covid 19

March 2020

Novel Coronavirus and Influenza Prevention

The world health community continues to closely monitor the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the disease it causes, named "Coronavirus disease 2019" (COVID-19). At this time, no one knows how severe this outbreak will be. Given this uncertainty, and the fact that the seasonal influenza (flu) virus is also widespread, we are taking proactive steps to address a number of business concerns.

First and foremost, we want to maintain a safe workplace for both on-site and off-site staff, and encourage practices protecting the health of employees, clients, visitors and others. We also want to ensure the continuity of business operations in the event of a pandemic.

We ask all employees to cooperate in taking steps to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases in the workplace.

Prevention

Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health have created hotlines and new guidelines for those experiencing cold and flu-like symptoms during the coronavirus outbreak.

Sutter: 866-961-2889
Kaiser: 866-454-8855

Stay home when you are sick.

If you are out of paid sick leave, you will be allowed to go negative in your paid sick leave balance. Vacation time also available for you, if you choose.

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Cover your mouth with tissues whenever you sneeze or cough, and discard used tissues in the trash.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Clean frequently touched surfaces, including cell phones, water bottles, laptops, etc…

Wipe down tables, desks, door knobs, and equipment frequently

Social distancing — Recommended distance between two people is 6 feet.

Minimize close contact (e.g., recommending no hand shaking or hugging)
Avoid gatherings of ten or more people
View the Social Distancing guideline here.

Sacramento Covered has provided alcohol-based hand sanitizers throughout the workplace and in common areas. Cleaning sprays and wipes will also be provided to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as telephones and keyboards. Please contact Ali or Lizette if you are in need of any of these items.

It is critical that employees do not report to work while they are experiencing respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills or fatigue. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that employees remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees F) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. Many times, with the best of intentions, employees report to work even though they feel ill. As a reminder, SC provides paid sick time and other paid time off to compensate employees who are unable to work due to illness. Employees who report to work ill will be sent home in accordance with these health guidelines.

Please contact your supervisor, Ali or Lizette with any questions or concerns.

You can find more information and stay up-to-date with prevention at https://www.saccounty.net/COVID-19/Pages/default.aspx.