The COVID-19 outbreak, which started in China has now spread to over 60 other countries around the world, the United States included. The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee officially declared the spread of the virus as a “public health emergency of international concern” on January 30, 2020. The good news is that there are ways to protect yourself. First, lets start by understanding it.
SOURCE AND SPREAD
The Coronaviruses consist of multiple viruses that have been detected in both people and animals. The spread, however, is rarely likely to spread from animal to human. The latest discovery of the virus family is named SARS-CoV-2 which is a betacoronavirus originating in bats. According to the CDC, the spread of such a virus is likely a “single, recent emergence of this virus from an animal reservoir.”
PREVENTION
Unfortunately, there is still no vaccine available to prevent the virus. The CDC has recommended a list of everyday preventive actions to assist in the prevention of respiratory diseases which include:
TREATMENT
If you think that you may have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, it is imperative to contact and get assistance from a healthcare provider immediately. However, there is no treatment currently recommended for the COVID-19 virus. Healthcare providers will recommend the correct medication to assist in relieving the virus symptoms. When severe, treatment will need to include “care to support vital organ functions.”
EMPLOYER RECOMMENDATIONS
So what should you do as an employer? Here are our recommendations:
Many parts of the country have progressed well past early stages and are now closing businesses such as golf courses. The regulations and recommendations vary widely from state to state and municipality to municipality. Stay informed by local and state authorities.
Preparation is key! Depending on the disease’s impact and spread throughout the United States, you should be prepared to have to operate with decreased manpower resources as employees are more likely to stay home if showing symptoms of illness.
Remember that the best way to have a safe and healthy work environment is to provide your crew with the resources to act safely. Print our Corona Virus Prevention posters to keep your crew and workplace healthy!
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