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COVID-19 Return to Work Preparedness PlanContentIntroduction2Returning to work, staffing and office hours2Facility Readiness, Traffic Control and Security4Screening procedures for employees exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-195Handwashing6Respiratory etiquette: Cover your cough or sneeze6Social distancing6Customers and Visitors7Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)7Cleaning, Disinfecting and Decontamination7Use of conference facilities8COVID-19 procedural training8Communication8Cost Tracking 9Conclusion9Equal opportunity employment/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.IntroductionThe Northeast Workforce Development Board (NEWDB), along with our One-Stop Partners, is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, clients and visitors. To ensure the safest environment possible, we have developed the following COVID-19 Return to Work Preparedness Plan in response to the pandemic.Our goal is to minimize the potential for transmission of COVID-19 within the Northeast Workforce Development Area (NEWDA) American Job Centers. This requires the full cooperation of our employees, partners, customers and visitors. Only through this cooperative effort can we establish and maintain the safety of our business and work areas.The COVID-19 Return to Work Preparedness Plan follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, Tulsa Health Department (THD) guidelines, federal OSHA standards related to COVID-19 and aligns with the Governor’s 3-phase “Open Up & Recover Safely (OURS) Plan”.Topics covered by this plan include:Returning to work, Scheduling and Office HoursFacility Readiness, Traffic Control and SecurityScreening and procedures for employees exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-19HandwashingRespiratory EtiquetteSocial DistancingCustomers and VisitorsPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)/CostCleaning, disinfecting and decontamination/CostPublic CommunicationUse of conference roomsCOVID-19 procedural trainingCost TrackingThis is an evolving plan document, which we anticipate will be modified and expanded based on environmental changes related to COVID-19 and developing protocols as we begin to phase in the return of staff, customers and visitors.Returning to Work, Scheduling and Office HoursA multi-phase reopening plan has been developed to ensure a safe and gradual transition from working remotely to working entirely on-site. The phases of this plan, which are subject to change, are as follows:Phase IJune 15, 2020 – June 26, 2020 – The first phase of reopening will be “STAFF ONLY”. Only AJC Partner Staff will be working on-site which will allow staff the opportunity to become acquainted with new social distancing protocols, PPE, cleaning protocols, new customer flow and other changes to the present work environment, as well as provide time to prepare for in person client meetings for Phase II.AJC Staff Leadership will continue to secure appropriate PPE and supplies necessary for safe re-opening and will continue to refine staffing schedules to accommodate new customer flow. AJC Staff Leadership will make sure that COVID-19 related changes and safety signage is posted for clear visibility outside and inside of the building. AJC Leadership will make sure work stations and common areas are modified to accommodate social distancing standards of 6 ft spacing between individuals and tape on the floor to show social distancing in each facility is in place.Screeners and Security will be located at each AJC to screen for COVID-19 symptoms and maintain safety of employees and customers (exception-Claremore AJC).Cleaners will be scheduled for each AJC location throughout the day and deep cleaning/disinfecting will take place after hours.AJC Staff will continue to work with customers virtually and will begin to schedule in- person appointments for Phase II, June 29, 2020.Staff will be given instructions and formal training on how to protect themselves and customers, how to properly clean and sanitize workstations, public use workstations and how to properly wear and dispose of PPE (Attachment A). Phase IIJune 29, 2020 – July 10, 2020 –AJC’s will be open for all employees and customers Monday – Friday, by APPOINTMENT ONLY. All full-time employees, except those with approved leave, are expected to be on-site. The Claremore AJC phase ll includes operations for all full-time Cherokee Nation employees at 60-80% capacity.AJC’s will open to the public by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Appointment spots will be determined as staffing numbers are evaluated for each center. Appointments will be made for individual customer meetings, as well as to use computers in the resource centers.Screeners and Security will be located at each AJC to screen for COVID-19 symptoms and maintain safety of employees and customers (exception-Claremore AJC).Cleaners will be scheduled for each AJC location throughout the day and deep cleaning/disinfecting will take place after hours.Unless new state or local group limits are issued, the AJC Leadership at each location will determine the number of staff and guests permitted on site to ensure safety and adherence to social distancing standards. AJC offices will be open to the public from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Offices will be closed to the public from 8:00 – 9:00 am, and 4:00 – 5:00 pm to allow for cleaning and other preparation. The AJC’s will be closed evenings unless staggered scheduling allows for evening work.Break rooms will remain closed for sit-down use until the social distancing requirement changes. Employees will have access to kitchen equipment.Phase IIIJuly 13, 2020 – Forward – AJC’s will be closed evenings, unless staggered scheduling allows for evening work. 100% on-site work resumes for all Center employees. Employees unable to report for “on-site” work will be expected to have approved leave arrangements in place (personal, sick, vacation), unless sick with COVID-19 or taking care of a family member with COVID- 19. In those cases, please contact your employer Point of Contact for information on leave benefits available through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.AJC offices will be open to the public Monday-Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Offices will be closed to the public from 8:00 – 9:00 am, and 4:00 – 5:00 pm to allow for cleaning and other preparation.Screeners and Security will be located at each AJC to screen for COVID-19 symptoms and maintain safety of employees and customers (exception-Claremore AJC).Cleaners will be scheduled for each AJC location throughout the day and deep cleaning/disinfecting will take place after hours.The AJC’s will be closed evenings unless staggered scheduling allows for evening work.Training areas will be available for limited use to accommodate no more than 10 people or less, depending on the space size and 6 ft social distancing rule. Break rooms will remain closed for sit-down use until the social distancing requirement changes. Employees will have access to kitchen equipment.Facility Readiness, Traffic Control and SecurityNumerous changes are being made to the work environment to ensure that social distancing measures and security can be enforced. Plexiglass or other partitions in customer service areas such as at the Welcome desk and other public-facing reception desks. This will provide a barrier between the employee and customer. Other physical workplace changes, such as increased distance between desks and workstations will be implemented as needed. The use of plexiglass/other barriers will be used when spacing cannot be increased between employee workspaces. Basic infection prevention measures will be in place (Attachment D).Social Distancing decals/signage will be on floors, doors and common areas indicating customer standing/waiting areas. Various signage will be in place providing social distancing reminders, hand washing reminders, and providing visitor instructions for obtaining services. Break areas, lounge areas, and commons spaces will be blocked off to minimize availability of shared spaces. Coffee makers, ice makers, microwaves, refrigerators will still be available for use. Single-use disposable gloves will be available in those areas to use when accessing this shared equipment. Signage will direct customers to call or where to obtain assistance. Walk-in visitors will not be permitted without an appointment during Phase I and II. Numerous additional hand sanitizing stations by pump or dispenser are being installed to encourage frequent hand cleaning. Disposable single-use disposable gloves will be available near copiers, coffee makers, and other shared objects. Sanitizing wipes or cleaning supplies will be available for individual workplace usage. When possible, sanitizing wipes should be used on coffee pot handles, vending machine buttons, shared surfaces that you have touched, etc. following each use. Security will be handled by OESC at each comprehensive and affiliate locations (Bartlesville, Miami and Pryor), with officers posted inside the building.Cleaning and disinfecting will be conducted at each AJC with contracted cleaners in comprehensive and affiliate locations, and staff cleaning will take place in specialized centers (Claremore).The NEWDB will coordinate with partners at each AJC to ensure appropriate health and safety measures for each site, including health screeners and security officers on site at comprehensive and affiliate AJC locations. Screening and procedures for employees exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-19All persons working in or visiting the AJC’s should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Health screeners will be located at comprehensive and affiliate AJC locations to screen employees and guests prior to entering the facility. The following procedures are being implemented to assess your health status prior to entering the workplace and for employees to report when they are sick or experiencing symptoms. On a daily basis, prior to entering the AJC for reporting to work, or before visiting the AJC for a scheduled appointment, you should utilize the COVID Screening Questionnaire as a self-assessment (Attachment B).If you are an AJC partner employee and your answers indicate that you might have COVID-19 or have been possibly exposed to COVID-19, please contact your supervisor. If you are a customer/visitor to the AJC, you will be asked these questions prior to entering the AJC. If your answer indicates that you might have COVID-19 or have been possibly exposed to COVID-19, you will be redirected for virtual services and provided information on where to go for COVID-19 assistance. All AJC employees and customers/visitors will be required to check temperatures daily prior to reporting to work. A reading of 100.4 degrees or higher is considered a fever. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should stay at home: Fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell. If an employee becomes sick or experience symptoms while at work, you should notify your supervisor and leave work.Any employee who tests positive for COVID-19 should contact their employer Point of Contact immediately so that “Workforce Contact Tracing” can be performed in conjunction with the Tulsa Health Department. You will be advised when you can safely return to work (Attachment C). Employees with underlying medical conditions or who have household members with underlying health conditions should contact their employer Point of Contact to determine what accommodations might be available.Handwashing Basic infection prevention measures should be followed at all times. You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water frequently throughout the day, especially prior to mealtimes and after using the restroom. Numerous hand-sanitizer dispensers are available and can be used for hand hygiene in place of soap and water as long as hands are not visibly soiled. Respiratory Etiquette: Cover your cough or sneeze You should cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or a tissue when coughing or sneezing and avoid touching your face, in particular your mouth, nose and eyes, with your hands. You should dispose of tissues in the trash and wash or sanitize your hands immediately afterwards. Respiratory etiquette will be demonstrated on posters and supported by making tissues and trash receptacles available in numerous areas.Social Distancing Social distancing is being implemented throughout all Northeast AJC’s. Employees, customers and visitors should maintain six feet of distance between others. Signage will be located throughout our facilities to serve as reminders to follow social distancing guidelines. All employees will be provided with PPE, to include washable and/or reusable face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, a COVID-19 Questionnaire and symptom reference sheet. (page, 9)Screeners will be on-site to conduct temperature checks, answer COVID-19 related questions and provide masks for those who do not have them.Employees, customers and visitors are prohibited from gathering in confined areas and from using other workers’ personal protective equipment, phones, computer equipment, desks, cubicles, workstations, offices or other personal work tools and equipment. Team meetings should be held from individual offices using your employers preferred method of Video or Telephone Conferencing, versus meeting face-to-face, when possible. In cases where conference rooms are used for meetings, the group size should be 10 or fewer with adequate spacing between attendees.Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)PPE supplies will be provided to each employee. Masks should be used when interacting with customers or visitors, when in shared common spaces, and when 6’ social distancing is otherwise impractical. Single-use disposable gloves are provided near copy machines, computers, coffee makers, microwaves, ice machines and other shared equipment. The use of these disposable gloves will be required when using these items, and should be disposed of immediately after use of these items. Customers and Visitors Signage will direct customers and visitors to call or where to go at the AJC for in-person assistance. Visitors will not be permitted at other locations without an appointment. Signage on entry doors will include the AJC phone number and address. Appointments for building-level access should be coordinated through the Program Point of Contact for the AJC over the welcome area. Visitors will need to be pre-registered through the Safety & Security POC and should sign-in upon arrival and provide contact information. Cleaning, Disinfecting and DecontaminationRegular housekeeping practices have been implemented, including routine deep cleaning and disinfecting of work surfaces, equipment, tools and machinery, and areas in the work environment, including restrooms, vending areas, meeting rooms, and drop-off and pick-up locations. Frequent cleaning and disinfecting by our daytime facilities staff will be conducted in high-touch areas, such as phones, keyboards, touch screens, controls, door handles, railings, copy machines, etc. Daytime restroom cleaning and sanitizing frequency will be increased. Deep cleaning and disinfecting will be conducted by Clean Harbors for five (5) weeks beginning June 16, 2020. Cleaning will be conducted after hours and Clean Harbors will coordinate through AJC management for after hours access. Schedule by location is as follows:Work Center NameNumberMondayThursdayBartlesville(918) 332-48005:00 PM?Claremore918-772-41619:00 PM?Pryor(918) 825-2582?9:00 PMMiami(918) 542-5561?5:00 PMUse of conference facilities All outside group meetings have been canceled through June 30, 2020. This date is subject to change. Feel free to contact the AJC Leadership, Center Manager, OSO or other designated person for more information. Inquiries can be submitted by email to the NEWDB at info@. COVID-19 procedural training We are developing training specific to COVID-19 awareness as well as the workplace changes described in this plan. This training will be made available through AJC Leadership, Center Manager, OSO or other designated person. Inquiries can be submitted by email to the NEWDB at info@. You will need to complete this training prior to returning to your on-site work municationAJC Partners will work together to post COVID-19 signage, new protocols and hours of operation in primary traffic areas by June 1, 2020AJC Partners are encouraged to add COVID-19 signage, new protocols and hours of operation to our website and social media platforms by June 1, 2020.AJC Partners will work cooperatively to communicate the information contained in this plan to community partners and referral sources by June 1, 2020.Any COVID-19 related communication that is not standardized on June 1, will be developed and updated as needed and disseminated to AJC staff, customers and visitors.COVID-19 Cost TrackingAJC Partners are responsible for documenting and tracking COVID-19 related expenses for potential reimbursement. Tracking must include Vendor name, PO or check number, date of purchase, items purchased and the amount of the expense.Table I: Sample COVID Expense TrackingCOVID - 19 Expenses VendorPODateItems purchased AmountSally's Beauty Supply2020-05015/13/20204 boxes medium gloves44.93Walmart 2020-04044/29/20201 - 34oz hand sanitizer, and 500 face mask570.32Miami Industrial Supply2020-05025/18/20203 Boxes gloves each size, S, M, L, XL, total 12 boxes57.67Conclusion We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely with the support of the AJC Partner Leadership, Government Officials and State Health Officials. Know that we will continue to take any and all measures necessary to ensure the well-being of our AJC employees and customers. If you have any questions or concerns about topics covered within this Returning to Work Preparedness Plan, please contact your supervisor or AJC Leadership, Center Manager, OSO or other designated person. Inquiries can be submitted by email to the NEWDB at info@.Equal Opportunity StatementNo individual in the United States may, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or political affiliation or belief, or, for beneficiaries, applicants, and participants only, on the basis of citizenship or participation in any WIOA Title I-financially assisted program or activity, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, subjected to discrimination under, or denied employment in the administration of or in connection with any WIOA Title I-financially assisted program or activity.Attachments:Attachment A: Disinfecting, Cleaning and ProtectionAttachment B: COVID-19 Screening QuestionsAttachment C: What to Do if Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19Attachment D: Steps to Prevent Infection.Attachment ADisinfecting, Cleaning and Protection ProtocolsThe CDC recommends the following when cleaning:Wear disposable gloves?to clean and disinfect.Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant.Cleaning with soap and water?reduces number of germs, dirt and impurities?on the surface.?Disinfecting kills germs?on surfaces.Practice routine cleaning?of frequently touched surfaces.More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use.Surfaces and objects in public places, such as shopping carts and point of sale keypads should be cleaned and disinfected before each use.High touch surfaces include:Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.Filling bottles with hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants To fill dispensing containers, use of protective eye wear, masks and gloves is required. Fill dispensers in an area that has a sink and water to ensure fast and easy clean up in case of spill. Use the appropriate size funnel for the dispenser. Place funnel in the dispenser and carefully fill the dispenser. Wipe the dispenser and main container to remove any spillage. Close the main container and dispenser and place the main container back in its place of storage.In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.FYI – Hand Sanitizer is made of a high percentage of alcohol. This makes Hand Sanitizer flammable. Do not place it near open flame or items that heat up to high temperatures. When using hand sanitizer, continue to rub the product into your hands until dry. Proper Personal Hygiene The most important thing we can do to keep ourselves, our co-workers and our customers safe is to practice proper personal hygiene. Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow not your hands.Wash hands regularly for 20 seconds.Do not touch your face.Do not shake hands, hug or touch as a greeting.If you are ill, stay home.Avoid sharing food items.Handling PaperIf you need to handle paper for a customer faxing, making a copy, etc.), wash hands immediately following the task. Do not touch your face. Clean any surface used during this task as described below.Cloth MaskMasks must be worn by staff who are in public spaces. They will be worn continually to provide protection for customers, coworkers and you. Please see How to put on and take off your mask properly below.How often should I clean cloth face coverings?Wash homemade cloth face masks or coverings after each use, advises infectious disease specialist Dr. Daniel Griffin at Columbia University, NPR reports.“You don’t take this dirty mask off, put it in your purse and then stick it back on your face,” Griffin said, according to the network.“It’s something that once you put on, is potentially either touching your coughs, sneezes or the spray of your speech, or protecting you from the coughs, spray, speech of other people,” he said, NPR reported. “And now it’s dirty. It needs to basically be either discarded or washed.”What’s the best way to clean cloth masks?The CDC says a regular washing machine should do the job. Business Insider suggests drying the load on high heat to be sure you kill any viruses.There are other methods, including putting non-flammable masks in a 158-degree Fahrenheit oven for 30 minutes or suspending them over a pot of boiling water to kill the virus, The Huffington Post reports, but you’re probably better off just washing them.Do I need to use bleach to disinfect face coverings?You don’t need to use bleach if you’re using a washing machine, but you may want a mesh bag to protect the face masks from extra wear.Alternatively, you could disinfect masks for an hour in a bowl with one-part bleach in three to four parts water, then rinse them and hang them in sunlight to dry, the publication adds.When should I stop using a cloth mask?“Visible dirt or damage to it — that’s a good time to throw it away,” said Hilary Lin, an internal medicine physician at PlushCare, The Huffington Post reports. Inspect masks before each use for holes or tears, advises Healthline. If the mask is damaged, throw it away.How do I properly dispose of worn or damaged face coverings?The World Health Organization (WHO) advises disposal of dirty or worn masks immediately into a closed trash receptacle, then wash your hands with soap and water. Read more here: to put on and take off your mask properlyBefore putting on a mask, the Health Department recommends, you should wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Once on, the mask should fit snugly around the nose and mouth. “Avoid touching the mask while using it,” the department says online. “If you do, wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.”Removing a mask should be done from behind, says the department, and don’t touch the front of the mask. And the CDC says to avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes, and wash your hands immediately after removing it.Recommendation: Store the used mask in a plastic bag, and not touching it again until it is cleaned. - Information about using masks and glovesUnderstanding proper use of glovesTo remove your medical gloves, take your non-dominant gloved hand and grab the other glove around the cuff, grabbing it?close to the end. Use a pinching motion to grab it. Make sure to avoid touching your arm or scrubs. I like to leave a little room towards the end of the glove so that I make sure I won’t touch my skin.Next, pull the glove completely off your hand, and carefully wad up the glove?(in a ball shape)?into your non-dominant hand (the hand with the glove still on). Now take your dominant hand (the one you just removed the glove from), and carefully slide your fingers under the back end of the remaining glove. Carefully grab a hold of the inside of the glove as you slide it off and be sure to pull it over the other glove that you have wadded up in your hand.Pay close attention that you do not touch the exterior of the glove. The idea is to flip the gloves inside-out so that you won’t have to touch the contaminated exterior.Now you can carefully dispose of the gloves according to the protocol of your hospital or employer. Be sure to follow-up with good hand cleaning hygiene practices.Cleaning surfaces, keyboards, doors, sneeze guards, etc.All surfaces - keyboards, mice, phones, desks, chairs including arms and backs, sneeze guards and door handles, laminated signs, etc. – will be disinfected each morning upon arrival and after every use. Use is defined as any interaction where a customer is in contact with a surface no matter how long that contact is. Dispose of the wipe or paper towel immediately in the proper waste receptacle and remove gloves as described. To disinfect surfaces, wear protective gloves and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting cleaner in the following manner:For keyboard, mouse and phones - Rub the wipe or paper towel lightly sprayed with disinfectant on the top and sides of each key and then clean the surface and bottom of the keyboard thoroughly. Use a new disinfectant wipe or paper towel to clean the mouse and another new disinfectant wipe or paper towel to clean the phone.For chairs - Wipe the arms, back of chairs and seat including underneath the seat and any handles or levers used to adjust the seating. If disinfecting multiple chairs, use a different wipe or paper towel for each chair.For desks – Wipe the top, sides and bottom of desk surfaces including reception desk. If disinfecting multiple desks, use a different wipe or paper towel for each desk.Sneeze Guards – Wipe the side of the sneeze guard facing the customer after every customer. Wipe the front sides and back every morning.Door Handles – Wipe outer and inner door handles, door frames and any surface by the door handle touched by customers continuously throughout the day.Pens, Clipboards, and other items – Wipe down all office tools used in the course of a customer interaction including pens, clipboards, staplers, and containers holding the items used.Laminated signs – Wipe each morning as you arrive. If touched during the course of customer interaction, wipe down as you would all other items prior to working with new customer.Use of non-contact thermometers All staff will be required to take their temperature when arriving for work. Each staff will take their own temperature and show a second party to verify the temperature is in the normal range. We Will Not be taking temperatures of customers.Gloves and face masks will be worn when taking your temperature. When the measurement is completed, wipe the thermometer with a disinfecting wipes or Disinfectant disinfecting cleaner sprayed on a paper towel and put it back in its original container. A normal temperature is 98.6°F (37°C) but can range from 97.2°F to 99.9°F (36.2°C to 37.7°C). Body temperature varies during the day. It is usually lower in the morning and higher in the evening. Temperatures can vary with activity or exercise. If your temperature is high, keep protective equipment in place and exit the office immediately. Contact your supervisor for instructions. Remaining staff will disinfect all surfaces as described above.Special RemindersThe thermometer is designed to take temperature readings from the center of the forehead. Do not take measurements from other parts of the body. Local skin temperature on the forehead may appear abnormal and provide little reference value if the forehead is covered by hair, fever relief pads, or sweat. Attachment BCOVID Questionnaire (Symptoms) Ask employees reporting to work the following questions: Do you have any of the following? ? Fever Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to notify their supervisor and stay home until they are free of fever (100.4° F [38.0° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), have signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). ? Shortness of breath (not severe) ? Cough ? Chills ? Repeated shaking with chills ? Muscle pain ? Headache ? Sore throat ? New loss of taste or smell Are you ill, or caring for someone who is ill? Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor. If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the two weeks before you felt sick, did you: ? Have contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19? ? Live in or visit a place where COVID-19 is spreading? Attachment CWhat to Do If You Receive a Report of COVID-19 in the WorkplaceCDC recommends 14 days of quarantine?after exposure?based on the time it takes to develop illness if infected. Thus, it is possible that a person?known?to be infected could leave isolation earlier than a person who is quarantined because of the?possibility?they are infected. recommendation will prevent most, but cannot prevent all, instances of secondary spread. The risk of transmission after recovery is likely substantially less than that during illness; recovered persons will not be shedding large amounts of virus by this point, if they are shedding at all. Employers and local public health authorities can choose to apply more stringent criteria for certain persons where a higher threshold to prevent transmission is warranted.For certain populations, a longer timeframe after recovery may be desired to minimize the chance of prolonged shedding of replication-competent virus. Such persons include:healthcare personnel?in close contact with vulnerable persons at high-risk for illness and death if those persons get COVID-19 andpersons who have conditions that might weaken their immune system?which could prolong viral shedding after recovery.Sick workers should stay home or go home if they develop symptoms during the work day. Workers who have?symptoms?(e.g., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) should notify their supervisor and stay home or go home.Sick workers should follow?CDC-recommended steps. Workers should not return to work until they meet all the criteria to?end home isolation, in consultation with healthcare providers.Sick customers should not come into contact with employees and will be provided services remotely as an alternative to direct contact. Sick customers should be responsible to adhere to the CDC recommendations reduce the spread of COVID-19.Employers notified of an employee or customer testing positive for COVID-19 should:Take action immediately in response to an employee or customer who reports a positive test for or a presumption of COVID-19. Employers should be flexible and efficient in order to maintain a safe workplace and allow the focus to be on the work of the company going forward.?Shut down those areas of the workplace identified by the infected employee as areas that he or she used until those areas can be cleaned in accordance with?CDC guidelines. This may include closure of the facility for cleaning and disinfecting for up to 48 hours.Clean and disinfect a sick worker’s workspace and any place they have been within the facility. Wait 24 hours or, if 24 hours is not possible, as long as practical before you clean or disinfect.Clear other employees of the affected areas before cleaning.Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the exposed area, if reasonable given food safety regulations.Collect information about the worker’s contacts among co-workers, up to 2 days prior to symptom onset, to identify other workers who could be considered exposed.If a worker is confirmed infected, inform fellow workers of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The employer should instruct fellow workers about how to proceed based on the?CDC Public Health Recommendations for Community-Related Exposure. This may include quarantine of affected staff for 14 days.Contact the local area Health Department for Contact Tracing requirements. Employees should not return to work until they have been cleared by their physician.For further information, consult CDC’s?Interim Guidance for Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19, ?What to Do If You Are Sick, and?Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility.CDC guidance based on community exposure, for people exposed to people with known or suspected COVID-19 or possible COVID-19Current guidance based on community exposure, for asymptomatic persons exposed to persons with known or suspected COVID-19 or possible COVID-19PersonExposure toRecommended Precautions for the PublicIndividual who has had close contact (< 6 feet)** for ≥15 minutes***Person with COVID-19 who has?symptoms?(in the period from 2 days before symptom onset until they meet criteria for?discontinuing home isolation; can be laboratory-confirmed or a clinically compatible illness)Person who has tested positive for COVID-19 (laboratory confirmed) but has not had any?symptoms?(in the 2 days before the date of specimen collection until they meet criteria for?discontinuing home isolation)Stay home until 14 days after last exposure and maintain social distance (at least 6 feet) from others at all timesSelf-monitor for symptomsCheck temperature twice a dayWatch for fever*, cough, or shortness of breath, or other?symptoms?of COVID-19Avoid contact with?people at higher risk for severe illness?from COVID-19Follow?CDC guidance?if symptoms developAll U.S. residents, other than those with a known risk exposurePossible unrecognized COVID-19 exposures in U.S. communitiesPractice social distancing?and other?personal prevention strategiesBe alert for symptomsWatch for fever*, cough, or shortness of breath, or other?symptoms?of COVID-19Check temperature if symptoms developFollow?CDC guidance?if symptoms develop*For the purpose of this guidance, fever is defined as subjective fever (feeling feverish) or a measured temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Note that fever may be intermittent or may not be present in some people, such as those who are elderly, immunocompromised, or taking certain fever-reducing medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDS]).** Data to inform the definition of close contact are limited. Factors to consider when defining close contact include proximity, the duration of exposure (e.g., longer exposure time likely increases exposure risk), and whether the exposure was to a person with symptoms (e.g., coughing likely increases exposure risk).***Data are insufficient to precisely define the duration of time that constitutes a prolonged exposure. Recommendations vary on the length of time of exposure, but 15 minutes of close exposure can be used as an operational definition. Brief interactions are less likely to result in transmission; however, symptoms and the type of interaction (e.g., did the infected person cough directly into the face of the exposed individual) remain important.Attachment DSteps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sickThe CDC recommends the following to prevent the spread of COVID-19 once exposed. If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.Stay home except to get medical careStay home.?Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.Take care of yourself.?Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.Notify your employer. Employers have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of its workers. Early notification allows employers to take quick action to reduce risk and mitigate exposure to workers and the public.Stay in touch with your doctor.?Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other?emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an?emergency.Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.Keep track of your symptoms.If you have?an emergency warning sign?(including trouble breathing),?get emergency medical care immediately.Separate yourself from other peopleAs much as possible, stay in a specific room?and away from other people and pets in your home. If possible, you should use a separate bathroom. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a cloth face covering.Additional guidance is available for those living in?close quarters?and?shared housing. See?COVID-19 and Animals?if you have questions about pets.Monitor your symptomsSymptoms?of COVID-19 fever, cough, or other symptoms.Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department.?Your local health authorities may give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.When to Seek Emergency Medical AttentionLook for?emergency warning signs*?for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs,?seek emergency medical care?immediatelyTrouble breathingPersistent pain or pressure in the chestNew confusionInability to wake or stay awakeBluish lips or face*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility:?Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.Call ahead before visiting your doctorCall ahead.?Many medical visits for routine care are being postponed or done by phone or telemedicine.If you have a medical appointment that cannot be postponed, call your doctor’s office,?and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.If you are sick wear a cloth covering over your nose and mouthYou should wear a?cloth face covering,?over your nose and mouth?if you must be around other people or animals, including pets (even at home)You don’t need to wear the cloth face covering if you are alone. If you can’t put on a cloth face covering (because of trouble breathing, for example), cover your coughs and sneezes in some other way. Try to stay at least 6 feet away from other people. This will help protect the people around you.Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2 years, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is not able to remove the covering without help.Note:?During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical grade facemasks are reserved for healthcare workers and some first responders. You may need to make a cloth face covering using a scarf or bandana.Cover your coughs and sneezesCover your mouth and nose?with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.Throw away used tissues?in a lined trash can.Immediately wash your hands?with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.Clean your hands oftenWash your hands?often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.Use hand sanitizer?if soap and water are not available. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.Soap and water?are the best option, especially if hands are visibly dirty.Avoid touching?your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.Handwashing TipsAvoid sharing personal household itemsDo not share?dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home.Wash these items thoroughly after using them?with soap and water or put in the dishwasher.Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everydayClean and disinfect?high-touch surfaces in your “sick room” and bathroom; wear disposable gloves. Let someone else clean and disinfect surfaces in common areas, but you should clean your bedroom and bathroom, if possible.If a caregiver or other person needs to clean and disinfect?a sick person’s bedroom or bathroom, they should do so on an as-needed basis. The caregiver/other person should wear a mask and disposable gloves prior to cleaning. They should wait as long as possible after the person who is sick has used the bathroom before coming in to clean and use the bathroom.High-touch surfaces include phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.Clean and disinfect areas that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.Use household cleaners and disinfectants.?Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Many products recommend keeping the surface wet for several minutes to ensure germs are killed. Many also recommend precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.Most EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. A full list of disinfectants can be found?hereexternal plete Disinfection Guidance ................
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