COVID-19 Employer Information Session

COVID-19 Epidemic

ANGELA C. DUNN, MD MPH STATE EPIDEMIOLOGIST, UTAH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

COVID-19: -

Coronaviruses are common (including common cold)

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

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Live animal markets act as reservoirs—prolonged contact, 1st case early December 2019

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Incubation 2–14 days

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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

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Prepare occupational health clinics

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Use technology solutions

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Stagger shifts

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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

Testing criteria 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

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Testing for COVID-19 u

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Until they test negative Until test results come back

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

u

Think: u

Mass gathering cancellations

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50% absenteeism

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Supply chain interruptions

Prepare: u

Cross-train employees

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Temp agencies

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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

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

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Perform routine environmental cleaning

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

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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

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Identify the most essential functions required to maintain operation

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Cross-train employees as needed to maintain functionality

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Establish flexible work sites, work hours, or staggered shifts

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

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

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General good public health practice applies: -

Wash hands frequently

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

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Disinfect surface areas when possible

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Stay away from sick people

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

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

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

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

Increase cleaning

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Flexible work and leave policies

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Educate employees

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Prepare for the health of your employees and your business

Common Misconceptions u

u

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This not a natural disaster u

No need to buy water and toilet paper

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Public should prepare for possible isolation/quarantine

The virus is not that scary for most u

Most cases are asymptomatic/mild

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Older adults / medically fragile are at high risk

Not everyone needs to be tested u

No specific treatment

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

Common Questions u

Can the COVID-19 virus live on surfaces?

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What if you have an employee with symptoms?

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

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How can people get tested?

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When will mass gatherings be cancelled?

Thank you Angela C. Dunn, MD MPH 801-538-6226 AngelaDunn@utah.gov Acknowledgements: Nathaniel Lewis, Utah Department of Health Keegan McCaffrey, Utah Department of Health

Online Resources u

Coronavirus.Utah.gov

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CDC Guidance for Businesses and the Workplace https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/specific-groups/guidance-businessresponse.html

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Johns Hopkins case map:

https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdash board/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9 ecf6