With COVID-19 now officially a pandemic, organizations worldwide are taking preemptive action to slow disease progression and protect employees—all the while trying to maintain business operations. Many are modifying office hours or, if possible, instructing employees to work from home. Others are postponing conferences and meetings, and canceling travel plans. And, rightly so. The workplace, with its many people, close quarters, shared documents and equipment, etc., is the perfect breeding ground for coronavirus.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says the virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person, i.e., between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
For that reason, the CDC is recommending the following “common sense” measures for coronavirus prevention:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Hopefully, these simple actions, along with the more aggressive ones that some employers are now taking, will help the U.S. (and the world) in its battle against COVID-19.
