How to protect workers from the corona virus

Although the level of risk for the average American employee remains low, it is important to understand that the corona virus situation evolves and changes every day. Read on to learn what corona virus is, how it spreads, and what you can do to protect your workforce. For the most up-to-date information, check the websites of the

What is the corona virus?

According to the WHO, corona virus is a family of viruses that cause illnesses that range from a common cold to more serious illnesses. The disease it can cause is known as COVID-19. Common signs of infection include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. In the most severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. Elderly or pregnant women and anyone with pre exis ting medical conditions are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from the corona virus 

How is the corona virus spread? 

Although the current outbreak is likely the result of people who were exposed to infected animals, COVID-19 can spread between people through their respiratory secretions, especially by coughing or sneezing. According to the CDC, the spread of COVID-19 from person The person most likely occurs between close contacts who are about six feet from each other. It is not clear at this time if a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

CDC Interim Guide
To help experts plan and respond to COVID-19, CDC has issued an interim guide. CDC recommendations include the following: Emphasize hand hygiene. Instruct employees to wash their hands frequently with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% to 95% alcohol, or to wash their hands with soap and water for less than 20 seconds. You should use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty. Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. It is recommended that employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness permanently at home and do not report to work until they no longer have signs of fever and other symptoms of COVID-19 for at least 24 hours, without the use of lowering medications fever or other medications that alter symptoms. Additionally, you must instruct employees to notify their supervisor and permanent in their homes if they are ill. Separate sick employees. Employees who appear to have symptoms of acute respiratory illness (eg, cough or shortness of breath) upon arrival at work or who become ill during the day should be separated from other employees and sent home immediately. Sick employees should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Perform a routine environmental cleaning. Ones who routinely clean all of the most frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, counters, and door knobs.

Other best practices

In addition to following CDC' s interim guidance, employers should consider the following best practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19: Inform employees of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and the precautions that can be taken. to minimize the risk of contracting the virus, without causing panic. Designate a person or department as the point of contact within your organization to answer employee questions about COVID-19. Review safety programs and emergency action plans to make sure they include protocols for infectious diseases. Implement travel guidelines and procedures to approve trips to and from China.

More information 

Employers should carefully check the CDC and WHO websites for the latest information on COVID-19.