC Stop the Spread of Germs Sign WHAT OTHER BUSINESSES ARE OPEN? Businesses considered in the low risk level can open.

Please complete and post the Social Distancing Protocol at the entrance of the facility | English | Spanish For additional guidance, the state has issued statewide industry guidance for other businesses.

• Healthcare services for routine appointments (e.g. dental services, physical therapy, optometry, acupuncture, chiropractic offices etc.)

• Office workspaces (state guidance) (state checklist) • Manufacturing (state guidance) (state checklist) • Construction (state guidance) (state checklist) • Agriculture and livestock (State guidance) (State checklist) • Auto dealerships (State guidance) (State checklist) • Communications infrastructure (State guidance) (State checklist) • County and city/local parks (except playgrounds, campgrounds and beaches)*

*Some county and local parks may

choose to remain closed as of this time.

• Outdoor recreational activities (including golf, tennis, hiking, and boating) • Select services: car washes, pet grooming, landscape gardening • Outdoor museums, and open gallery spaces and other public spaces with modifications

REMINDERS FOR THE COMMUNITY All community members are still asked to follow the same guidelines of staying home as much as possible, such as wearing a face covering, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and washing hands throughout the day.

For more detailed information from Solano County on the phases of reopening and how it affects your business, visit the following link: https://admin.solanocounty.com:4433/depts/ph/ coronavirus_links/roadmap_to_recovery.asp

The two main obstacles in the achievement of the phases provided in the table on the previous page are the lack of widespread testing and the potential for a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Our State, the medical community and Solano County are focused on ways to vastly enhance testing and we anticipate much progress over the next few months.

If you are unsure about what category your business falls under in the City of Vallejo, please contact Annette Taylor in the Economic Development Department at 707-649-3510 or email her at Annette.taylor@cityofvallejo.net

Local hospitals are encountering challenges and changes in their service. Some have stopped all elective procedures and surgeries and now mainly focus on emergency issues and COVID-19 cases. Emergency room visits are down substantially, and we currently have empty beds - thankfully. Based on recent data provided

by Solano County, the county-wide hospital bed count remains low ensuring the sufficient availability of ventilators.

However, we must keep in mind, now is not the time for complacency. Relaxing of physical distancing practices may lead to larger second wave of COVID-19 infections which would exceed local hospital capacities. The community must understand that if a spike in infections is detected, another closure may become immediately necessary. Businesses must prepare for the potential for a second wave while also working to put safety controls in place to minimize or prevent the likelihood of a resurgence of the virus and the associated negative financial impacts.

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WATER FLUSH PROCEDURES FOR REOPENING

In buildings left vacant during the COVID shelterin-place, bacteria can grow in the pipes’ stagnant water.

To avoid exposure, all pipes should be flushed thoroughly before using the water for drinking and cooking.

To ensure good water quality, the best practice is to use the steps below to flush the water in all faucets that will be used for drinking and/or cooking.

Remember that each drinking water outlet should be flushed individually.

FAUCETS (cold, then hot) 1. First, locate the COLD water faucets on each wing and floor of the building, open the COLD water faucets wide and let the water run for at least 10 minutes.

2. Next, open all COLD kitchen faucets and other COLD faucets that will be used for drinking and cooking and let the COLD water run for at least 5 minutes.

3. After cold water lines have been flushed, then open the HOT water lines and run until they reach their hottest temperature and run for at least 5 more minutes.

Refrigerators with water dispensers. Refrigerators with water-dispensers should be flushed for at least five minutes as well.

Discolored Water. The water left in pipes of an unused facility may become discolored. If

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discolored, follow the steps above but if water remains discolored after the timeframes above, keep all faucets open until water is no longer discolored.

For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-watersystem.html

EMPLOYEE & CUSTOMER PROTECTION MEASURES CUSTOMER PROTECTIONS Physical Distancing Customers should be advised to practice physical distancing by standing at least six feet away from other groups of people not traveling with them while standing in lines or moving around in the businesses. Restaurant tables and other physical layouts will be arranged to ensure appropriate distancing. Employees will be reminded not to touch their faces and to practice physical distancing by standing at least six feet away from other customers and employees whenever possible.

Gathering Size Ensure crowds are limited to not more than 10 persons.

Public Restrooms Shall be cleaned and sanitized at least twice per business day. Doors to public restrooms shall be locked after business hours. Any inoperable toilet sinks or other water appliance shall cause the restroom to be closed until repairs are complete.

Sufficient disinfectant dispensers must be made available and provided for use.

Sneeze Guards Where appropriate, glass or Plexiglas sneeze guards should be installed at payment or pick up counters to protect customers and employees.

Hand Sanitizer Hand sanitizer dispensers (touchless whenever possible) should be placed at customer and employee entrances and contact areas such as driveways, reception areas, checkout counters, restaurant entrances, meeting spaces, elevator landings, pools, salons and exercise areas.

Signage There should be health and hygiene reminders throughout the businesses including the proper way to wear, handle and dispose of masks in English and Spanish.

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EMPLOYEE PROTECTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Continuous Hand Washing Correct hygiene and frequent handwashing with soap is vital to help combat the spread of virus.

All employees should be instructed to wash their hands, or use sanitizer when a sink is not available, every 60 minutes (for 20-seconds) and after any of the following activities: using the restroom, sneezing, touching the face, blowing the nose, cleaning, sweeping, mopping, smoking, eating, drinking, entering and leaving any area where customers are served, going on break and before or after starting a shift per state guidelines.

Gloves Gloves can cross contaminate and do not take the place of handwashing. Gloves should only be used for one activity and in one location. After removing the gloves, hands should be washed per state guidelines.

COVID-19 Employee Training All employees should receive ongoing COVID-19 safety and sanitation protocols training per state guidelines. This training is available from the CDC or the Vallejo Fire Department.

VFD Training Section (707) 648-5129 (During Business Hours).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Appropriate PPE will be worn by all employees based on their role and responsibilities and in adherence to state or local regulations and guidance. Training on how to properly use and dispose of all PPE should be mandatory and is available from the CDC.

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PRODUCT CLEANING

General Business Expectations Businesses are expected to use cleaning products and protocols that meet EPA guidelines and are approved for use and are effective against viruses, bacteria and other airborne and bloodborne pathogens (using appropriate protective equipment).

Public Spaces and Communal Areas The frequency of cleaning and sanitizing should be increased in all public spaces with an emphasis on frequent contact surfaces including, but not limited to, counters, desks, elevators and elevator buttons, door handles, public bathrooms, ATMs, stair handrails, gym equipment, dining surfaces and seating areas.

Air Filter & HVAC Cleaning The frequency of air filter replacement and HVAC system cleaning should be increased in frequency and fresh air exchange maximized.

Linen Control Laundry, including table linens and uniforms should be washed and sanitized per CDC guidelines.

Kitchens and Employee Only Areas The frequency of cleaning and sanitizing should also increase in high traffic employee areas with an emphasis on the employee break rooms, employee entrances, employee restrooms, loading docks, offices, kitchens, security offices, service desks and meeting rooms.

Shared Equipment Shared tools and equipment should be sanitized before, during and after each shift or anytime the equipment is transferred to a new employee.

This includes phones, radios, computers and other communication devices, payment terminals, kitchen implements, engineering and repair tools, safety buttons, folios, clip boards, cleaning equipment, keys, time clocks and all other direct contact items used throughout the business.

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PHYSICAL DISTANCING (GENERAL)

General Business Expectations Throughout the business, it is recommended you meet or exceed state and local health authority guidelines on proper physical distancing of six feet between every person.

Public Lines Any area where the public may gather (in formation) should be clearly marked for appropriate physical distancing. This includes check-in, check-out, lobbies, take-out pick-up lines, coffee shops and casual dining.

Restaurants and Bars. Restaurants and bars should reduce seating capacities to allow for a minimum of six feet between each seated group/ party of guests (in accordance with any State guidance).

Meeting Spaces Meeting and banquet set-up arrangements will allow for physical distancing between guests in all meetings and events based on CDC and State recommendations. Self-serve buffet style food service should be suspended and replaced by alternative service styles.

Retail Spaces Retail business owners and tenants should reduce maximum guest limits to allow for appropriate distancing between customers.

Public Pools Pool seating should be configured to allow for at least six feet of separation between groups of guests. Chairs and tables should be sanitized after each use.

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RESTAURANTS, BARS, & LOUNGES Cleaning and Sanitizing Podiums and associated equipment (such as microphones) Service stations, service carts, beverage stations, counters, handrails and trays Point of Sale terminals (ideally assigned to a single server) Server hygiene Dining tables, bar tops, stools and chairs

Recommended sanitizing schedule To be sanitized once per hour

To be sanitized once per hour

To be sanitized between users and before/after each shift Servers to sanitize hands after each use To be sanitized after each use

Condiments

Use single-use (disposable) containers only or should containers should be washed after use

Menus

Use disposable menus or sanitize menus after each use/ handling

Porous Placemats

Replace with washable linen, or disposable or non-porous materials, and provide a new clean one for each customer

Trays and tray stands Storage containers Food preparation stations Kitchens Food and beverage items

sanitized after each use sanitized before and after use sanitized after use or, at least once per hour deep cleaned and sanitized at least once per day transferred to other employees via contactless methods (leaving on expediting tables, conveyors, etc.)

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Physical Distancing

Guest Considerations

• Hostesses and managers to manage physical distancing at entries, waiting areas and queues (in addition to signage).

• Remove all self-serve condiments and utensils to be made available from cashiers or servers only.

• Recommended to have dining only by appointment/reservation to reduce lines and guests in waiting areas.

• Use only wrapped straws.

• Peak period procedures must be established and implemented when guests are not able to be immediately seated.

• Lounge seating should be arranged to allow for social distancing (6’).

• Tables and booths positioned or vacated to allow for appropriate physical distancing between guests. (Six feet or as otherwise advised by local authorities) • Reduce bar stool count to provide appropriate physical distancing.

• Manage the line flow at deli counters and pickup points to ensure coffee and food pick up areas remain appropriately distanced.

• Pick up orders should be separated from dining areas in order to keep waiting areas distanced.

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• Suspend all tableside cooking until further notice.

• Remove grab and go pre-prepared offerings.

• Suspend all self-serve and buffet style dining until further notice.

• Bar snacks will be served per individual guest and not shared products.

• All food and beverage items to be placed on the table, counter, or other surface instead of being handed directly to a guest.

BANQUETS & CATERED EVENTS

Cleaning and Sanitizing Shared equipment and meeting amenities All linen, including underlays

Recommended sanitizing schedule To be sanitized before and after each use or be single use (disposable) To be replaced after each use

Clean and soiled linens

To be sealed and transported in plastic bags into and out of the meeting rooms

Food and beverage items

transferred to other employees via contactless methods (leaving on expediting tables, conveyors, etc.)

Physical Distancing • Suspend buffet and self-serve style events until further notice.

• Food and beverage items to be individually plated and served.

• Coffee and other break items to be attended and served by a server.

• Flatware to be provided as a roll-up in a napkin.

• Condiments: served in individual or sanitized containers.

• Seating capacities and floor plans to be reviewed on an event-by-event basis to ensure appropriate physical distancing consistent with Vallejo Fire Department, Solano County and CDC guidelines in addition to California State Fire Code requirements.

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HOTELS & GYMS

Cleaning and Sanitizing Carts, trolleys and other equipment

Recommended sanitizing schedule To be sanitized at the start and end of each shift

Guest linens

To be delivered and removed from guest rooms in singleuse sealed bags

Clean housekeeping items

Items must be stored on shelves must be stored in bags and not exposed to the open air when not in use

Physical Distancing • Reduce unnecessary contact with guests while cleaning hotel rooms; guest room attendants will offer to return at an alternate time for occupied rooms.

Guest Considerations

• Specific sanitation consideration will be given to the following guest room areas: -- Desks, phones, counter tops, tables and chairs -- Thermostats -- Cabinetry, pulls and hardware

• • All reusable items to be removed from rooms; critical information to be placed on single use items and/or electronically posted.

-- Doors and doorknobs

• Newspapers and magazines only available upon request.

-- Bathroom fixtures and hardware

• Disposable items discarded after each guest stay.

• Extra pillows and blankets stored in the guest room closets should be removed and available upon guest request.

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-- Bathroom vanities and accessories

-- Windows, mirrors and frames -- Lights and lighting controls -- Closets, hangers and other amenities

CARE FACILITIES

To protect the vulnerable nursing home population, aggressive efforts toward visitor restrictions and implementing sick leave policies for ill health care professionals, and actively checking every person entering a facility for fever and symptoms of illness, continue to be recommended.

-- COLD = housing for COVID negative residents • Ensure that each zone can be adequately staffed by personnel dedicated to one zone (no cross contamination between zones).

Suggested Preventative Measures for Care Facilities AND Assisted Living Facilities

• All (non-resident) personnel within the care facility should always wear a surgical mask (N95 respirator). This is to include nursing staff, support staff, emergency personnel, etc.

• No admittance of unnecessary visitors to any care facility.

Suggested Preventative Measures Specifically for Assisted Living Facilities

• Daily symptom check for all employees:

• Cancel all group activities/outings.

-- Temperature checks, assess for cough, assess for flu-like symptoms.

• Active screening of every person that enters the facility: -- Temperature checks, assess for cough, assess for flu-like symptoms.

• Install barriers to limit unnecessary contact between care providers, as well as between patients.

• Establish a pre-plan to zone off their facility in to HOT, WARM, and COLD zones.

• Consider delivering meals to resident rooms (as opposed to a communal dining area).

• Educate and ensure residents adhere to social distancing guidelines.

• Ensure all residents have access to adequate handwashing and had sanitizing stations.

• Designate a staff member to ensure all residents are contacted daily to ask about potential development of COVID symptoms (this should be done by phone, if possible, to prevent cross contamination).

-- HOT = isolated housing for identified COVID patients -- WARM = quarantined housing for Persons Under Interrogation/Suspected COVID patients

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES CDC Recommendations for Long Term Care Facilities: • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/long-term-care.html • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html • https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2 • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/mass-gatherings-ready-forcovid-%20%2019.html

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APPENDIX

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COVID-19 INDUSTRY GUIDANCE: Places of Worship and Providers of Religious Services and Cultural Ceremonies May 25, 2020 covid19.ca.gov

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OVERVIEW On March 19, 2020, the State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health issued an order requiring most Californians to stay at home to disrupt the spread of COVID-19 among the population.

The impact of COVID-19 on the health of Californians is not yet fully known. Reported illness ranges from very mild (some people have no symptoms) to severe illness that may result in death. Certain groups, including people aged 65 or older and those with serious underlying medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, are at higher risk of hospitalization and serious complications. Transmission is most likely when people are in close contact with an infected person, even if that person does not have any symptoms or has not yet developed symptoms.

Precise information about the number and rates of COVID-19 by industry or occupational groups, including among critical infrastructure workers, is not available at this time. There have been multiple outbreaks in a range of workplaces, indicating that workers are at risk of acquiring or transmitting COVID-19 infection. Examples of these workplaces include places of worship, long-term care facilities, prisons, food production, warehouses, meat processing plants, and grocery stores.

As stay-at-home orders are modified, it is essential that all possible steps be taken to ensure the safety of workers and the public.

Key prevention practices include: ✓ physical distancing to the maximum extent possible, ✓ use of face coverings by employees and volunteers (where respiratory protection is not required) and congregants/visitors, ✓ frequent handwashing and regular cleaning and disinfection, ✓ training employees and volunteers on these and other elements of the COVID-19 prevention plan.

In addition, it will be critical to have in place appropriate processes to identify new cases of illness in workplaces and, when they are identified, to intervene quickly and work with public health authorities to halt the spread of the virus.

PURPOSE This document provides guidance for places of worship and providers of religious services and cultural ceremonies (referred to collectively as “places of worship”) to support a safe, clean environment for employees, interns and trainees, volunteers, scholars, and all other types of workers (referred to collectively as “staff”) as well as congregants, worshippers, visitors, etc. (referred to collectively as “visitors” or “congregants”).

This guidance does not obligate places of worship to resume in-person activity. Further, it is strongly recommended that places of worship continue to facilitate remote services and other related activities for those who are vulnerable to COVID19 including older adults and those with co-morbidities.

Even with adherence to physical distancing, convening in a congregational setting of multiple different households to practice a personal faith carries a relatively higher risk for widespread transmission of the COVID-19 virus, and may result in increased rates of infection, hospitalization, and death, especially among more vulnerable populations. In particular, activities such as singing and group recitation negate the risk-reduction achieved through six feet of physical distancing. *Places of worship must therefore limit attendance to 25% of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower. This limitation will be in effect for the first 21-days of a county public health department’s approval of religious services and cultural ceremonies activities at places of worship within their jurisdictions.

Upon 21-days, the California Department of Public Health, in consultation with county Departments of Public Health, will review and assess the impact of these imposed limits on public health and provide further direction as part of a phased-in restoration of activities in places of worship.

NOTE: This guidance is not intended for food preparation and service, delivery of items to those in need, childcare and daycare services, school and educational activities, in-home caregiving, counseling, office work, and other activities that places and organizations of worship may provide. Organizations that perform these activities must follow applicable guidance on the COVID-19 Resilience Roadmap website.

The guidance is not intended to revoke or repeal any employee rights, either statutory, regulatory or collectively bargained, and is not exhaustive, as it does not include county health orders, nor is it a substitute for any existing safety and health-related regulatory requirements such as those of Cal/OSHA.1 Stay current on changes to public health guidance and state/local orders, as the COVID-19 situation continues. Cal/OSHA has more safety and health guidance on their Cal/OSHA Guidance on Requirements to Protect Workers from Coronavirus webpage. The CDC has additional guidance for community- and faith-based organizations.

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Workplace Specific Plan •

Establish a written, workplace-specific COVID-19 prevention plan at every location, perform a comprehensive risk assessment of all work areas, and designate a person at each workplace to implement the plan.

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Identify contact information for the local health department where the workplace is located for communicating information about COVID-19 outbreaks among staff and congregants/visitors.

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Train and communicate with staff and employee representatives on the plan.

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Regularly evaluate workplaces for compliance with the plan and document and correct deficiencies identified.

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Investigate any COVID-19 illness and determine if any work-related factors could have contributed to risk of infection. Update the plan as needed to prevent further cases.

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Identify close contacts (within six feet for 15 minutes or more) of an infected staff member and take steps to isolate COVID-19 positive staff and close contacts.

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Adhere to the guidelines below. Failure to do so could result in workplace illnesses that may cause operations to be temporarily closed or limited.

Topics for Employee and Volunteer Training •

Information on COVID-19, how to prevent it from spreading, and which underlying health conditions may make individuals more susceptible to contracting the virus.

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Self-screening at home, including temperature and/or symptom checks using CDC guidelines.

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The importance of not coming to work or participating in activities if staff have symptoms of COVID-19 as described by the CDC, such as a frequent cough, fever, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, recent loss of taste or smell, or if they or someone they live with have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

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To seek medical attention if their symptoms become severe, including persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or bluish lips or face.

Updates and further details are available on CDC’s webpage.

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The importance of frequent handwashing with soap and water, including scrubbing with soap for 20 seconds (or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol when staff cannot get to a sink or handwashing station, per CDC guidelines).

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The importance of physical distancing, both at work and off work time (see Physical Distancing section below).

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Proper use of face coverings, including: o Face coverings do not protect the wearer and are not personal protective equipment (PPE). o Face coverings can help protect people near the wearer, but do not replace the need for physical distancing and frequent handwashing. o Face coverings must cover the nose and mouth. o Employees should wash or sanitize hands before and after using or adjusting face coverings. o Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. o Face coverings should be washed after each shift.

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Ensure all types of staff including temporary, contract, and volunteer workers are also properly trained in COVID-19 prevention policies and have necessary PPE. Discuss these responsibilities ahead of time with organizations supplying temporary, contract, and/or volunteer staff.

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Information on employer or government-sponsored leave benefits the employee may be entitled to receive that would make it financially easier to stay at home. See additional information on government programs supporting sick leave and worker’s compensation for COVID19, including employee’s sick leave rights under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and employee’s rights to workers’ compensation benefits and presumption of the work-relatedness of COVID-19 pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order N-62-20.

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Individual Control Measures and Screening •

Provide temperature and/or symptom screenings for all staff at the beginning of their shift. Make sure the temperature/symptom screener avoids close contact with staff to the extent possible. Both screeners and staff should wear face coverings for the screening.

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If requiring self-screening at home, which is an appropriate alternative to providing it at the establishment, ensure that screening was performed prior to the worker and/or volunteer leaving the home for their shift and follows CDC guidelines, as described in the Topics for Employee Training section above.

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Encourage staff and congregants/visitors who are sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or who have family members who are ill, to stay home.

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Employers should provide and ensure workers and volunteers use all required protective equipment, including eye protection and gloves, where necessary.

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Places of worship should consider where disposable gloves use may be helpful to supplement frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer; examples are for staff who are screening others for symptoms or handling commonly touched items. All workers and volunteers should wear gloves when handling items contaminated by body fluids.

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Face coverings are strongly recommended when staff are in the vicinity of others. Workers and volunteers should have face coverings available and wear them when at all facilities, in offices, when making home visits as part of providing services, or in a vehicle during work-related travel with others. Face coverings must not be shared. Places of worship are generally encouraged to provide face coverings but must provide them when required by employer rules or these guidelines.

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Staff, volunteers, etc. should not enter the home or visit someone who as tested positive for, exhibited symptoms of, or has been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19 for an appropriate waiting period as described by CDC guidelines.

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Places of worship must take reasonable measures, including posting signage in strategic and highly-visible locations, to remind congregants/visitors that they should use face coverings and practice physical distancing whenever possible. Babies and children under age two should not wear face coverings, in accordance with CDC guidelines.

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•

Use social media, website, texts, email, newsletters, etc., to communicate the steps being taken to protect congregants/visitors and staff so that they are familiar with the policies (including to stay home if experiencing symptoms or are at increased risk of becoming sick, face coverings, physical distancing, handwashing and/or sanitizing, and cough etiquette), before arriving at the facility. Staff and volunteers are strongly encouraged to remind congregants/visitors of these practices with announcements during services or on welcoming guests.

•

Congregants/visitors should be screened for temperature and/or symptoms upon arrival to places of worship and asked to use hand sanitizer and to wear face coverings.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols •

Perform thorough cleaning of high traffic areas such as lobbies, halls, chapels, meeting rooms, offices, libraries, and study areas and areas of ingress and egress including stairways, stairwells, handrails, and elevator controls. Frequently disinfect commonly used surfaces including doorknobs, toilets, handwashing facilities, pulpits and podiums, donation boxes or plates, altars, and pews and seating areas.

•

Establish frequent cleaning and disinfection of personal work areas such as desks and cubicles and supply the necessary cleaning products.

Provide time for workers to implement cleaning practices during their shift. Cleaning assignments should be assigned during working hours as part of the staff’s job duties.

•

Discourage sharing items used in worship and services (such as prayer books, cushions, prayer rugs, etc.) whenever possible and provide singleuse or digital copies or ask congregants/visitors to bring personal items instead. Avoid sharing work equipment and supplies, such as phones, office equipment, computers, etc., wherever possible. Never share PPE.

•

Where such items must be shared, disinfect between shifts or uses, whichever is more frequent, including the following: shared office equipment (copiers, fax machines, printers, telephones, keyboards, staplers, etc.) and items in shared worship items, etc., with a cleaner appropriate for the surface.

•

Ensure that sanitary facilities stay operational and stocked at all times and provide additional soap, paper towels, and hand sanitizer when needed. Consider more frequently cleaning and disinfecting handwashing facilities that are used more often. Use signage to reinforce handwashing.

7

•

Disinfect microphones and stands, music stands, instruments and other items on pulpits and podiums between each use. Consult equipment manufacturers to determine appropriate disinfection steps, particularly for soft, porous surfaces such as foam mufflers.

•

Consider using disposable seat covers for congregants/visitors, particularly on porous surfaces or where a facility has multiple daily services. Discard and replace seat covers between each use. Provide disposable or washable covers on pillows used as seating on floors and change/wash them after each use.

•

Install hand sanitizer dispensers, touchless whenever possible, at entrances and contact areas such as meeting rooms, lobbies, and elevator landings.

•

When choosing cleaning chemicals, establishments should use products approved for use against COVID-19 on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved list and follow product instructions. Use disinfectants labeled to be effective against emerging viral pathogens, diluted household bleach solutions (5 tablespoons per gallon of water), or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol that are appropriate for the surface. Provide staff training on manufacturer’s directions and Cal/OSHA requirements for safe use. Workers and volunteers using cleaners or disinfectants should wear gloves or other protective equipment as required by the product instructions.

•

Wash religious garments and linens after each service or event, at the highest water setting possible. Ask congregants/visitors to bring their own storage bags for personal garments and shoes. Staff, congregants, and visitors should wear gloves when handling others’ dirty linens, shoes, etc.

•

Discontinue passing offering plates and similar items that move between people. Use alternative giving options such as secure drop boxes that do not require opening/closing and can be cleaned and disinfected.

Consider implementing digital systems that allow congregants/visitors to make touch-free offerings.

•

Mark walking paths between spaces designated for congregants/visitors to sit/kneel so that people do not walk where someone may touch their head to the floor.

•

During meetings and services, introduce fresh outside air, for example by opening doors/windows (weather permitting) and operating ventilation systems.

•

Consider installing portable high-efficiency air cleaners, upgrading the building’s air filters to the highest efficiency possible, and making other 8

modifications to increase the quantity of outside air and ventilation in worship areas, offices, and other spaces.

Physical Distancing Guidelines •

Places of worship should continue to provide services through alternative methods (such as via internet live and/or recorded streaming, telephone, drive-in, etc.) whenever possible.

•

Consider holding in-person meetings and providing in-person services outside whenever possible.

•

Implement measures to ensure physical distancing of at least six feet between workers, staff, congregants/visitors, etc. This can include use of physical partitions or visual cues (e.g., floor or pew markings or signs to indicate where people should sit and stand). Reconfigure seating and standing areas to maintain physical distancing of six feet or more between congregants/visitors from different households. Consider limiting seating to alternate rows. Members of the same household may be seated together but should maintain at least six feet of distance from other households.

•

Consider dedicating staff to help people maintain distances during activities.

•

Shorten services to limit the length of time congregants/visitors spend at facilities whenever possible. This could include limiting speeches, asking congregants/visitors to put on garments at home before arrival, etc.

•

Close places of worship for visitation outside of scheduled services, meetings, etc., whenever possible.

•

Consider implementing a reservation system to limit the number of congregants/visitors attending facilities at a time. This can include the use of digital platforms or other types of tools.

•

Encourage congregants/visitors to meet with the same group, particularly when services meet frequently and/or require a certain number of people to be present. This can reduce the spread of transmission by minimizing the number of different individuals who come into close contact with each other.

•

Consider offering additional meeting times (per day or per week) so that fewer guests attend meetings and services at one time. Clean meeting areas between each use as described in this guidance.

9

•

Discontinue large gatherings that encourage congregants/visitors to travel and break physical distances during activities, such as concerts, large holiday and life event celebrations and remembrances.

•

Children should remain in the care of those in their household unit and not interact with children of other parties at any time while visiting facilities.

Close play areas and discontinue activities and services for children where physical distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained.

•

Encourage congregants/visitors to physically distance themselves from others outside their household, avoid touching surfaces, and to leave the facility if they do not feel well.

•

Consider limiting touching for religious and/or cultural purposes, such as holding hands, to members of the same household.

•

Dedicate staff to direct guests to meeting rooms upon entry to places of worship rather than congregating in lobbies or common areas. Consider using ushers to help people find places to sit and stand that are at least six feet apart from other guests/household groups. Ask congregants/visitors to arrive and leave in a single group to minimize crossflow of people. Welcome and dismiss congregants/visitors from altars, podiums, meeting rooms, etc. in an orderly way to maintain physical distancing and minimize crossflow of traffic, to the extent possible.

•

Prop or hold doors open during peak periods when congregants/visitors are entering and exiting facilities, if possible and in accordance with security and safety protocols.

•

Close or restrict common areas, such as break rooms, kitchenettes, foyers, etc. where people are likely to congregate and interact. Consider installing barriers or increase physical distance between tables/seating when there is continued use of these areas.

•

Turn off public drinking water fountains and place signs informing congregants/visitors they are inoperable.

•

Remove from service or find low-community touch alternatives for communal/religious water containers such as fonts, sinks, and vessels.

Empty and change water between uses. Where there is a possibility of contaminant splash, staff, congregants, visitors, etc., are strongly encouraged to use equipment to protect the eyes, nose, and mouth using a combination of face coverings, protective glasses, and/or face shields. Reusable protective equipment such as shields and glasses should be properly disinfected between uses.

•

When washing is a required activity, modify practices whenever possible to limit splashing and the need to clean and disinfect washing facilities.

10

Encourage necessary washing to be performed at home prior to entering a facility, if possible.

•

Reconfigure podiums and speaker areas, office spaces, meeting rooms, conference rooms, etc., to allow for at least six feet between people.

Face coverings are strongly recommended at all times for congregants/visitors and staff, especially when physical distance of at least six feet is not possible.

•

Establish directional hallways and passageways for foot traffic, if possible, and designate separate routes for entry and exit into meeting rooms, offices, etc., to help maintain physical distancing and lessen the instances of people closely passing each other.

•

Limit the number of individuals riding in an elevator and ensure the use of face coverings. Post signage regarding these policies.

•

Utilize practices, when feasible and necessary, to limit the number of staff and congregants/visitors in office, meeting spaces, etc., at one time. This may include scheduling (e.g. staggering start/end times), establishing alternating days for onsite reporting, returning to places of worship in phases, or continued use of telework when feasible.

•

Consider offering workers and volunteers who request modified duties options that minimize their contact with congregants/visitors and other staff (e.g., office duties rather than working as an usher or managing administrative needs through telework).

•

Stagger staff breaks, in compliance with wage and hour regulations, to maintain physical distancing protocols.

•

Discontinue nonessential travel and encourage distance meetings via phone and internet.

•

Close self-service item selection such as pamphlet displays and bookshelves and provide these items to congregants/visitors individually as necessary. Consider delivering items and information electronically.

•

Consider limiting the number of people that use the restroom at one time to allow for physical distancing.

•

Discourage staff, congregants, visitors, etc., from engaging in handshakes, hugs, and similar greetings that break physical distance.

Take reasonable measures to remind people to wave or use other greetings.

•

Reconfigure parking lots to limit congregation points and ensure proper separation (e.g., closing every other space). If performing drive-in 11

services, ensure vehicle windows and doors are closed if six feet of distance is not possible between vehicles.

•

Continue to support non-in person attendance of services and other related activities by those who are vulnerable to COVID19 including older adults and those with co-morbidities.

Considerations for Places of Worship •

Discontinue offering self-service food and beverages. Do not hold potlucks or similar family-style eating and drinking events that increase the risk of cross contamination. If food and beverages must be served, provide items in single-serve, disposable containers whenever possible.

Employees or volunteers serving food should wash hands frequently and wear disposable gloves and face coverings.

•

Strongly consider discontinuing singing, group recitation, and other practices and performances where there is increased likelihood for transmission from contaminated exhaled droplets. Modify practices such as limiting the number people reciting or singing, ensuring physical distancing greater than six feet between people, or opt to celebrate these practices outside with physical distancing, etc., if these practices cannot be discontinued.

•

Consider modifying practices that are specific to particular faith traditions that might encourage the spread of COVID-19. Examples are discontinuing kissing of ritual objects, allowing rites to be performed by fewer people, avoiding the use of a common cup, offering communion in the hand instead of on the tongue, providing pre-packed communion items on chairs prior to service, etc., in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Considerations for Funerals •

Consider reduced visitor capacity and stagger visitation times at funerals, wakes, etc., if possible. Follow all cleaning and disinfection measures as described in this guidance. Whenever possible, remind visitors to maintain physical distance from each other, from staff and volunteers, and from the deceased.

•

Consider modifying religious or cultural practices when washing or shrouding bodies of those who have died from COVID-19, in accordance with guidance from CDPH and the CDC. If washing the body or shrouding are important religious or cultural practices, work with funeral home staff and families to reduce exposure as much as possible. All people 12

participating in these activities must wear disposable gloves and if there will be splashing of fluids, people must use additional protective equipment including protection for the eyes, nose, and mouth, such as face shields. •

Consult and comply with local guidance regarding limits on gathering sizes, travel, holding funerals for those who died from COVID-19, etc.

•

Consider other recommendations and modifications of services related to places of worship outlined above, as applicable for funeral services.

1Additional

requirements must be considered for vulnerable populations. Places of worship must comply with all Cal/OSHA standards and be prepared to adhere to its guidance as well as guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Additionally, places of worship must be prepared to alter their operations as those guidelines change.

13

EMERGENCY ORDER NO. 20-006

AN ORDER OF THE DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF VALLEJO REQUIRING THE MANDATORY WEARING OF FACE MASKS IN ENCLOSED PUBLIC SPACES

WHEREAS, COVID-19, commonly known as the novel Coronavirus, has spread throughout the United States and sometimes causes severe illness and death; and WHEREAS, the President of the United States has declared a national emergency as a result of the Coronavirus; and WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of California has declared a state

emergency as a result of the Coronavirus; and

WHEREAS, the County of Solano has declared a county-wide emergency as a result of the Coronavirus; and

WHEREAS, the City of Vallejo has declared a City-wide emergency as a result of the Coronavirus on March 16, 2020, by Resolution No. 20-026; and WHEREAS, residents of the state and the City of Vallejo ("City") have been dramatically impacted by COVID-19 and federal, state and local government responses thereto; and

WHEREAS, the novel Coronavirus is highly contagious and poses a threat to the well-being of every person; and

WHEREAS, the County of Solano has not issued any orders requiring the wearing of face masks; and

WHEREAS, it has been shown that the wearing of face masks by individuals is highly effective in limiting the spread of the novel Coronavirus; and WHEREAS, the City has an important governmental interest in protecting the health and welfare of its citizens; and

WHEREAS, requiring the wearing of face masks in enclosed public spaces will provide additional protections to the citizens of Vallejo; and

WHEREAS, Section 2.50.070(D)(1) of the City of Vallejo Municipal Code empowers the Director of Emergency Services to make and issue rules and regulations on matters reasonably related to the protection of life and property as affected by any emergency proclaimed by the Director of Emergency Services or by the City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED as follows:

1. Each person over the age of five years old shall wear a mask or cloth face covering which covers both the mouth and nose ("Face Mask") at all times when in an enclosed space open to members of the public including, but not limited to, any government building, police station, marina, or fire station; a business open to the public of any kind including, but not limited to, grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, laundromats, dry cleaners, hardware stores, commercial office buildings, tobacco stores; a restaurant, bar or pub of any kind; any medical facility of any kind including, but not limited to, hospitals, clinics, urgent care facilities, long term care facilities, and senior care facilities; and a church, mosque, temple or other religious building.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, patrons of restaurants, bars and pubs may remove their Face Masks while eating dinner and/or drinking beverages. In addition, those who are inside a building and occupying an individual office may remove their masks while alone in their office but shall wear Face Masks when anyone enters their office or when they leave their office.

2. No person shall be required to wear a Face Mask when outdoors unless it is not possible to maintain a distance of six feet from every other person. In the event that a person cannot maintain the aforesaid six feet outdoors, then that person shall be required to wear a Face Mask.

3. In residential buildings consisting of at least two dwelling units ("Residential Buildings"), any person entering without limitation, any lobby, hallway, elevator, stairwell, laundry room, garage or any other enclosed areas which are accessible to more than one dwelling, unit shall wear a Face Mask while in those areas.

4. This Emergency Order shall only apply to persons over the age of five years old. It shall not apply to anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance, anyone with a disability or medical condition for whom wearing a Face Mask is not recommended by their healthcare professional, and/or any other person exempted by any federal, state or local law or regulation.

5. This Emergency Order shall take effect at midnight on the day executed by the Director of Emergency Services.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this order shall remain in full force and effect until

the City Council determines that the Emergency proclaimed by the City on March 16, 2020, is over.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this order shall be presented to the City Council for ratification at the earliest possible time.

DATED: May 26, 2020

By:

/

Greg [whofMEJ^ector of Emeraenc/Services Approved as to Form:

Dated: May 26, 2020

May 21, 2020

CONSIDERATIONS FOR AQUATICS FACILITIES AND LIFEGUARDING The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised questions among aquatic facilities, lifeguards and instructors about the operation of aquatic facilities, education of lifeguards and lifeguarding rescues and resuscitation, and delivery of American Red Cross courses. This document provides guidance to Red Cross instructors, aquatic facility operators, and students. In addition, lifeguarding students may have questions about alterations to rescues and resuscitation during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The recommendations in this document are based on the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Aquatic facility operators and lifeguards should be aware that state and local officials may put in place orders that would further affect operations.

1. When is it safe for our aquatic facility to re-open?

Many municipalities are beginning to allow the reopening of businesses and public spaces, with large regional variability in terms of timelines and policies. The federal government released the “Opening Up America Again” guidelines, which outline a phased approach to reopening municipalities. This framework is then adapted by state and local authorities.

These guidelines in combination with state and local authority’s orders should be reviewed by facility leadership to determine if the region in which their facility functions has met the guidelines criteria for beginning reopening and if their facilities can open while meeting restrictions in place. If the decision is made to begin reopening, the primary factor which will guide the facility’s timeline and policies is the physical space available to allow for proper distancing. This topic is covered in more detail throughout this document. A secondary factor will be understanding the steps and modifications lifeguards will need to make and whether those can be implemented.

2. What are the general aquatic-related COVID transmission risks?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 is spread person to person via the water in environments such as pools or spas. The primary spread in these envir onments would be by close proximity of individuals, which is often encountered during recreation or exercise activities. Additionally, close quarters such as facility classrooms, locker rooms, and other common spaces are potential environments for increased risk of disease transmission.

There is also risk of transmission for lifeguards during rescues and removals from the water where the guard may be in close proximity to the victim. Lastly, while not the primary method of transmission, there is the possibility of transmission via surfaces at the facilities.

3. In planning to open what policies and procedures should be in place?

As a facility plans to reopen it is vital to have the proper policies and procedures in place that address operations, emergencies, staff, and patrons. These should include at a minimum as appropriate: ▪

Policies and procedures for social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment at work.

▪

Policies and procedures for sanitizing and disinfecting common and high-traffic areas.

▪

Policies and procedures related to symptom screening, such as temperature checks and questionnaires.

▪

Policies and procedures for addressing a sick staff member or patron including approaches to closing, cleaning and notification of local public health.

▪

Policies and procedures to assign specific staff to monitoring social distancing and wearing face coverings and prohibition of lifeguards who are watching bathers from participation in these activities which can be distracting.

▪

Policies and procedures related to testing for COVID-19.

▪

Policies and procedures for responding should an employee develop symptoms of, or test positive for, COVID-19 while at work, such as procedures for isolating the ill employee, performing contact tracing and deep cleaning the workplace and requirements that must be met for the employee to return to work.

▪

Policies and procedures related to business travel.

▪

Policies and procedures related to sick leave.

▪

Policies and procedures related to teleworking.

4. Upon reopening, what social distancing and other measures should be applied to changing areas, pool deck areas, and swimming areas?

Once the decision is made to reopen as allowed by state and local authorities, modifications of operations, facility changes and installation and signage will need to be planned and implemented. The plans for social distancing, occupancy limits, group size limitations and additional actions should consider state and local orders and guidance.

▪

Lifeguards who are actively lifeguarding should not be expected to monitor handwashing, use of face coverings or social distancing. This responsibility shoul d be assigned to another staff member.

▪

Current recommendations for proper distancing should be taken into consideration to determine capacities for the facility, locker-rooms, classrooms, offices, food service areas (as allowed to be opened) and pools and spas.

▪

All appropriate measures should be taken to allow for proper distancing throughout a facility. This also includes instructions for bathers to keep separated and for no contact between bathers.

▪

Additionally, deck organization of chairs and social areas should be reconfigured to adhere to these recommended distances.

▪

Provide physical cues or guides (for example, lane lines in the water or chairs and tables on the deck) and visual cues (for example, tape or decals on the decks, floors, or sidewalks) and signs to ensure that staff, patrons, and swimmers stay at least 6 feet apart, especially for all areas where lines may form, such as entrances to facility and locker rooms.

▪

Staggering use of communal spaces and water areas may provide an additional method to maintain social distancing and limit group sizes and overall occupancy.

▪

Sufficient facilities for hand hygiene need to be provided. Supplies should include soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol (for staff and older children who can safely use hand sanitizer), paper towels, tissues, and no-touch trash cans.

▪

Facilities should ensure that there are hand sanitizer stations throughout the facility to supplement hand washing areas and locations where hand washing is not immediately available, including but not limited to: o

Facility entrance

o

Exiting the water

o

Areas for food service

o

Entrance to classrooms, meeting rooms, staff break areas, locker rooms and changing facilities.

▪

Processes and directions to patrons should be established to avoid sharing of objects to include: o

Discouraging people from sharing items that are difficult to clean, sanitize, or disinfect or that are meant to come in contact with the face (for example, goggles, nose clips, and snorkels).

o

Ensuring adequate equipment for patrons and swimmers for the day or limiting use of equipment by one group of users at a time to allow sufficient time for cleaning and disinfecting between use.

o

Place signage throughout the facility to address at a minimum the followin g: ▪

At entry to facility screening criteria and questions

▪

Cloth face covering requirements

▪

Encourage hand hygiene and covering your cough and sneeze

▪

Social distancing requirements including bather separation and no contact between bathers

▪

Modification of normal procedures and activities •

Limitations on bathers

•

Changes in swim lanes

•

Alterations in exits and entrances to facilities, rooms, food service areas and facility

•

Closure of areas

The CDC has templates which can be used to help create facility signage.

5. Upon reopening, which activities should be allowed and what precautions should be taken for each?

Resuming facility activities should be dependent upon the facility’s ability to properly adhere to state and local orders and good practices which include but are not limited to adjusting the numbers of patrons, distancing patrons for each activity, and adaptation of operational approaches. Some examples include:

▪

If lap swimming occurs at the facility, reconfiguration of lane usage may be necessary based on lane width and proximity.

▪

If organized aquatic exercise courses occur at the facility, the number of participants should be determined by the available exercise area to allow for proper distancing.

▪

Swim lessons and swim practice may be conducted only if the available space and skill of the swimmers allow for proper distancing between instructors and participants.

▪

Activities such as water polo, which necessitate close proximity of participants, should not commence upon re-opening.

6. What precautions should be put in place for people at higher risk of serious disease?

Facilities should consider process to provide protections for patrons at higher risk of serious disease which can include: ▪

Specific times reserved for those at risk of more serious disease (i.e., early morning hours, prior to arrival of other patrons with a lesser risk of serious disease)

▪

Segregated areas and classes for those at risk of more serious disease

7. What screening measures should be utilized for patrons and staff entering the facility?

Staff should be asked to self-screen each day prior to coming to the facility and if they have any symptoms or a temperature above 100.4 should not come to work and only return upon meeting facility return to work guidance. Facilities may wish to consider also asking patrons who are scheduled (i.e. attending a class) to self-screen.

Facilities should screen all patrons and staff upon entering. Screening questions should ask if the person has had any of the following over the past 24 hours, and if a ny of these are present the staff or patron should be excluded from entry: ▪

Temperature is or has been greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius)

▪

Coughing

▪

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

▪

Chills

▪

Repeated shaking with chills

▪

Muscle pain

▪

Headache

▪

Sore throat

▪

New loss of taste or smell

▪

Close contact with person with any of the above symptoms or known COVID-19

Temperature checks at a facility entrance may be considered based on local/regional guidelines/regulations and available resources. If the decision is made to perform temperature checks, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn by screening staff and cleaning of thermometers after each patron screening should adhere to CDC guidelines.

8. What personal protective measures should be utilized by patrons and staff within the facility?

As recommended by CDC, the wearing of cloth face coverings by all patrons and staff at the facility is considered good practice. Mandating cloth face coverings for all patrons should follow local regulations and practices. All staff should be mandated to wear cloth face coverings while at facilities. The general use of N95 masks during normal business operations is unnecessary. It should be recognized that visitors will need to lower masks when entering the water and when eating and drinking. Staff will also need to lower their masks for eating and drinking and any water activities including rescues.

Staff should wear disposable gloves when fulfilling duties requiring close contact with patrons and their personal belongings, such as cash payments, checking identification, and using shared writing utensils. Efforts should be taken by facilities to minimize these interactions using contact-free payments, patron-swiping of entrance cards and discontinuation of sign in systems where not absolutely necessary. After removal of gloves staff should perform hand hygiene.

Staff should wear appropriate PPE when cleaning surfaces, collecting shared-use items such as pool equipment, fitness equipment, towels, and chairs. Shared-use systems for equipment, chairs, and towels should be minimized or discontinued if possible.

9. Are there any COVID-specific changes which should be made to pool/hot-tub cleaning and maintenance operations?

During this time of unknowns, scientists feel that free chlorine and bromine as primary disinfectants are adequate to deactivate SARS-CoV-2 at acceptable levels. Using chlorine at the ideal levels of free chlorine from 2 ppm to 4 ppm with a maximum of 10 ppm would be recommended. This would help ensure that all areas of circulating water in the swimming pool or spa are disinfected. Using bromine at the ideal levels of 4 ppm to 6 ppm with a maximum of 8 ppm would also be recommended. Cyanuric acid should not be used in spas or therapy pools at any time. If cyanuric acid is used in an outdoor swimming pool, the ideal range is 30 to 50 ppm and the chlorine levels should be maintained at the higher end of ideal.

Testing of the disinfectant level and pH should be done on a frequent basis and in as many different areas around the pool/spa water to ensure adequate distribution of disinfectants.

The ideal pH range would be from 7.4 to 7.6 for proper disinfection rates.

10.What cleaning methods should be used for facilities?

Facilities should refer to the Environmental Protection Agency website List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2. Refer to your Certified Pool Operator to ensure that the disinfectants are safe for use in contact with chlorinated pool water and consulting with the company or engineer that designed the aquatic venue to decide which are appropriate for the all areas of the facility. When using these agents follow manufacturer recommended PPE and processes.

Facilities should put in place procedures for cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at least daily and shared objects each time they are used. These include but are not limited to: ▪

Handrails, slides, and structures for climbing or playing

▪

Lounge chairs, tabletops, pool noodles, and kickboards

▪

Door handles and surfaces of restrooms, handwashing stations, diaper -changing stations, and showers

Procedures should also be established for: ▪

Systems so that furniture (for example, lounge chairs) that needs to be cleaned and disinfected is kept separate from already cleaned and disinfected furniture.

▪

Labeling containers for used equipment that has not yet been cleaned and disinfected and containers for cleaned and disinfected equipment .

▪

Laundering towels and clothing according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water temperature and dry items completely.

▪

Protecting shared furniture, equipment, towels, and clothing that has been cleaned and disinfected from becoming contaminated before use.

▪

Ensuring safe and correct use and storage of disinfectants, including storing products securely away from children.

11. What practices should be employed to improve the safety of lifeguards during inservice training?

Facilities should optimize distance learning and limit class sizes as per local guidelines.

Classroom settings should maintain proper social distancing of at least 6 feet. Additionally, current COVID-19 specific recertification updates should be reviewed to determine the need for courses and to determine which type of courses (live vs virtual) will suffice.

All participants should be pre-screened upon arrival and use cloth face coverings when out of the water. Each participant should have their own cloth face covering.

Each instructor and student should have their own manikin, educational equipment and disposable equipment. All manikins and shared instruction materials should be decontaminated between use. For manikin cleaning and disinfection follow manufacturer’s guidelines. In addition, the Red Cross provides general guidance on manikin decontamination.

When social distancing requirements are in place based on state and local orders, only training which allows for this distance and without contact between students an d instructors can be conducted. If social distancing requirements are relaxed for this type of training, efforts should still be in place to minimize close proximity and contact of students and

instructors to those activities which cannot be performed without this close contact. Contact rescues and team-based CPR training can still be conducted with all of the above caveats.

The Red Cross has developed social distancing guidance for resuscitation education and “Interim Virtual Skills Training� for portions of its Lifeguarding courses. Facilities with access to instructor updates should review this material when planning and implementing courses.

12. What personal protective measures should be employed by lifeguards responding to medical emergencies?

With entrance screening, all patrons and staff can be at a lower risk for having active COVID infection, with the caveat that there is a chance for asymptomatic carriers. With this knowledge, if a patron or staff member presents for medical care, a distance of 6 feet should be maintained between the provider and patron, if feasible, for initial history taking for non emergent conditions and for where no care may be needed. The patron should be wearing a face covering if they are in the facility. If they are not wearing a face covering, they should be asked to put their face covering on or provided one if the condition permits. Screening for COVID-19 symptoms should be included in the history.

If it is necessary to make direct contact with a patron or staff member for a medical emergency, the number of providers should be kept to the minimum required to provide proper care. PPE should be chosen based on the person’s condition.

For care provided to patrons or staff who have developed symptoms concer ning for COVID19, or who, based on information obtained are possible COVID-19 patients, in addition to the above precautions, providers should wear a simple face mask, eye protection gloves and gown. If aerosol generating procedures (i.e. suctioning, intubation, etc.) are anticipated, then providers should wear an N-95 mask. It is important to emphasize to providers that care should not commence on persons suspected of being infected with COVID-19 until all proper PPE is donned. For persons with possible or confirmed COVID-19 who are in cardiac arrest, one can consider immediate defibrillation, before donning PPE or donning additional PPE in situations where the provider assesses that benefits may exceed the risks.

13. What adaptations should be employed by lifeguards performing rescues?

For aquatic rescues, every effort should be made to minimize direct contact and face -to-face interactions with patients and to allow lifeguards to continue wearing a face covering. It is recognized that when lifeguards enter the water face coverings will need to be removed.

When facilities open, they need to recognize that there may be situations in which lifeguards will need to perform in-water rescues that will require removal of their face coverings.

Maneuvers to reach the person while remaining on the deck, by way of extending or throwing a rescue device, should be prioritized if conditions permit. For rescues requiring entry into the water by the lifeguard, the use of equipment to distance the rescuer from victi m should be employed if feasible.

If direct contact is necessary based on the person’s condition, employing a rear approach and rescue to return the person to the deck is ideal, to minimize rescuer exposure to the person’s face without protection.

For removal from the water, if possible, this should be performed by personnel on the deck who are wearing face coverings or PPE as indicated.

Facilities incorporating in-water resuscitation (IWR) (providing positive pressure ventilations in the water) should consider temporarily discontinuing this practice on the basis that it requires the use of mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-mask ventilations without the degree of protection that would be recommended during the current public health emergency. Filters for pocket masks will vary greatly and may either not function in water or are a simple one -way valve that has not been tested for protection against COVID-19 transmission. Modifying rescue protocols to rapidly extricate the patient to the deck and initiate ventilations with a bag-valve-mask (BVM) and in-line HEPA filter is currently the best practice to ensure rescuer and staff safety. When applying BVM ventilations, emphasis should be given to maintaining a two-handed mask seal throughout ventilations and compressions.

14. What adaptations to resuscitation should be made?

There are currently no specific data on COVID-19 transmission in the setting of cardiac resuscitation. Based on studies of other disease transmission, it is reasonable to conclude that chest compressions and cardiopulmonary resuscitation have the potential to generate aerosols.

While there would be a risk of disease transmission when performing CPR on a person with COVID-19, compression-only CPR may be associated with a decreased risk of transmitting the virus compared to CPR with rescue breathing. In addition, placing a cloth face covering over the victim’s face can further reduce the risk of virus transmission during CPR.

For all drowning victims and pediatric patients, the benefit of positive pressure ventilations in addition to compressions should not be overlooked. Adequate PPE and resuscitation equipment to safely perform CPR with ventilations must be available prior to facilities opening.

CPR with ventilations has been shown to have a benefit compared with compression -only CPR for adults with a non-hypoxic cardiac arrest. However, due to the risk of virus transmission during intubation and ventilation, consideration should be made in facility procedures for performing compression-only CPR until needed PPE is available, with a face covering on the victim.

As feasible, limit personnel in the resuscitation area to only essential personnel.

Ventilations should be performed using a BVM with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration in the exhalation path per manufacturer recommendations as feasible. BVM ventilation provides distancing of the provider’s face from the victim’s face, providing the best protection from transmission. While ventilations using a pocket mask with a one -way valve does provide protection compared with mouth to mouth ventilations, it puts the provider in close contact with the victim and does not facilitate the use of a HEPA filter. BVM ventilation is best delivered with two rescuers, but in the absence of sufficient rescuers a BVM can be used by one provider.