Prevention and Awareness in the Workplace

Prevention and Awareness in the Workplace.

Download these tools to help spread awareness
in the workplace about COVID-19 Coronavirus

Three short videos from the CDC to help navigate COVID-19.
Download, share or post on your company's intranet.

Am I at risk for COVID-19?

At the time of publication, The Center for Disease Control (CDC) considers the public health risk for the 2019-nCoV to be a "low risk" for the general public, though that status may change over time. Certain individuals may be at a higher risk of developing acute symptoms if they were to contract the virus, which include the Elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and those currently combating other health conditions that may have weakened their ability to fight of this virus. If you or a loved one believe that you may be in one of those guarded categories it is recommended that you take additional measures to limit your exposure to the community, and to increase your use and effectiveness of preventative best practices.

How to Stop the Spread of Germs

While it sounds intuitive to avoid physical contact with people who are known to be sick, often times the symptoms of viruses like the Novel Coronavirus and the Flu do not present themselves right away. This leads to unintended exposure to contagious individuals who unknowingly spread the disease to other healthy people. Given the longer incubation period of this virus, the only way you can limit your exposure to infected people is to reduce your exposure to people in general. Doing so may sound like a drastic measure, but studies have shown that isolation for even a few days can substantially lower the rate of transmission within communities.

Additionally, being extra mindful about washing your hands properly and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth can reduce the likelihood of acquiring the virus. When in public, avoid coming in contact with commonly touched surfaces where possible. This can include limiting the use of door handles, light switches, hand railings, push bars, public toilets, and other commonly touched devices when possible. If you have no choice but to touch those surface, be sure to thoroughly wash and sanitize your hands as soon as you are able, so that you reduce the chances that you could spread germs to yourself or others. If you have access to personal protective equipment such as gloves or masks, knowing how to properly use them can be critical in maintaining their effectiveness.

How can I help protect myself from COVID-19?

Protecting yourself from the Coronavirus can also mean protecting others that you care about. Engaging in best practices for washing your hands, disinfecting surfaces, and reducing exposure to respiratory illnesses is a good idea even when there is not a pandemic. Before entering the home of your family members who may be at a higher risk of complications from respiratory diseases, it is a good idea to take a moment to properly sanitize your hands and be aware of the items that you bring into their home. This is especially true for people who are visiting friends and family in the hospital or in a nursing facility because it is even more likely for those people to experience the worst of the acute symptoms should they come in contact with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.