Suspected or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in the Workplace

What should I do if an employee comes to work with COVID-19 symptoms?

Employees who have symptoms when they arrive at work or become sick during the day should immediately be separated from other employees, customers, and visitors and SENT HOME. Employees who develop symptoms outside of work should notify their supervisor and STAY HOME.

Employees should not return to work until they have met the criteria to discontinue home isolation and have consulted with a healthcare provider.

What should I do if an employee is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19?

In most cases, there is no need to shut down a facility. Close off any areas used for prolonged periods of time by the sick person:

●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.

Follow CDC cleaning and disinfection recommendations:

●Clean dirty surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting them.

●To disinfect surfaces, use products that meet EPA criteria for use against the virus that causes COVID-19, and are appropriate for the surface.

●Be sure to follow the instructions on the product labels to ensure safe and effective use of the product.

●You may need to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the setting and disinfectant product you are using.

In addition to cleaning and disinfecting, employers should determine which employees may have been exposed to the virus and need to take additional precautions:

●If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality.

●Employees who test positive for COVID-19 should be excluded from work and remain in home isolation if they do not need to be hospitalized.

●Workplaces should follow Public Health Recommendations and instruct potentially exposed employees to stay home for 14 days, telework if possible, and self-monitor for symptoms. Public Health Nurses will conduct contact tracing if necessary.

Employees should not return to work until they have met the criteria to discontinue home isolation and have consulted with a healthcare provider.