Coronavirus Gameplan!

By: Katherine Williams

As the spread of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 expands, the everyone should be preparing their Emergency Response practices. As you set a program in place, here are a few tips. Hygiene and health is key As many employees know, particularly in the healthcare and hospitality industries, practicing standard sanitation and hygiene regimens is a top priority.

• Practice proper sterilization and infection control measures

• Encourage frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water

• Install hand sanitizer locations as a secondary option

• Remind everyone to keep noses and mouths covered when coughing or sneezing

• Avoid touching these areas, as well as in and around the eyes, with unwashed hands

• Ensure employees have access to PPE, including disposable gloves and masks if needed

• Everyone who has not yet had a flu shot should get one as soon as possible

Sick employees should stay home Employees who are sick should not report to work and should avoid contact with others. If employees have any concerns about COVID-19, advise them to see a doctor for evaluation immediately. Employees who have been sick should be fully recovered before returning to work Prepare for employee call outs As panic rises, people will start to respond in increasingly unpredictable ways. Your staff may begin to fear leaving home, interruption of public transportation, or schools closing will increase the likelihood of call outs. Business owners should be prepared by cross training staff. Ensuring that essential functions can continue. Prepare for increased demand and shortages In times of crisis, consumers tend to prepare, stocking shelves, and storing food. Grocery stores should be prepared by increasing supplies of canned and shelf stable items. Meeting those demands and ensuring a continued food supply chain within their own community. Government Activity Most of all be prepared for new information and regulation from local, state, and/or federal government. When facing closing boarders, martial law, and potential quarantines; this will impact both individuals and organizations’ ability to get the products they need, including food, fuel, and basic necessities. Pay attention to the news and changes issued by the CDC, WHO, and your local Public Health Government agency. These changes may impact the ability to continue operations for periods of time. Plan ahead, organizations should Establish an Emergency Planning Action Team. This team will help evaluate what are the potential situations that might arise from a pandemic of any time. They will assign roles and help create action plans.