Infectious Disease Control Plan - COVID-19 - Flipbook - Page 48
Worksite: ___________________________ Instructor: _________________________ Date/Time: __________
TOPIC M0939: COVID-19
Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), or Novel Coronavirus, is a respiratory illness that
presents with many of the same symptoms as the flu: fever, runny nose, cough, etc. Unlike the common flu,
COVID-19 does not currently have a vaccine (03/17/2020). It recently spread through travel from its origin of
discovery in Wuhan, China to other parts of the world. Its novelty means that the information about the virus is
still limited, but proper hygiene and vigilance can protect employees from contracting the virus.
Symptoms: The symptoms of COVID-19 typically include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some report
non-respiratory symptoms while others have experienced no symptoms. The symptoms can appear as soon as
2 days or as late as 14 days after exposure. At-risk employees are typically older, have a chronic medical
condition and/or are immunocompromised. Cases can range from mild to severe, and, in rare cases, can result
in death. Therefore, it’s important to treat the illness with precaution.
Precautions Against Contraction
At Work and Outside of Work:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; you can substitute hand sanitizer
(containing ≥ 60% alcohol) for soap and water only if they are unavailable.
• Avoid shaking hands or other intimate contact with co-workers. Avoid contact with symptomatic co-workers.
• Avoid contact with surfaces frequently touched.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. Follow the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention’s (CDC’s) complete disinfection guide.
• Avoid large gatherings wherever possible; meetings that can be done remotely should be utilized until
spread of COVID-19 dissipates.
Outside of Work:
• Get plenty of rest to maintain your body’s immune system.
• Eat well-balanced meals and avoid sugar; this will also help to maintain your immune system.
• Avoid smoking or alcohol, which can weaken the immune system.
• Stay home if you’re sick to avoid spreading illness throughout the workplace or elsewhere.
• Wear a face mask if you are sick and you have no underlying condition that prevents this, as the facemask
helps prevent others from exposure; you do not need to wear a face mask if you’re not sick.
• Practice self-quarantine and social distancing, avoiding crowds of 50 or more people and isolating
yourself at home, especially if sick. Seek necessary medical attention but be mindful of exposing others.
Health and Safety Best Practices
• Implement and follow workplace controls, prioritizing engineering such as high-efficiency air filtration.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) where appropriate especially if work requires exposure to
COVID-19-affected people.
• Follow OSHA guidelines such as those set by the General Duty Clause (29 USC 654(a)(1), general
industry PPE (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I), or information about bodily fluids offered in the bloodborne
pathogens regulations (29 CFR 1910.1034).
• Manage resources efficiently and use only as needed. Supplies are limited. Taking more than needed
worsens the situation, as others can’t procure necessary provisions, furthering COVID-19’s spread.
Staying Up to Date: The COVID-19 situation is fluid. It’s important to know where to get the most current
information about it. Your local government websites should have the most current information for your area.
Beyond that, regularly check cdc.gov and osha.gov to find current information and steps to prepare for and
prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Employee Attendance: (Names or signatures of personnel who are attending this meeting)
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These guidelines do not supersede local, state or federal regulations, and must not be construed as a substitute for, or legal interpretation of, any
OSHA regulations.
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