COVID-19 Epidemic
ANGELA C. DUNN, MD MPH STATE EPIDEMIOLOGIST, UTAH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
COVID-19: -
Coronaviruses are common (including common cold)
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This is new because it is a previously unseen virus, likely from an animal and mutated enough to enter a human host
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Live animal markets act as reservoirs—prolonged contact, 1st case early December 2019
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Incubation 2–14 days
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Symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath à pneumonia, bronchitis
The COVID-19 virus is spread by droplets (likely).
How are we going to stop the spread? u Prevention u Identification u Isolation
/ Quarantine u Contact Tracing
Prevention u
Frequent cleaning
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Prepare occupational health clinics
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Use technology solutions
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Stagger shifts
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Cancel work-related travel to affected areas
Level 3: China, Korea, Iran, Italy Level 2: Japan
Identify employees at risk for COVID-19
Risk = Exposure + Symptoms
Testing criteria 1.
Fever OR respiratory symptoms AND close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
2.
Fever AND respiratory symptoms AND travel to Level 3 or 2 country
3.
Severe respiratory illness (e.g., no pneumonia) with no other explanation
Who will be isolated? u
+ COVID-19 u
u
Testing for COVID-19 u
u
Until they test negative Until test results come back
Close contacts of a person with COVID-19 u
14 days from last exposure
You can help employees adhere to isolation. u Flexible
work policies u Evaluate leave polices u Protect privacy u Provide support
You should prepare. u
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Think: u
Mass gathering cancellations
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50% absenteeism
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Supply chain interruptions
Prepare: u
Cross-train employees
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Temp agencies
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Technology solutions
Day-to-Day Guidance for Businesses -
Sick employees should stay home and not return until 24 hours without fever, signs of a fever, and any other symptoms—publicize these guidelines with posters
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Encourage, normalize, and facilitate frequent handwashing or hand sanitization (60–95% alcohol) practices
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Perform routine environmental cleaning
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Do not require a medical provider note for absences; flexibility is paramount
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Employees with a sick family member should conduct a selfassessment of their potential exposure and notify their manager if necessary
Planning for Businesses -
Closures of schools and childcare may result in absenteeism
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Identify the most essential functions required to maintain operation
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Cross-train employees as needed to maintain functionality
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Establish flexible work sites, work hours, or staggered shifts
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Establish communications processes (e.g., timing and distribution system for COVID-19 updates)
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Work closely with your local health department since protocols may be geographically specific
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General good public health practice applies: -
Wash hands frequently
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Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands haven’t been washed
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Disinfect surface areas when possible
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Stay away from sick people
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Don’t go to areas with large groups of people (e.g., work, school) if you are sick
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People who are well don’t need to wear a face mask
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Quit shaking hands (fistbumps, elbow/foot taps encouraged)
Employer’s can help stop the spread of COVID-19. u
Increase cleaning
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Flexible work and leave policies
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Educate employees
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Prepare for the health of your employees and your business
Common Misconceptions u
u
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This not a natural disaster u
No need to buy water and toilet paper
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Public should prepare for possible isolation/quarantine
The virus is not that scary for most u
Most cases are asymptomatic/mild
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Older adults / medically fragile are at high risk
Not everyone needs to be tested u
No specific treatment
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All people with respiratory symptoms should isolate themselves from others while ill
Common Questions u
Can the COVID-19 virus live on surfaces?
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What if you have an employee with symptoms?
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What will happen if an employee is asked to isolate at home?
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How can people get tested?
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When will mass gatherings be cancelled?
Thank you Angela C. Dunn, MD MPH 801-538-6226 AngelaDunn@utah.gov Acknowledgements: Nathaniel Lewis, Utah Department of Health Keegan McCaffrey, Utah Department of Health
Online Resources u
Coronavirus.Utah.gov
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CDC Guidance for Businesses and the Workplace https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/specific-groups/guidance-businessresponse.html
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Johns Hopkins case map:
https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdash board/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9 ecf6