The Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19
(Source-U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency)
Section 1: Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide current information on COVID-19 to keep associates and clients safe and healthy.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is officially classified as a pandemic and is affecting lives and work around the globe. We want you to know what we are doing as a company to protect you and your families and mitigate the spread of this illness. This Subject will explain these measures and how you can assist us in our efforts to promote a safe and healthy environment both at work and at home.
This policy applies to all associates regardless of where or in what capacity they work.
You can learn more about the prevention of COVID-19 at the following addresses:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
https://scdhec.gov/health/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
Section 2: What is Coronavirus?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
Section 3: Prevention & Protection against Coronavirus
Watch this video from the World Health Organization on what people can do to protect themselves from contracting or spreading the virus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPITHEiFWLc&feature=emb_title
The following required actions should be observed by all associates in order to protect themselves and others from Coronavirus:
General Hygiene
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All associates must practice good hygiene by:
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Regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
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into a tissue, or upper sleeve, not in hands.
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Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with hands.
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Avoiding contact with anyone with respiratory illnesses of any kind
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We will routinely clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces including:
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Work stations
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Door knobs/handles
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We will provide tissues and disinfecting, disposable wipes.
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Employees who are sick especially with cold or flu symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or fever should remain home and seek medical attention immediately.
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Employees with sick family members should stay home.
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If an employee becomes sick at work, they will be separated from other employees and sent home.
Work from Home
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If an outbreak becomes severe enough, a mandatory "Work from Home" policy may be put into effect and will continue until conditions improve well within healthy limits per local health and/or governmental bodies.
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If an employee needs to care for a family member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, they will be required to work for at least [#] days after the family member has fully recovered and it has been determined by a medical professional that the employee has not been infected.
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If an outbreak becomes severe enough, employee travel may be partially or fully restricted until conditions improve.
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We will leverage the use of virtual meeting technologies to continue work that would normally be conducted onsite.
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If an employee has recently returned from any area with a high number of COVID-19 diagnoses, they will be required to work from home for at least [#] calendar days and may return to the office if no symptoms have presented themselves.
Section 4: If you have been diagnosed with Coronavirus
If an associate has been diagnosed with COVID-19, they may not return to the office until after full recovery has been confirmed by a medical professional. No exceptions!!!
We recognize that a diagnosis does not mean an associate is unable to work. Therefore, until full recovery is confirmed, if the associate is able to work, he or she may do so from home, per approval of their immediate manager.
Emergency Supply List
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Water, for at least 14 days, for drinking and sanitation
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Food, at least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food (see list below).
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Dust mask, N95 if possible
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Hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation. Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or, in an emergency, use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
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Prescription medications, at least 14-day supplies, and glasses
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Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
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Flashlight and extra batteries
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First aid kit, and emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information
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Whistle to signal for help
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Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records
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Cash or traveler’s checks and change
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Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
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Complete changes of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
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Fire Extinguisher
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Matches in a waterproof container
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Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
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Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
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Paper and pencil
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Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Emergency Food Supply List
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Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, & vegetables
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Rice and/or pasta
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Beans and/or peas, dried
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Broth, chicken or beef
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Protein or fruit bars
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Dry cereal or granola
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Peanut butter & jelly
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Crackers
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Dried fruit
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Canned juices
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Non-perishable pasteurized milk
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High energy foods
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Infant formula, food and diapers
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Comfort/stress foods
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Sugar, salt & pepper
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Pet food and extra water for your pet
The Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 Resource List
International
The World Health Organization
+41-22-7912111
Federal
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
800-232-4636
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Department of Homeland Security
202-282-8000
https://www.dhs.gov/keywords/coronavirus-covid-19
U.S. Fire Administration
800-238-3358
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/current_events/coronavirus.html
Ready.gov
800-621-3362
https://www.ready.gov/pandemic
State
Department of Health and Environmental Control
803-773-0097
https://scdhec.gov/health/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
SC Emergency Management Division
803-737-8500
Local
Orangeburg County Office of Emergency Services
803-531-3020
https://www.orangeburgcounty.org/depts/cntyServices/OES/OES.asp
Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency
803-874-3042
https://calhouncounty.sc.gov/about-us/directory
https://www.facebook.com/ccemasc/
Bamberg County Emergency Management
803-245-5191
http://www.bambergcountysc.gov/emergency-management
The American Red Cross, Central South Carolina
803-534-5735
The Central South Carolina Chapter serves Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties and is part of the Palmetto SC Region of the American Red Cross.
https://www.redcross.org/local/south-carolina/about-us/locations/central-sc.html
The Salvation Army of Orangeburg
Serving Orangeburg, Calhoun, and Bamberg Counties
803-534-6805