Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc. continues to monitor developments regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our state and local health departments have regularly updated information available to our community. The CDC and OSHA have both created guidance for businesses to assist in creating workplace strategies.
In February 2020, in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued:
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease, providing recommended workplace strategies for employers and guidance on how to decrease COVID-19 spread, how to respond to outbreaks, and additional resources; and
- Public Health Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak, providing a chronological timeline and summary of the virus, cases reported in the United States, and the agency’s public health response to the illness.
The CDC has also created the following posters for download:
- What you need to know (English, Spanish, Chinese)
- What to do if you are sick (English, Spanish, Chinese)
- Stop the spread of germs (English, Spanish, Chinese)
- Symptoms of coronavirus (English, Spanish)
Additionally, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a COVID-19 website for workers and employers addressing the disease, providing guidance, and other resources for preventing exposure to and infection with the virus. We recommend that employers review the CDC and OSHA websites frequently, as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to develop.
Lastly, we also encourage everyone to follow these few simple steps to maintain good hygiene which will help us to stop the spread of germs in general.
Prevention is the Key
1. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Singing Happy Birthday or the Alphabet is about 20 seconds. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
2. Avoid close contact with people who show flu-like symptoms or who suffer from acute respiratory infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.).
3. Avoid handshakes & hugging/kissing as a greeting.
4. Do not touch your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands.
5. Cover your nose and mouth IN YOUR ARM or with a tissue when coughing. Do not use your hands.
6. Clean surfaces with disinfecting wipes or sprays that are effective against cold & flu viruses. Take a minute to wipe down your desks, etc. on a regular basis.
7. Use a mask only if you think you're sick or if you are assisting a sick person.
8. Do not take antibiotics or antiviral medication unless prescribed by your doctor.
9. Eat a healthy diet, exercise moderately, and sleep well to help boost your immunity.
Consistent hand washing is one of the BEST defenses! Please click here for a CDC video on Handwashing:
