The CWONJ is encouraging members to follow the guidelines below from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in regard to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how to avoid contracting it.

The association also suggests creating your own protocol to ensure your employees and customers have the least potential for contracting this virus. The most important protocol should include heightened disinfection of areas where customers/employees touch open surfaces. Protocol will vary depending on the type of wash model you operate, but encouraging employees to stay home when they feel ill and to frequently wash their hands should become the standard. You may also provide employees who work inside a vehicle with disposable gloves several times a day.

The CDC Recommendations Include:

  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Staying home when you are sick; in many cases, you won’t need to visit an emergency room, urgent care center, or your doctor.
  • Avoiding touching your face including eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

Call ahead to your doctor if you: 

  • Develop a fever
  • Have symptoms of respiratory illness, such as a cough or difficulty breathing
  • Have been in close contact with someone known to have Coronavirus, or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread.

The CDC says the virus is spread mainly from person-to-person including between people who are in close contact with one another (within approx. 6 feet), through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes in which the droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Guidelines for Employers

Based on what is currently known about the virus, the CDD has set up interim guidance for businesses and employers on the planning and response to COVID-19. The CDC recommendations and strategies for businesses suggest:

 

  • Actively encouraging sick employees to stay home
  • Separating sick employees
  • Emphasizing respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees
  • Performing routine environmental cleaning more frequently and thoroughly.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC.Gov

New Jersey Department of Health
NJDOH.gov

World Health Organization

WHO.int

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA.Gov

 

 Questions? cwonj.com or 800*287*6604