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Coronavirus Disease 2019, also known as COVID-19, has been taking the world by storm. TempStaff continues to monitor the CDC and WHO for the most accurate information on the status of the disease and treatment.

TempStaff Communicable Disease Policy

We will make decisions involving those with communicable diseases based on medical information concerning the disease in question, the risks of transmission to others, symptoms and any special circumstances of the individuals involved. We will weigh potential risks and available alternatives before making any decisions.

Reporting Procedure

Employees who demonstrate signs or symptoms of a communicable disease that poses a credible threat of transmission in the TempStaff workplace should report that potential infection or disease immediately to a TempStaff representative. The employee is then responsible for keeping TempStaff informed of his or her condition that may require extended care, missed work, etc. The employee may also be required to provide written documentation from a physician to return to the worksite.

Hiring and Employment

TempStaff will not discriminate against job applicants or employees with a communicable disease. These individuals will not be denied access to the worksite solely because they have a communicable disease, but may be excluded from company facilities, programs and functions if Tempstaff determines that restriction is necessary to protect the welfare of the infected individual or the welfare of others.

TempStaff will comply with all applicable statutes that protect the privacy of individuals with communicable diseases.

Abuse of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. TempStaff reserves the right to revise this policy without notice during changing pandemic conditions.

Steps to Protect Yourself and Others

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The CDC states the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Learn more at www.cdc.gov.

Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

Stay home if you are sick

Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

  • If you are sick:  You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

About COVID-19

The first thing you need to know is that COVID-19 very closely mimics the flu. They are both extremely similar infectious respiratory illnesses that come from different viruses. While cases of the flu largely outnumber coronavirus cases, the nation is starting to panic. Continue reading as we break down the similarities and differences between these viruses.

The differences between coronavirus and the flu

The flu can be caused by various strains and types of the influenza virus. COVID-19, on the other hand, is caused by one virus: the novel 2019 coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2).

How they’re spread

Both of these viruses can be spread in similar ways, however, COVID-19 may be spread through tiny droplets in the air that remain even after the sick person has left the room. This cannot be said for the flu.

Treatment

Antiviral medications will usually help you combat flu symptoms and shorten its length. However, this type of medication has not yet been released for coronavirus–although some are in the process of being tested for it.

Vaccinations

While there is a vaccination for the flu (which you should get), there is not one currently available for COVID-19. However, it is in progress and should be available soon.

 

The similarities between coronavirus and the flu

Symptoms

Both of these viruses cause body aches, fever, fatigue, cough, and occasionally diarrhea and vomiting. The symptoms can be mild or severe, sometimes resulting in pneumonia or becoming fatal.

How they’re spread

The flu and COVID-19 can be spread through droplets in the air that occur when a sick person sneezes, coughs, or talks. To protect yourself from catching them, frequent and thorough hand washing and limiting your contact with sick people is your best bet.

Treatment

Neither the flu nor COVID-19 can be treated with antibiotics–these only work on bacterial infections. However, both can be treated with symptom-specific medications like fever reducers. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

 

Number of cases and deaths

As of March 10, 2020, there have been over 115,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, with 647 of these cases in the United States. The flu affects an estimated one billion people worldwide, with 9.3 million to 45 million of these cases in the United States each year.

The flu kills anywhere between 291,000 and 646,000 people annually worldwide, with 12,000 to 61,000 of these people being United States. citizens. As of today, COVID-19 has caused approximately 4,383 deaths worldwide, and 25 of these have occurred in the U.S.

Thank you to Delta Administrative Services for providing these helpful tips regarding COVID-19.

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