Maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is a key step for operational success. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the practices below as vital for the prevention of infectious diseases:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and OSHA have offered guidance and information for employers, businesses, schools and communities in the links below:
There are still many unknown facts regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), including the time between the onset of exposure and period of infectiousness. This means the transmission of the infection may have taken place before a person tests positive and/or has demonstrated symptoms. The CDC reports that the time between exposure and symptoms occurring can be as soon as five days or as long as 14 days. This has prompted countries to implement quarantines or periods of isolation to try and mitigate the spread of the disease.
Currently, there is no vaccine or specific pharmaceutical treatment for the infection. From the limited data available, it appears older adults and people that have underlying medical conditions such as compromised immune systems may be at greater risk for more severe outcomes.
Basic hygiene practices can reduce the risk of not only contracting coronavirus (COVID-19), but also contracting other infections such as the common cold and influenza. As always, a safe and healthy workplace is key to business continuity.