Safety: Visitor Policy and Social Distancing
D
uring these difficult times, visitors/vendors/ customers understand and expect that your business will be operating differently. However, they still expect transparency and timely updates as you establish a path forward. Follow these best practices when communicating with customers. Checklist: Enforcing a Visitor Policy and Social Distancing at the Workplace
Take action if an employee is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 infection: In most cases, you do not need to shut down your facility. If it has been less than 7 days since the sick employee has been in the facility, close off any areas used for prolonged periods of time by the sick person.
Use multiple channels to ensure your message is widely received and reinforced.
Wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting to minimize potential for other employees being exposed to respiratory droplets. If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.
Demonstrate that customer interests are a priority and address their concerns directly.
During this waiting period, open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in these areas.
Create and share an FAQ document outlining specific questions around your supply chain, your health and safety practices, and potential risks to your customers if they continue patronage of your business.
If it has been 7 days or more since the sick employee used the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary. Continue routinely cleaning and disinfecting all high-touch surfaces in the facility.
Reach out to affected customers and offer assistance where appropriate. Consider the following when allowing visitors, customers, and vendors into the workplace:
Follow the CDC cleaning and disinfection recommendations: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection. html
Have all guests’ temperature taken (must be under 100.4).
Clean dirty surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting them.
Have all guests wear a mask. Ensure all of the below screening question be asked before the guest enters the building. All questions must be answered ‘NO’ in order to pass. •
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Have you experienced any COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell) within the past 14 days? Have you been in close contact with anyone with a presumed (as defined by a physician) or confirmed case of COVID-19?
COVID-19: VGM’s Next Steps Guide
To disinfect surfaces, use products that meet EPA criteria for use against SARS-COVID-19 virus that causes COVID-19 and are appropriate for the surface. Always wear gloves and gowns appropriate for the chemicals being used when you are cleaning and disinfecting. You may need to wear additional PPE depending on the setting and disinfectant product you are using. For each product you use, consult and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
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