Please read and disseminate the information to all Dale Employees. Please post a copy of attachment in all temporary field offices.
By now you have heard and seen in the news the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. Out of concern for our employees, the following information and guidelines are being provided. It is important to recognize that this is a rapidly changing situation and as more information becomes known, these guidelines may be updated.
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that can cause fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear as soon as 2 days or as late as 14 days after exposure. COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person as well as by touching an object or surface with the virus on it. All employees are encouraged to self-monitor.
Prevention
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has provided guidance on basic protective measures that all citizens can take to reduce the impact of the COVID-19:
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue when possible or your elbow, not your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean high-touch surfaces frequently, including light switches, cell phones, door handles and other frequently touched items.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick it is recommended to stay home and avoid contact with others until you feel better.
We cannot stress enough the importance of practicing personal hygiene in the workplace.
In addition, current best practices to maintain a healthy and safe workplace include social distancing such as the following:
- Avoid handshaking or other customary greetings that cause individual contact.
- Avoid shared or communal food (i.e. buffet, non-individually wrapped items, candy bowl, etc.)
- Limit close workplace gatherings/meetings to only essential people.
The following websites are available to monitor the developing situation in the United States and abroad to obtain the most current information and recommendations concerning COVID-19:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
- https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/
- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
- https://gbca.com/hard-hat-chat/gbca-safety-coronavirus-covid-19-update/
If you have any questions or concerns about your specific medical situation, contact your primary care physician immediately.
Andrew J Scutti
Director of Safety, Health & Environment
Dale & Affiliates