CARING FOR YOURSELF & STAFF

1. Universal use of masks by all employees.

  • Rationale
    • SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus transmitted in droplets that are emitted when an infected person talks, laughs, coughs, or sneezes.
    • SARS-C0V-2 can be transmitted in the absence of clinical signs including fever.
    • Masks prevent an infected person in the workplace from directly transmitting SARS-C0V-2 to others.
    • Masks reduce the possibility that an infected person will contaminate shared work surfaces
  • Implementation
    • Cloth masks should be changed every few hours and washed between uses.
    • 3 layer mask are recommended if cloth masks are used.
    • WHO guidance for implementation

2. Physically Distance 6 – 10 feet, whenever possible.

  • Rationale
    • SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus transmitted in droplets that are emitted when an infected person talks, laughs, coughs, or sneezes.
    • SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted in the absence of clinical signs including fever.
    • Physical distancing reduces the risk that an infected employee will directly transmit SARS-CoV-2 to another employee.
  • Implementation
    • Limit close contact between employees and the time spent in close contact to the minimum required for patient care.
    • Separate stationary workstations by a minimum of 6 feet.
    • Discourage employees from congregating, particularly in enclosed poorly ventilated areas.
    • Provide areas for breaks and meals that allow employees to maintain separation. Consider setting up an a sheltered area outdoors if possible.
    • Prohibit eating in work areas.

3. Advocate for frequent and effective Hand Hygiene.

  • Rationale
    • Individuals infected with SARS-C0V-2 can contaminate surfaces directly with respiratory droplets or indirectly by touching surfaces with contaminated hands.
    • Employees can self-inoculate with SARS-CoV-2 by touching infected surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouths.
    • Washing hands with soap and water for 60 seconds or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer will inactivate SARS-CoV-2.
    • Frequent hand washing or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer reduces the risk that an infected employee will contaminate surfaces with SARS-CoV-2 and reduces the risk that an uninfected employee will self-innoculate with SARS-CoV-2.
  • Implementation
    • Hand washing stations or alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be conveniently available throughout the workplace.
    • Employees should receive training on effective hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers.
    • Strategic placement of posters depicting effective hand washing procedure and the use of hand sanitizers is recommended.

4. Establish a Protocol and Schedule for Surface Disinfection.

  • Rationale
    • SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus transmitted in droplets that are emitted when an infected person talks, laughs, coughs, or sneezes.
    • SARS-C0V-2 can be transmitted in the absence of clinical signs including fever.
    • SARS-CoV-2 can be contracted through self-inoculation after touching a contaminated surface.
    • SARS-CoV-2 can survive up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel but common household disinfectants will kill the virus.
    • Frequent scheduled sanitation of work surfaces reduces the risk of secondary transmission
  • Implementation
    • Disinfection of shared surfaces (workstations, tablets, lab equipment, exam tables) should be performed between users using an appropriate disinfectant.
    • Disinfection of all surfaces (counters, doors, fixtures including door knobs, floors) should be performed at scheduled times during the day and between shifts using an appropriate disinfectant.
    • EPA Approved Disinfectants for SARS-CoV-2

5. Educate employees regarding the role that they play in workplace safety.

  • Rationale
    • SARS-CoV-2 spreads easily and can be spread in the absence of symptoms. Employees who conduct themselves in the workplace as if they might be infected and might transmit the infection to one of their coworkers contribute to a safer workplace environment.
    • The choices that employees make outside of the workplace either increase or decrease the risk that they will become infected and introduce the virus into the workplace. Employees who take measures to reduce their personal risks of becoming infected contribute to a safer workplace environment.
    • Misinformation regarding SARS-CoV-2 decreases workplace safety. Employees who understand the risks of SARS-CoV-2 and of the evidence for workplace safety measures in the workplace are more likely to comply with those measures.
  • Implementation
    • Encourage employees to embrace the critical role they play in keeping their coworkers and workplace safe.
    • Educate employees regarding risks outside of the workplace—in particular the “Three C’s” which include Crowds, Close Contact, Closed-in Spaces with poor ventilation where superspreading is likely to occur.
    • Identify rumors and misinformation that are circulating in the workplace and counter with evidence based information from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization’s Mythbusters webpage which is updated regularly.

Develop a protocol around the following parameters:

  • Virus Education
    • No documented cases of transmission from animals to humans, no vaccine developed, number of cases in the area, recovery rate, providing a daily update based on facts.
    • Don’t let staff rely on fake news & illegitimate sources
    • Know the difference between the symptoms of coronavirus, the flu, a cold and seasonal allergies
  • Limiting Exposure
    • 6-ft distance from people, hand washing when in contact with any human/animal, no hand shaking/hugging/personal contact, no touching of your face, avoid exposure to crowds
    • Place hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, & tissues in common areas (exam rooms, meeting rooms, restrooms, break rooms, etc.)
    • Bring 2 extra changes of scrubs: 1 to stay inside & 1 to stay in your car
  • Develop a strict policy on staying home if you are sick
    • Take your temperature daily before you leave to come to work
  • Develop a strict policy on washing hands/using hand sanitizer whenever in contact with a sick pet, a client, or anyone dropping off supplies.
  • Take precautions in personal life
    • Line up multiple childcare options, bring their lunch to avoid public places, make a financial plan with their families if they must be off work, etc.
  • Maintain up to date staff records
    • Should include emergency contact information & vaccination history
    • Employee health information should be collected on a voluntary basis & confidentially maintained.
    • Employees with immunocompromising conditions should talk to their primary health-care provider to clarify work parameters & obtain guidance.
  • Handling Laundry
    • If handling soiled laundry, wear PPE (gloves, face mask, +/- gown if you think laundry will touch your clothing).
    • Remove gloves & soiled gowns before folding clean laundry.
    • When picking up pets from a client’s car wear PPE & place a washable towel over the pet when handling them to limit exposure to the pet.

Your mental well-being & that of your staff is extremely important during this time of stress.

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