Coronavirus: Training & Prevention

Corornavirus…you hear it in the news and everyone is talking about it but what do we really know?

 

1. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
2. Although research for a cure is ongoing, to date, there is no known vaccine to treat the virus.
3. It is spreading quickly with no boundaries among countries.

 

Our fear of the unknown has lead to panic throughout the world and especially here in the US.  Many employers have already seen an increase in employee issues and there are only 164 known cases nationwide. Which is why we are determined to help you keep your workforce calm, cool and collected.

 

But how do you KEEP CALM in the midst of a global outbreak? 

 

Training:  Organizations taking a proactive training approach to the outbreak will continue to see a path of productivity.  Without it…businesses will see employees call in sick, a possible rise in turnover and ultimately a decline in sales and revenues.

 

So how do you train on this topic? Research shows that effective training’s should be easy to understand, less than 9 minutes and be available online for viewing at the employees convenience.  Which makes ej4 our top pick.  This e-learning management solution has just released an all new training series on coronavirus precautions and prevention, and planning for a pandemic that undeniably hits the mark.

 

How do I get this training?  We’ve secured a course outline along with a free trial for you, just click here.

 

In the interim, we’ve also created, with the help of TSG-HR Help Desk, a quick down and dirty list of myths, truths and what proactive steps you can take in case of an outbreak within your workforce.  We’ve outlined them here:

Known Myths:

• You must disinfect packages from China and affected areas before opening – False
• A mask will prevent you from getting the virus – False
• There is a vaccine and it is ready to be dispensed – False
• Children and the elderly are the ones primarily affected by the virus – False
• Getting the virus is an immediate death sentence – False
• Only washing hands will prevent being infected – False
• This virus will go away after the normal flu season has ended – Reports indicate this is not likely

 

Known Truths:

• Those with preexisting conditions or compromised immune systems will be impacted harder by this virus – True
• The virus is in the US and will be active in every state – True
• The business sectors most likely to be affected by the virus are healthcare, those with regular contact with the public, and the service industry – True
• Major cities and communities with transitory communities will be affected the hardest – True

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure: They appear as…

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

To protect yourself and your employees: Encourage all employees to

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when sick.
• Cover any cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday

 

What else can I do for my team?

• Provide hand sanitizer/tissue at each public gathering area and workstation. Have an ample supply of personal hand sanitizer for those to carry with them
• Prevent unnecessary travel. Use technology-based platforms, such as video web chats or conference calls to conduct business
• Allow those that are not mission critical to work, if possible, from home.

 

What if a team member does get sick or thinks they are getting sick? 

 Have them stay home except to get medical care and review the following guidelines:

• People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
• People:As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Animals:You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor
• If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed. If team member does not have access to healthcare, the nearest Urgent care facility will help them at little to no cost.
• Avoid sharing personal household items
• Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
• Monitor your symptoms
• Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
• If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.
• Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

Of course if we can help in any way, please reach out here.

For more detailed information please refer to the CDC link below.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html