CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) AWARENESS

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has spread throughout the world including the United States. The virus can cause illness ranging from mild to severe symptoms and in some cases can be fatal. 

Symptoms typically include: 

• Fever 
• Cough 
• Shortness of Breath 

Some people with the virus experience no symptoms at all. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. 

Personal risk factors for serious symptoms include, but are not limited to: 

• Older age 
• Presence of Chronic Medical Conditions 
• Immunocompromising Conditions 

How is Coronavirus Spread? 

The virus is currently thought to be spread from person-to-person contact including: 

• Persons in close contact – typically within about 6 feet of each other 
• Respiratory droplets produced from the cough (or sneeze) of an infected person – the droplets can land in the mouths or noses of other people nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs 
• It is also possible for the virus to spread by touching surfaces or objects with the virus on them and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes 
• Current information shows it is thought that the virus is most contagious when personnel are showing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), but spread can still occur before symptoms are present 

Always Observe the Following Methods to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus: 

No employee may have a direct or indirect financial or similar relationship with a person or company that transacts business with the Company, seeks to transact business with the Company, or competes with the Company. This restriction does not apply to a loan from a lending institution or customary business terms. 

• Practice frequent and thorough handwashing with an anti-bacterial soap for a minimum of 20 seconds each time hands are washed 
  • Where soap and water are not immediately available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol are to be used 
• Stay home when sick or experiencing symptoms – dry cough, fever, shortness of breath 
• Keep your distance from those around you – at least 2 meters (6 feet) 
• Cloth face masks are optional per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – see the link below from the CDC if you would like to make your own mask: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/DIY-cloth-face-covering-instructions.pdf 
• Practice respiratory etiquette - covering coughs and sneezes – do not cough or sneeze directly in your hands and if a tissue is utilized, immediately dispose of it in a trash container 
• Do not share computers, tools, equipment, machines, office supplies, telephones, etc. with your co-workers when possible 
  • If equipment must be shared, it must be disinfected between individuals when possible (disposable gloves when feasible are another option) 
• Do not touch face, nose, mouth, or eyes 
• Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the job you are performing 
  • Properly maintain and clean PPE 
  • Dispose of PPE that is not permanent as instructed 
• The following housekeeping practices are helpful: 
  • Routine cleaning of work surfaces such as tables, benches, desks, chairs, computer keyboards along with any tools/equipment shared by multiple personnel 
  • Cleaning of restrooms and break areas to include door handles 
  • Cleaning products utilized shall contain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved disinfectant labels with claims against emerging viral pathogens – consult with applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use 

In the event you are sick or may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19: 

• All personnel are to self-monitor for the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, shortness of breath) especially if you suspect possible exposure/contact with others who have the virus 
• If feeling ill, you are to immediately (while keeping your distance) report that you are sick or may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to your supervisor 
• If you are sick or possibly experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, leave the worksite as quickly as possible once you have notified your supervisor and maintain as much distance as possible between yourself and other personnel 
  • If you are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and cannot leave the workplace immediately, find an isolated room or area away from other personnel and wear a facemask if one is available 

Please report any unsafe conditions regarding COVID-19 to your supervisor and your Staffmark Group representative. You can also call our Safety Hotline at 833.261.5879 to let us know of any unsafe conditions at the worksite. An employee can report a suspected violation directly to the Compliance Officer.